St. Andrew School, Riverton, dedicated Sept. 13
RIVERTON — Sept. 13 was the perfect day for a school dedication. The cross of St. Andrew Elementary School thrust up into the clear, blue sky. More than 400 people – many of them students at the school – gathered for the dedication that began with the raising of the American flag and the singing of the "National Anthem." The school was a gift from the ALSAM Foundation, and Mark Skaggs proudly presented the key to the school to Bishop John C. Wester, who led the crowd into the school gymnasium for the dedication ceremony. "Lord God Almighty, the bishop prayed in both English and Spanish, In your kindness hear our prayers. We dedicate this building to the education of youth, to the progress of the sciences, and to learning. Make it become a center where students and teachers, imbued with the words of truth, will search for the wisdom that guides the Christian life and strive whole heartedly to stand by Christ as their teacher, who lives and reigns forever and ever, Amen There was a clear sense of pride as students, parents, teachers, and friends filled the gym. After a reading of the Gospel of St. Matthew by Diocesan Chancellor Deacon Silvio Mayo, Bishop Wester, accompanied Deacon Mayo, blessed and dedicated the building by sprinkling its hallways and classrooms with holy water. Bill Applegarth, Mayor of Riverton, spoke of the "good academic weave" in a school that provides both academics and religious training. Superintendent of Catholic Schools Holy Cross Sister Catherine Kamphaus spoke of the need for another elementary school on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley. She also spoke of how happy she was that Holy Cross Sister Karla McKinnie, principal of St. Andrew School, had returned to the diocese. Sr. Karla also had assisted with the opening of the schools in the Skaggs Catholic Center. Fr. Francisco Pires, pastor of St. Andrew Parish thanked the representatives of the ALSAM Foundation for their generosity, saying, "our dreams are fulfilled through you." Dr. Galey Colosimo, principal of Juan Diego Catholic High School, spoke of the generosity and the dedication of the Holy Cross Sisters to the Diocese of Salt Lake City. "The relationship between the Sisters of the Holy Cross and the Diocese of Salt Lake City began more than 50 years ago. "Mr. and Mrs. Sam and Aline Skaggs have turned their charitable responsibilities over to their children in the ALSAM Foundation. They have proven to be as generous in their Christian giving as their parents." Colosimo introduced the members of the ALSAM Foundation who were present; they included Board members Mark S. Skaggs, Don Skaggs, Claudia S. Lutrell, Susie Balukoff and her husband, A.J., and Diocesan Vicar General Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald. Also present was ALSAM Foundation CEO Ronny Cutshall and his wife, Leslie. Sr. Karla thanked the St. Andrew teachers and parents for their untiring dedication to the school in preparation for its opening and the dedication ceremonies. "I have been the school’s only employee for the past year while we built the school and helped the parish grow under Fr. Pires. She also thanked the staff of the Skaggs Catholic Center, "who were always there to help us when we needed them." Sr. Karla recalled the joy Fr. Pires expressed the day the cross went up outside the school. Fr. Pires said there were so many people to thank – Bishop Wester, Msgr. Fitzgerald, and Michael Lee. "ETA architects and Stephanie McCarthy, and Culp Construction who worked so hard to make our deadline "I also want to thank the people who worship here and the staff – anyone who has been a part of our beginning – the neighboring parishes," said Fr. Pires. "It’s an honor to be a part of this work that will go on well with God’s graces." Bishop Wester called the dedication, "a blessed moment. The light of Christ is refracting through my memories of countless teachers who have had an incredible impact on me. We should remember that teachers need help to fulfill their ministry." He thanked those who functioned in the background of the parish and school, "the leaders of worship, the members of the parish who are so grateful to have this beautiful school. "I want to single out parents and teachers and tell all of you that we are here to support you. "Our God is a God of love," said Bishop Wester. "The students in this school will come to know him through you, and through Fr. Pires and Sr. Karla, who are the embodiment of God’s love in the school. The dedication ceremony was followed by a lunch reception. Teachers welcomed people into their classrooms and parents toured the school inside and out.
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