St. Lucy's School Closes after 100 years (1906-2006)

     For years the handwriting had been on the wall, but no one wanted to believe the message. The aging of the Sisters' membership, the dramatic decline in the past 30 years of young women joining the Community, the financial burden of maintaining old buildings in operational condition (St. Lucy's, owned by the Baptistine community not the parish, is the original school building from 100 years ago) and the need to liquidate resources in order to care for our elderly and ailing Sisters were undeniable realities.  A wide range of emotions therefore accompanied the announcement by the Provincial leadership of the American Province to end their 100 years of presence and service in St. Lucy Parish and to close St. Lucy's School.

      At the dawn of the 20th century the second great wave of immigrants that flooded the streets and dwellings of America were mainly from southern Europe, particularly southern Italy. For the most part lacking knowledge of English and industrial skills, these immigrants found that neither the cities nor the churches were prepared to accommodate them. In 1906 when the Baptistine Sisters arrived in Newark, NJ their first apostolic foundation was at St. Lucy's. Here they began to minister to the growing numbers of Italian immigrants.  At the outset the work of the Sisters was the care of young orphan girls and boys and the religious and academic instruction of the neighborhood children in the parish school. Since that time the school has played a prominent role in the life of St. Lucy's Parish and in Newark's North Ward. For many it was a proud family tradition to attend St. Lucy's Elementary School.

      On Saturday, May 13 a solemn Liturgy of Thanksgiving was celebrated in the Church. Sisters, students, families and parishioners gathered to thank God for the good that had been accomplished by 100 years of Baptistine presence and service. After Mass, as alumni from across the years gathered for the luncheon in the Community Center, there were gasps of recognition, tales of sorrow shared, and joyful memories exchanged. Proud smiles were the hallmark of the day.

      On Friday evening, May 19 the students and their guests assembled for the Final Assembly of St. Lucy School. In song, dance, and skits each grade  presented its unique reminiscence of the past 100 years. These very talented performers had the audience in turn laughing, singing, crying and applauding.

      For the Sisters there is a sense of mourning at having to withdraw from the Foundation House of the American Province. For all who love St. Lucy's there is great sadness in closing the buildings that have housed, nurtured, and educated thousands of children since 1906. But there is also a spirit of thanksgiving for what, with God's help, has been accomplished during these past 100 years. In the spirit of Bl. Alfonso M Fusco, Founder of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist, there is an acceptance that in God's plan the Sisters' mission at St. Lucy's has been fulfilled