Dickie Dee's Reunion, Part 3



 
 


We had come on P.E. day, and red was the color of the day.  We found the students bright and happy, and very inquisitive about us and our time at St. Rose.  One student asked what had changed the most.  I recalled that there used to be a swimming pool in the basement, and a bowling alley in the rectory.  Just my little joke.  These really were great kids, and the teachers there, almost all lay teachers, are doing a superb job.  One class -- it might have been second or third grade -- serenaded us with a little song about Jesus.  It was very touching.

 

Some places are just chock full of memories.  Susan found some -- and some new friends -- in the girls' room.  Myself, I recall an incident in Second Grade where I mistook my shirttail for toilet paper.  Yes sir, chock full of memories.

 
 

After a vanload of us had left, the intrepid souls in the other car decided to see if the church were open.  It wasn't, and Bob didn't have his key, so they got one from the rectory and took a look.  Here Louie, Bob and Susan contemplate the many hours sitting, standing, kneeling, etc., in these comfortable pews.  The church happened to be open the next day when I dropped by, and it is unchanged except for a new "heaven blue" paint job on the vaulted ceiling.  Also, interestingly, the confessionals seemed to be abandoned.  Fine with me, as it's my least favorite sacrament.  No, I guess Extreme Unction would be. 

 
This was an excellent little reunion, and I think I speak for all when I thank Principal Art Wilson and the staff of St. Rose of Lima School for the kind reception given us and for the excellent job they are doing with limited funds in a challenging neighborhood. 
To a person we were impressed with the spirit and professionalism of the current caretakers of our old school, and we look forward to returning soon with more alumni and helping where we can.

Thanks again to Linda DeRosa for the excellent pictures, and to Rosario for the splendid lunch.