Central Catholic Class of 1969, celebrated its 50 year class reunion on Saturday, August 17, at the Holiday Inn, East Mountain.  During the reunion, 35 deceased classmates were memorialized. On the day of the reunion, a Mass for the intentions of the living and deceased members of the Class of 1969 was celebrated at the Church of St Ignatius, Kingston.  On June 10th, fifty years to the date of their graduation, classmates toured Good Shepherd Academy, the former Central Catholic/Bishop O’Reilly High School followed by a memorial Mass at St Ignatius.

The Class of 1968 is looking to update its mailing list as it prepares for its fiftieth reunion next year.. If you are a 1968 CCHS graduate, please contact John Gildea at 570-287-0168.

Progressive change was on the minds of students, teachers, and parents throughout the 1972-1973 school year. The world was rapidly changing, and locally, Northeastern Pennsylvanians were still dealing with the aftermath of the Agnes flood. The ’73 Queen incorporated many quotes from Central Catholic teachers and administrators regarding their attitudes toward progressive change. Here’s a sampling:

The year was 1973. The program read, Central Catholic Glee Club presents “I Believe in Music.” The cover depicted the 350 members of the Glee Club. This is how it began for an anxious audience. It ended with applause and praise for the members and their director Sister Martin Marie, I.H.M.

The 1973 spring concert highlighted individual talent both in solo and group performance. “The Gift of Song” featured a lovely melody accompanied by the beautiful strains of a flute played by Theresa Chopko. An all-female group provided a lovely rendition of “Three Hungarian Folk Songs,” and at the intermission the audience was treated to selections from “No, No, Nanette.” The strutters performed a snappy Charleston routine to “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” The final number, “Anthem for Spring,” featured a special ballet group.

Vocal soloists were Jerome Stone, Doreen Menta, and Susan Shorts. Ann Marie Zarella starred in a dance interpretation of “Born Free.” Tradition followed true to form when the senior couples waltzed to the fantasy music of “Ten Minutes Ago.” When the imaginary curtain fell, applause resounded throughout the Central Catholic auditorium in recognition of a splendid presentation.

 Click on the photos to enlarge them.

On a side note, the first annual Holy Redeemer Spring Concert featured a Senior Waltz, carrying on the glorious Central Catholic/Bishop O’Reilly tradition. The waltz was directed by Mr. Thomas Hanlon. If anyone has any photos to share of this year’s senior waltz or memories of school years past, please email me.

He is not here, for he is risen, as he said. Come, and see the place where the Lord was laid. Matthew 28:6

Have a happy and blessed Easter!

On this, the feast of All Souls, please remember in your prayers all those from the Central Catholic/Bishop O’Reilly community who have died.