Fifty years of education celebrated
From Ardee Co. Louth to Melbourne Florida
Two of the three Sisters of Mercy who founded Ascension Catholic School in Melbourne Florida were present for the school’s 50th anniversary Mass celebrated by Bishop John Noonan on August 28th.

The sheer joy of the Sisters of Mercy set spirits high as Sister Monica Ryan, the founding principal, Sister Immaculata Knox, the founding kindergarten teacher and Sister Joseph Bardon, the school’s principal for thirty years recalled the past, celebrated present accomplishments and rejoiced in the future.

Srs.Monica, Immaculata andJoseph with the Pastor Fr. Eamon Tobin receive a standing ovation from the Congregation at the end of the Celebration Liturgy

“It is with a great sense of joy and peace that I welcome all of you.” sais Bishop John Noonan who presided at the 11.30 a.m.Mass. " I welcome those who were here in 1961. I welcome sisters priests and those who are here today."

Uniformed children from each grade led a procession of school memorabilia carried by former students and staff.
Sister Monica Ryan, the founding principal, flew in from Ireland for the festivities, and Sister Immaculata Knox, also took part in the celebration. Sister Immaculata Knox retired from teaching but remains with Ascension Parish in the area of pastoral care. They, along with Sister Assumpta Finn (who was unable to attend the celebration) arrived from Ireland three days before opening the school for grades kindergarten through to five on September 8th, 1961.

Sr. Immaculata Knox giving the commentary

Sister Joseph Barden, who arrived five years after the school opened, attended the event. She served as the school’s principal for 30 years and still works with the school in the area of development.
“For me, this is a most extraordinary moment,” Sister Monica Ryan said. “I thank God for the privilege of being here to see how things have grown.”
Uniformed school children from each grade led a procession of school memorabilia carried by former students and staff.

Students of Ascension School lead the Entrance Procession

“One of the best gifts my parents and the Sisters of Mercy ever gave me was my Catholic faith,” said Joan Crabtree, who was in the inaugural second grade class. “I don’t think the sisters knew 50 years ago that their lives would have such a huge impact.”
Bishop Noonan highlighted the importance of Catholic education and the daily witness of faith by teachers and administrators.
“Today we celebrate the real gift that comes from our love of Jesus Christ,” Bishop Noonan said. “We celebrate our young people and their future.”
Part of the celebration included an open house and students guided their parents on a tour. Kendra Jean, a 5 year old kindergartner, twirled in her fancy dress, while big brother Kensley, a 7 year old second grader, strutted proudly in his suit and exclaimed, “I’m so excited!”
“Everything is so nice,” said Violetta Jean, the children’s mother. “The school teaches good values and the classes religion, reading and maths are the best.”
The school received the U.S. Department of Education National School of Excellence award in 1986 and was recognized again with the Blue Ribbon School designation in 2002.
“Today we celebrate all of you who were here in the beginning, the middle and presently,” said Father Eamon Tobin, pastor. “I join with Bishop Noonan in thanking you who sacrificed to come to just a plot of land. We stand on the shoulders of those who came ahead of us.”
Sisters Monica Ryan, Immaculata Knox and Joseph Barden received a standing ovation as Father Tobin called them forward to the ambo.
Anita Brady, school technology coordinator and a student in the inaugural first grade, welcomed everyone to the reception following Mass. “We’re excited, honoured and extremely pleased to have Sister Monica Ryan here. She was the first principal, returned in 1990 to set up the first computer lab. When she left in 1995 there were 18 new computers in the new lab, and now we have 184 computers in the school!”
Sister Monica Ryan currently teaches technology to adults in the Centre in Ardee Co. Louth, “Meitheal an Ferdia.”

"It's a very humbling experience for me as a principal of only four years at Ascension." said Doug Workman,"to be part of the Fifty Year History inspired by the Sisters of Mercy."

The Principal of Ascension School, Doug Workman

Laura Dobson