Bishop blesses Fort Dodge school building
By RENEE WEBB
Globe associate editor
Posted September 5, 2002

FORT DODGE - Students at Fort Dodge Catholic School came together as one community of faith on Aug. 30 to proclaim their belief in God and celebrate the strengthening of their school's foundation.

Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo presided at the all-school liturgy that was held in the school gymnasium and later blessed the new elementary that was built next to St. Edmond High School, making the school system a single-site educational facility.

"Whenever we build a house, whether it's a house of worship - a church - or a house of learning - a school - we always know that more is happening than just brick and mortar," said the bishop in the homily. They built a house of the Lord Jesus.

He made reference to the phrase that provided the backdrop to the altar and set the theme of the celebration ... A Strengthened Foundation.

Bishop DiNardo said that while they can experience and learn math, English and science, at this school they could do it against the "wonderful background that God loves us."

At St. Edmond's, as with other Catholic schools, he pointed out that prayer was not only allowed but was also encouraged.

"In God's house, we are all welcome to discover God's will," he stressed. "There are many things in our lives that can get in the way, that's why Jesus said you better build your house on the rock of my kingdom because the winds will come. If you are not well-grounded, your house will be washed away."

Bishop DiNardo asked the students to thank their parents, grandparents and all that made the new school possible. They helped to ensure "that you would be educated well on the rock of our faith."

After the liturgy, many of the grade school students and visitors gathered outside of the school as the bishop dedicated the building.

"Today we are asking God's blessing on this center of seeking, learning, and teaching what is true," said Bishop DiNardo. "We ask that those entrusted with the education of children and young people in this institution may teach their students how to join the discoveries of human wisdom with the truth of the Gospel so they will be able to keep the true faith and live up to it in their lives."

With a small contingent of students leading the bishop to the classrooms and assisting him with the holy water, he blessed every new room.

Father Patrick Walsh, president of Fort Dodge Catholic School, said he was pleased with the celebration.

"It was a great day -a lot of parents attended and little kids were involved. There is great enthusiasm for our school and we ask God to be at the heart of it," he said.

The $7.3 million project added 89,000 square feet of space to St. Edmond's. The new addition contains classrooms for preschoolers through fifth grade. It has a new science lab, computer lab and rooms for vocal music, band, art, TAG program, Title 1 reading, special needs, multi-purpose room and offices. The project also included a new gymnasium and elementary cafeteria.

Principal Linda Mitchell said the new building was a great facility. Having been in the system for 28 years, she is pleased to be a part of this new chapter for the Fort Dodge Catholic Schools.

"It's a joy and a dream come true," she said. "We chose the theme this year of 'One in the Spirit' because we are all together - in the single site. We are one big family in Christ."

Jacob Hamilton, a kindergartner, said he likes the new school, especially the new playground equipment outside.

First-grader Allison Huss said the "new school is good. Every classroom is nice."

Another first-grader, Hank Crimmons, said they are lucky to have air conditioning in the new school. He also likes having the lockers in the classroom.

Having the lockers in the classroom makes the hallways less crowded, added Kylie Guldenphennig, a second-grader.

"I like having a water fountain and sink in the classroom," she said.