C
HARLESTON—Charleston Catholic School broke ground for construction of its new building on Dec. 5.
Fred McKay, principal, said they hope to start by the end of the month and would love to celebrate completion on All Saints Day in 2013 in honor of their mascots — the saints.
The ceremony was attended by the entire school, with children decked out in pink or yellow hard hats.
Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone, Bishop Emeritus David B. Thompson, Mayor Joseph P. Riley, pastors of the community churches, and diocesan officials were also present.
“Here in South Carolina, we are seeing such strength and such growth in the Catholic Church. This is a day of such tremendous hope,” the bishop said in his remarks. 
Speakers noted that the history of the school goes back 180 years, almost to the beginning of the diocese itself.
Plans for the $2.2 million project include office space, art and music rooms, science lab, roof-top plaza for educational use, and new classrooms for sixth- through eighth-graders. Space in the existing building will be converted into a faculty work area and breakroom, a renovated kitchen, and storage area.
An outdoor basketball court, elevators, handicapped ramps, and additional restrooms are also planned.