The celebration began the way every school day begins at St. Paul Catholic School: with their “morning opening” ceremony. Students led the community in reciting the mission statement, reading a Bible verse, a short prayer, and reciting the pledge. Students ranging from EC3 through 8th grade prayed in unison with their teachers, staff, and parents– one of many ways the school provides a Christ-focused environment. 

“For a century, St. Paul Catholic School has been more than just a place of learning. It has been a home where faith and knowledge come together, where young minds are shaped, not only to succeed, but to serve through times of challenge and times of triumph,” said Brendan Butcher, Principal, in his opening remarks. 

“This school has remained a beacon of hope, a testament to what is possible when we build on the foundation of Christ's love.” 

Following the opening ceremony, the history of the school was shared with all participants. Originally constructed in 1925 as a one-story school with an adjacent chapel in response to a booming population in St. Petersburg, St. Paul Catholic School continues to be a place with a legacy of flourishing academics and faith. At the time of its construction, there was only one Catholic church in St. Petersburg and no Catholic schools in the county. For the first 14 years, the chapel, now the school’s gym, served as the church before the current church building was constructed. 

Bishop Patrick Barry of the Diocese of Saint Augustine, which at that time covered almost the entire state of Florida, saw a need for another Church to handle the increasing population as well as educate the young people in the faith. The first pastor was appointed in 1929. 

In the start-up phase, the community faced many challenges in bringing the project to fruition. The school did not begin operations initially as there were no religious sisters to teach, the bank failed which meant there were no funds for classroom furnishings and supplies, and the building received damage from two major hurricanes. The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany arrived in 1930, marking the beginning of St. Paul Catholic School education. 

“We are grateful for the many blessings that God has showered upon the people of St. Paul’s on this campus down through these 100 years,” said Reverend Monsignor Robert Gibbons. 

“Through the Great Depression, World War Two, the Cold War, revolutionary changes in Church and society, down to the present day, the people of Saint Paul’s have kept the faith and generously supported the church and school.” 

A scripture reading was then shared by Father Tim Williford, Parochial Vicar of St. Paul Catholic Church, and the students led those present in singing the Litany of the Saints. The initial cornerstone ceremony 100 years prior included attendees singing the same song. 

Bishop Gregory Parkes continued the service, reflecting on the true meaning of a cornerstone and the legacy that St. Paul continues to leave. He remarked that a cornerstone is not only a physical object in a building but can also be something meaningful in someone’s life. 

“As we heard in our reading proclaimed by Father Tim, it is Jesus Christ who is the cornerstone upon which the Church is built,” shared Bishop Parkes. “And I would go on a little further today that in this community here, St. Paul Catholic Church and School have become a cornerstone in this local community. We celebrate the history and give thanks for the 100 years since the laying of that original cornerstone, and we celebrate the present and all the wonderful things that continue to happen because Bishop Barry had the vision to establish this parish and this school.” 

“I have personally witnessed St. Paul’s as a cornerstone of the local community and beyond,” shared Sister Joan Carberry, O.S.F. As one of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany who live in the convent on school property, Sister Carberry has been a part of the school’s legacy for over 30 years and is now serving as the Assistant Principal. 

“Currently enrolled in our school are 4th, 3rd, and 2nd generation students. To me that says something about the quality of education and the impact St. Paul’s makes on our community,” said Carberry. 

“Constantly we receive reports of the good our alumni are doing in their various communities. The school children do outreach to local places of need. St. Paul’s witnesses to Jesus Christ and the Gospel values – that is our cornerstone.” 

Before beginning their school day, students had the opportunity to walk past the cornerstone. Several commented that they had never noticed the stone before, and others made the sign of the cross as they passed.

“The mission has been carried forward by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, by devoted educators, by families who believed in the power of Catholic education, and most of all, by the students who have walked these halls and gone on to serve communities with faith and purpose,” said Butcher during his remarks. 

“The legacy we celebrate today is not just about the past, but it is about the future, and as we step into the next 100 years, we do so with faith, with purpose, and with unwavering belief that the best is yet to come.”