Denver Catholic

11 DENVER CATHOLIC | APRIL 23-MAY 13, 2016 BY DENVER CATHOLIC S t. Louis Catholic School will host a Legacy Celebration on May 1 to celebrate the 87 years that the school has proudly served the community. The Legacy Celebration will include a commemorative Mass at 12 p.m., o"- ciated by Father Robert Reycraft, pastor of St. Louis Catholic Church since 1999. School tours and an open house in the gym and cafeteria with exhibits high- lighting each decade of the school's history along with sports memorabilia will take place between 1:30 - 4 p.m. A reception with light refreshments will begin at 1:15 p.m. as guests enjoy a walk down memory lane. Due to declining enrollment over the past several years and financial chal- lenges felt by many education systems around the country, the school will close its doors in June. "It is with sadness that this will be the last school year for St. Louis School," Father Reycraft said. "I thank the parents who dedicated so much of themselves to our school. I thank Mrs. Hagen, principal, who worked tirelessly over decades in devotion to the school. I thank the parishioners of St. Louis Parish who supported school activ- ities and all of our many benefactors including the Archdiocese of Denver. I thank all of the teachers and support staž throughout the years." St. Louis School has been an inte- gral part of the lives of thousands of families in south central Denver and beyond since it was founded in 1929. Enrollment hit its peak in the late 1960s but has eventually declined to its lowest level with only 80 students today. The U.S. Catholic school system nationwide reached an all-time high of 4.5 million elementary school students in the mid- 1960s but today has fewer than 1.5 mil- lion elementary students. With heartfelt gratitude, St. Louis School Principal Pattie Hagen said, "We take pride in each alumnus whether retired, an active member of society or a freshman starting your high school experience. You are our legacy. Go Tigers! We are honored by every edu- cator, parent and coach, who chose St. Louis Catholic School to be part of their faith journey and daily life experience. Thank you." St. Louis School invites all former students and teachers to join this special legacy celebration on May 1. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend this free event. For more information about St. Louis School, visit http://www.stlou- iscatholicschool.org/ Legacy celebration to honor St. Louis Catholic School's rich history New orthodox rector appointed in Denver Archpriest Robert Gordanier was appointed the new rector of the Orthodox Cathedral Church of the Resurrection. The Church of the Resurrection is a Christian orthodox church in Denver, located at 4190 Xavier Street. Archpriest Gordanier also currently serves as mayor of the town of Lakeside. PHOTO PROVIDED NEWS IN BRIEF Due to decreasing attendance and increasing financial constraints, the Archdiocese of Denver made the decision to close St. Louis Catholic School in Englewood in June. PHOTO BY ANDREW WRIGHT/ DENVER CATHOLIC 303.743.8804 HoranCares.com Helping You Honor Life

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