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The Catholic Spirit
CLARKSBURG—St. Mary Central School in Clarksburg will remain in its current location and will begin repairs to its century-old building this summer, according to Bishop Michael J. Bransfield. A major gifts campaign is also being launched to raise approximately $1.2 million to address structural issues and make improvements to the beloved school on East Pike Street.
“After making a pastoral visit to Clarksburg and Bridgeport this past weekend for a final round of consultations with local clergy and lay leadership, I want to assure parents, faculty, staff and students of St. Mary School that I understand how important this school is to the local community. Like all those who have sought my support for St. Mary’s, I want the school to remain open and viable for future generations of students who are seeking a Catholic education,” Bishop Bransfield said.
A $400,000 matching grant fund has been established by two local parishes, which will serve as a 1-to-2 match for contributions to the capital fund. The school hopes to realize at least $800,000 in additional funding due to the match.
“I sincerely thank Father Casey Mahone of Immaculate Conception Parish and Father Harry Cramer of All Saints Parish for dedicating up to $200,000 from each parish in matching funds for this project,” Bishop Bransfield said. “It shows the tremendous love and support each parish has for St. Mary School.”
Bishop Bransfield said the Diocese of Wheeling-Charles-ton will provide short-term financing so that the project can begin immediately.
“Time is of the essence,” Bishop Bransfield said. “We need to begin work so that the next academic year can begin with minimal disruption.”
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After several months of extensive review by expert contractors, and after several weeks of confidential consultations with local pastors, school administrators and parish leadership, Bishop Bransfield said that he felt that this was the best solution for the children and families who support St. Mary’s.
In previous meetings with parents, St. Mary’s principal, Nicole Folio, and designated pastor, Father Mahone, were clear about the many problems facing the aging structure.
“We have received overwhelming support of St. Mary’s School during these discussions,” Folio said. “I know that parents and grandparents of current and future students truly want to continue the legacy of academic excellence at St. Mary’s. We will need their continued support as well as the financial support of the broader community to make our building a more modern learning environment for the students.”
According to Folio, work will begin this summer on replacing bricks around the top of the building that have become loose due to weathering. A new roof will be added, new windows installed, and other improvements will be made as funding becomes available. Projects under consideration include improvements to lighting, restrooms, HVAC and classroom technologies.
There are three ways to contribute to this emergency fund. To receive parish matching funds, contributions can be made payable to Immaculate Conception Parish, 126 E. Pike St., Clarksburg WV 26301 or to All Saints Parish, 317 E. Main St., Bridgeport WV 26330. General contributions to the St. Mary School Building Improvement Fund can be made to St. Mary School, 107 E. Pike St., Clarksburg WV 26301.
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