New child development center blessed

CHARLESTON — Bishop Robert J. Baker blessed the Father Joseph F. Hanley Jr. Early Childhood Development Center at Blessed Sacrament Church and School on Sept. 24.

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. proclaimed the day “Blessed Sacrament School Early Childhood Development Center Day” in the city of Charleston.

The proclamation lauded the community of families and educators who value solid educational principles, opportunities for enrichment and the development of each child’s unique God-given gifts.

An overflow crowd of parishioners, parents, faculty and staff, students and friends heard both the bishop and mayor congratulate the school for the years of preparing students to be good and productive citizens.

Bishop Baker said that the education of children is a prime example of Christian stewardship that Blessed Sacrament School has fulfilled over the years.

Father Joseph F. Hanley, pastor, thanked everyone who contributed to the efforts involved in the state-of-the-art facility. He paid particular tribute to the years of unselfish service by the Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius who have provided principals, educators and administrators for the school since its opening in 1948.

In closing, Sister Judy Therese, principal, emphasized the importance of early childhood education and said that the center will provide for the continuation of the tradition of excellence at Blessed Sacrament.