Historical November–December 2011 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
It is part of the lore of Skinker DeBaliviere that St. Roch knew how to throw a party. That spirit was clearly evident at the church’s centennial celebration.
On September 24, alumni of St. Roch School and non-Catholic neighbors were invited to tour the school and attend a barbecue in the church parking lot.
The forecast was for rain but, alas, the sun shined on the church and this event. Friends, parishioners, and alumni all mingled. Classes were reunited. Photos were taken.
It was a happy beginning to the celebration.
On Sunday, the 25th, a mass was held at 5:00 pm with Archbishop Carlson in attendance. Then, the crowd dispersed to the Chase Park Plaza.
The centennial banquet took place in the Khorassian Room.
Each table held a centerpiece of beautiful white flowers surrounding a facsimile of St. Roch and his dog. About 800 people were present to remember and celebrate. Father Mike Campbell helped assemble a video in which parishioners told of the importance of their church. Genny Fox Malcolm came from England to attend the gala and spoke of how St. Roch would always be home. Kim Tucci was m.c. and brought down the house with his imitation of Monsignor Sal Polizzi, who has pastored here for 30 years.
The monsignor addressed the gathering and gave special recognition to the 75 families who did not join in the white flight.
He also recognized the two school directors he has worked with, Sister Leo Ann Bub and Gloria Openlander.
He also thanked the “social Catholics” who have worked with the church in the neighborhood and who sent their children to the school.
There was a wonderful collection of photographs spanning the church’s history that Arline Webb helped to assemble.
It was a very special occasion.
Some of us also reflected on the church’s critical role in preserving the neighborhood. Someone said, “St. Roch saved the neighborhood and the neighborhood saved St. Roch.” It is a special symbiosis that hopefully will continue.
Original photograph caption
St. Roch Class of 1984 at centennial celebration.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2011.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Bub in body and Bubb in caption retained as printed.
Original source: SD_Times2011_11.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
