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"Morris Catholic Celebrates Founders' Day"
On Sunday, September 23rd, the Morris Catholic community celebrated "Founders' Day" by returning to its roots at
St. Mary's Parish, Dover. In September, 1957, the current Morris Catholic site in Denville was not yet completed, so the first students attended classes in the unoccupied, old brick schoolhouse at St. Mary's.
Members of that first class of 1961, reminisce fondly about their "pioneer" experience at St. Mary's, recalling
lines of incandescent lights strung across the ceilings, splintered floors and a condemned upper level.
Father Paul Manning, Morris Catholic's newly appointed director, was the main celebrant of the liturgy.
He was joined by concelebrants Father John Hart, Chancellor and pastor of St. Cecilia Church and administrator of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Rockaway, Monsignor Joseph Ciampaglio, pastor of St. Clement, Pope and Martyr, Dover, Father Richard Oliveri, pastor of St. Mary, Dover, Father Dennis Hogan, pastor of St. Joseph, Lincoln Park, Rockaway, Father Edward Hinds, pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Boonton, and Father Patrick Ryan, parochial vicar of St. Cecilia.
Monsignor Louis Gallo, the first director and chaplain of Morris Catholic, also concelebrated mass and conferred a prayer of blessing on Father Paul as he begins his tenure as director.
When Morris Catholic was officially dedicated in September, 1958, the Sisters of Christian Charity of Mendham were entrusted to staff the school. Today, led by principal, Sister Marie Pauline Demek, the Sisters of Christian Charity still maintain a strong spiritual and professional presence in the school's community.
The "MC Singers," Morris Catholic's performing choral group, was directed by music teacher, Paul Fogle.
Alumni and current students, former and present faculty and administrators, and many Morris Catholic families and friends were on hand for the
special occasion. There was a reception following the liturgy in the St. Mary's School
auditorium. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to browse through the many Morris Catholic yearbooks, photos and
memorabilia displayed at the reception.
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