Bishop O’Connell joins St. Ann School and local community for Catholic Schools Week celebration

January 28, 2025 at 12:40 p.m.
Bishop O'Connell speaks with students in the sixth grade following his tour of the Lawrenceville school.
Bishop O'Connell speaks with students in the sixth grade following his tour of the Lawrenceville school.

By Rose O’Connor, Digital and Social Media Manager

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., joined members of the St. Ann School community, the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools, Lawrence Township Mayor Patricia Hendricks Farmer, members of the Lawrence Township Police Department, and the Slackwood Fire Department for a flag-raising ceremony and recognition of community leaders Jan. 28.

Bishop O’Connell greeted students and staff, expressing gratitude for the invitation to visit during Catholic Schools Week, observed Jan. 26 through Feb. 1.

PHOTO GALLERY: St. Ann School celebrates community

    Bishop O'Connell greets members of the Lawrence Township police department. Rose O'Connor photos
 
 


“I am so grateful to you all for the invitation to come see you today. This is Catholic Schools Week – a very special week. And you’re so lucky to go to a Catholic school because not only do we learn history and math and English, we learn about our faith and our God, who created us and loves us so much,” Bishop O’Connell said.

After the flag-raising ceremony, Bishop O’Connell joined community members for breakfast, where he thanked them for their continued support.

Mayor Farmer, an alumna of St. Ann School, reflected on her experience as a student.

“This school had a major impact on me. It helped make me who I am today. I received the foundation of my faith and made friends that I still have today,” she said.

Lt. Kevin Reading, Lawrence Township interim police chief and a former student, also shared his appreciation for the school.

“I love to see the smiles on the kids’ faces. The staff is very supportive of us, and we are happy to support the school. We love participating in events,” he said.

    Bishop O'Connell enjoyed speaking with the second grade class, excited to be making their First Holy Communion in the spring.
 
 

Following breakfast, Father Lines Dela Cruz, pastor of St. Ann, and Ameriquin Dalmasy-Laccetti, head of school, led Bishop O’Connell on a tour of the school, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. He visited classrooms and engaged with students about their favorite subjects, high school plans, and current lessons.

Students and staff were delighted to welcome Bishop O’Connell and share their morning with him as they celebrated their school during the annual Catholic Schools Week festivities.


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Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., joined members of the St. Ann School community, the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools, Lawrence Township Mayor Patricia Hendricks Farmer, members of the Lawrence Township Police Department, and the Slackwood Fire Department for a flag-raising ceremony and recognition of community leaders Jan. 28.

Bishop O’Connell greeted students and staff, expressing gratitude for the invitation to visit during Catholic Schools Week, observed Jan. 26 through Feb. 1.

PHOTO GALLERY: St. Ann School celebrates community

    Bishop O'Connell greets members of the Lawrence Township police department. Rose O'Connor photos
 
 


“I am so grateful to you all for the invitation to come see you today. This is Catholic Schools Week – a very special week. And you’re so lucky to go to a Catholic school because not only do we learn history and math and English, we learn about our faith and our God, who created us and loves us so much,” Bishop O’Connell said.

After the flag-raising ceremony, Bishop O’Connell joined community members for breakfast, where he thanked them for their continued support.

Mayor Farmer, an alumna of St. Ann School, reflected on her experience as a student.

“This school had a major impact on me. It helped make me who I am today. I received the foundation of my faith and made friends that I still have today,” she said.

Lt. Kevin Reading, Lawrence Township interim police chief and a former student, also shared his appreciation for the school.

“I love to see the smiles on the kids’ faces. The staff is very supportive of us, and we are happy to support the school. We love participating in events,” he said.

    Bishop O'Connell enjoyed speaking with the second grade class, excited to be making their First Holy Communion in the spring.
 
 

Following breakfast, Father Lines Dela Cruz, pastor of St. Ann, and Ameriquin Dalmasy-Laccetti, head of school, led Bishop O’Connell on a tour of the school, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. He visited classrooms and engaged with students about their favorite subjects, high school plans, and current lessons.

Students and staff were delighted to welcome Bishop O’Connell and share their morning with him as they celebrated their school during the annual Catholic Schools Week festivities.

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