‘Beacon of Faith’
St. Rose of Lima School marks 150 years as beacon of Catholic education
June 6, 2025 at 11:08 a.m.
“For 150 years, we have been more than just a school – we have been a family,” said Kathy Leonetti, principal of St. Rose of Lima School, Freehold. “I’ve seen it firsthand, whether it’s in the way teachers go the extra mile to help a struggling student, the joyful chaos of our annual Christmas concert where students beam with pride, or the quiet moments when a class prays together for a friend in need.”
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Rose of Lima School 150th anniversary Mass
RELATED STORY: Timeline of St. Rose of Lima School's distinguished history
As the school marks a century and a half of Catholic education in Freehold, it celebrates many generations of loyal families who sought strong academics for their children in an environment that upholds what they taught at home.
Led by Faith
“As your Bishop I am delighted to be back here at St. Rose ... What a wonderful occasion, what a wonderful milestone,” said Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., at the start of the anniversary Mass he celebrated May 4 in St. Rose of Lima Church. Joining the Bishop at the altar was Father James Conover, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish.
“Today (in this Easter season), we think about the glory of the Risen Christ who walks among us . . . revealing himself again and again and again. It’s sacred moments of faith and of love and of service,” Bishop O’Connell said, “In a special way we mark a momentous occasion, the 150th anniversary of St. Rose of Lima School . . . which has been a beacon of Catholic education for generations – where perhaps many of you have been formed in your Catholic faith and nurtured in wisdom and sent forth to serve in hope.”
An archival photo of the former St. Rose of Lima School building. The Bishop continued, “As we honor 150 years of Catholic education at St. Rose School, we recognize that this school has been a place where Christ has been revealed in countless ways. Through faith-filled teachers, dedicated parents, and students eager to learn, this Catholic school has upheld the mission of forming young minds not just in academics but in truth, in compassion, in holiness, in hope.
Bishop O’Connell asked of those gathered, “How many students have passed through these halls and gone on to play an important part in the community and beyond, especially in roles that build up and support family life, Catholic life? How many lives have been touched by the Gospel through the work of this school?”
“This anniversary is not just a celebration of the past but a challenge for the future to continue the mission, to deepen our faith, and to spread Christ’s light in a world in need,” the Bishop said.
Leading St. Rose of Lima School “is both a profound honor and a sacred responsibility,” Leonetti said. “It means being a steward of tradition that has shaped generations, rooted in faith, academic excellence and service … It’s about creating an environment where faith is lived daily, academic curiosity is encouraged, and a spirit of service to others is fostered.
“Our rich history is a source of inspiration,” she continued, “but it is also a call to continually innovate and adapt, so our students are prepared for the world they will lead, grounded in Catholic values.”
St. Rose of Lima School’s greatest strengths, Leonetti believes, “are its unwavering sense of community, its commitment to faith-based education, and its dedication to academic excellence. Our educators are not just instructors; they are mentors and role models who genuinely care about their students.”
Community and Tradition
Among many educational options available to their family when they moved to Freehold, Edoardo Mungiello recalled St. Rose School as a stand-out, welcoming them warmly.
“We were drawn to the parishioners and parents of St. Rose,” he said. “Father Jim welcomed us with joy into the parish family, [and] one trip around the school building convinced us.”
Melissa Campesi, shown with her husband and two sons, has been pleased with the quality of education her children have received in St. Rose of Lima School. Courtesy photoThe school reminded Mungiello of his own Catholic elementary school experience, “with adherence to Gospel values, small classrooms, polite children and happy teachers.”
For parent Jennifer Iacono, the sense of community in which “everyone knows each other” was an attractive quality.
“Older students look after younger students during school events; there is never a rivalry between grades,” she observed. “School families become part of your extended families.”
Melissa Campesi noted that her sons have been positively impacted both personally and spiritually by SRS. “The school promotes academic success, strong moral character and spiritual growth, she said, “[and] the importance of serving others.” She and her husband were drawn to SRS for their children because of “how our Catholic faith is interwoven into the curriculum.”
Leonetti noted that both legacy and new families are drawn to both the community and academic aspects of St. Rose.
“Families keep returning to St. Rose of Lima School for generations because of its strong sense of community, tradition, and values,” she said. “Alumni who experienced a nurturing, faith-based education often want their children to have the same foundation.”
Traditions – including events like the parish carnival that connect the parish and school – as well as a committed faculty “create a sense of belonging that families cherish,” Leonetti said. New families come for the school’s academic reputation, a “safe and supportive environment, small class sizes, a focus on character development and the emphasis on faith and service.”
“We knew we wanted a values-driven education that … took the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy seriously,” said Mungiello, and noted that he appreciated the courage of the teachers and administrators who worked through the COVID-19 pandemic to assure minimal academic disruption.
“The education exceeds expectations, in that teachers give personal attention to all students and they offer their time to review lessons after school,” Iacono said. “Centering prayer in daily activities strengthens Catholic virtues … [and] the students grow in character and respect for each other, themselves and their classwork."
An archival photo of St. Rose of Lima School students and their teacher from the 1980s. Courtesy photoCampesi finds the collaboration of families and staff “powerful,” with the teamwork providing children with “engaging extracurricular activities and fun after school clubs.”
Coming Back for More
The family-like atmosphere continues across generations, bringing alumni back to enroll their children for the same experience.
“It’s not just a school; it’s a place that helped shape the person I am today,” said Tracy Cognetta-Somma, class of 1998, whose daughters – Abigail, fifth grade, and Alexis, seventh grade – are current students. “Sending our girls to the same school I attended means more to me than I ever expected.”
Some of Cognetta-Somma’s first memories of SRS, “school Masses, service projects and teachers who took the time to truly care,” as well as the Christmas Bazaar and May Crowning traditions, are being brought to the fore as she relives them through her daughters. “Our girls are now part of a generational story, which is both grounding and inspiring.”
Trust, tradition and faith that echo what they instill at home drove the Cognetta-Summa family to choose SRS for their children.
The school community of St. Rose of Lima in 2024. Courtesy photo“My husband and I wanted our girls to grow up in the same environment,” she said, “a place where they are known by name … to experience that same sense of belonging that I did, and to be grounded in something deeper … where kindness matters, service is encouraged and God is part of their daily lives.”
Continuing the Legacy
Looking to the years ahead, members of the SRS community shared what they hope families will find there – something like what they themselves found.
“My hope is that it continues to honor its rich history while celebrating innovation and growth,” Leonetti reflected. “I envision a future where the school remains a beacon of faith, academic excellence and community, adapting to the evolving educational landscape while staying true to its Catholic values. I hope St. Rose continues to foster generations of compassionate, confident, and well-rounded individuals who not only excel academically but also lead with integrity and serve others.”
Cognetta-Summa wants future families to know the same Catholic values, and “a warm, welcoming community that supports academic excellence while building character, helping students to grow into kind, responsible individuals.”
Campesi echoed the same desires. “In our experience, the school's mission to provide a Gospel-centered education that empowers students to become responsible and productive members of the Church and society has been a testament to our children's academic, spiritual and personal growth.”
“I would hope future families can feel our love and see our efforts as they walk the halls,” said Iacono. “We all strive to keep St. Rose and Catholic school education relevant and thriving for years to come.”
“We hope they find what has always been here: Jesus Christ in action,” said Mungiello. “And when they find that, they will find themselves.”
Wearing royal blue polo shirts are students from St. Rose of Lima School attending the Mass marking the 150th anniversary of their school. Mike Ehrmann photo
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“For 150 years, we have been more than just a school – we have been a family,” said Kathy Leonetti, principal of St. Rose of Lima School, Freehold. “I’ve seen it firsthand, whether it’s in the way teachers go the extra mile to help a struggling student, the joyful chaos of our annual Christmas concert where students beam with pride, or the quiet moments when a class prays together for a friend in need.”
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Rose of Lima School 150th anniversary Mass
RELATED STORY: Timeline of St. Rose of Lima School's distinguished history
As the school marks a century and a half of Catholic education in Freehold, it celebrates many generations of loyal families who sought strong academics for their children in an environment that upholds what they taught at home.
Led by Faith
“As your Bishop I am delighted to be back here at St. Rose ... What a wonderful occasion, what a wonderful milestone,” said Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., at the start of the anniversary Mass he celebrated May 4 in St. Rose of Lima Church. Joining the Bishop at the altar was Father James Conover, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish.
“Today (in this Easter season), we think about the glory of the Risen Christ who walks among us . . . revealing himself again and again and again. It’s sacred moments of faith and of love and of service,” Bishop O’Connell said, “In a special way we mark a momentous occasion, the 150th anniversary of St. Rose of Lima School . . . which has been a beacon of Catholic education for generations – where perhaps many of you have been formed in your Catholic faith and nurtured in wisdom and sent forth to serve in hope.”
An archival photo of the former St. Rose of Lima School building. The Bishop continued, “As we honor 150 years of Catholic education at St. Rose School, we recognize that this school has been a place where Christ has been revealed in countless ways. Through faith-filled teachers, dedicated parents, and students eager to learn, this Catholic school has upheld the mission of forming young minds not just in academics but in truth, in compassion, in holiness, in hope.
Bishop O’Connell asked of those gathered, “How many students have passed through these halls and gone on to play an important part in the community and beyond, especially in roles that build up and support family life, Catholic life? How many lives have been touched by the Gospel through the work of this school?”
“This anniversary is not just a celebration of the past but a challenge for the future to continue the mission, to deepen our faith, and to spread Christ’s light in a world in need,” the Bishop said.
Leading St. Rose of Lima School “is both a profound honor and a sacred responsibility,” Leonetti said. “It means being a steward of tradition that has shaped generations, rooted in faith, academic excellence and service … It’s about creating an environment where faith is lived daily, academic curiosity is encouraged, and a spirit of service to others is fostered.
“Our rich history is a source of inspiration,” she continued, “but it is also a call to continually innovate and adapt, so our students are prepared for the world they will lead, grounded in Catholic values.”
St. Rose of Lima School’s greatest strengths, Leonetti believes, “are its unwavering sense of community, its commitment to faith-based education, and its dedication to academic excellence. Our educators are not just instructors; they are mentors and role models who genuinely care about their students.”
Community and Tradition
Among many educational options available to their family when they moved to Freehold, Edoardo Mungiello recalled St. Rose School as a stand-out, welcoming them warmly.
“We were drawn to the parishioners and parents of St. Rose,” he said. “Father Jim welcomed us with joy into the parish family, [and] one trip around the school building convinced us.”
Melissa Campesi, shown with her husband and two sons, has been pleased with the quality of education her children have received in St. Rose of Lima School. Courtesy photoThe school reminded Mungiello of his own Catholic elementary school experience, “with adherence to Gospel values, small classrooms, polite children and happy teachers.”
For parent Jennifer Iacono, the sense of community in which “everyone knows each other” was an attractive quality.
“Older students look after younger students during school events; there is never a rivalry between grades,” she observed. “School families become part of your extended families.”
Melissa Campesi noted that her sons have been positively impacted both personally and spiritually by SRS. “The school promotes academic success, strong moral character and spiritual growth, she said, “[and] the importance of serving others.” She and her husband were drawn to SRS for their children because of “how our Catholic faith is interwoven into the curriculum.”
Leonetti noted that both legacy and new families are drawn to both the community and academic aspects of St. Rose.
“Families keep returning to St. Rose of Lima School for generations because of its strong sense of community, tradition, and values,” she said. “Alumni who experienced a nurturing, faith-based education often want their children to have the same foundation.”
Traditions – including events like the parish carnival that connect the parish and school – as well as a committed faculty “create a sense of belonging that families cherish,” Leonetti said. New families come for the school’s academic reputation, a “safe and supportive environment, small class sizes, a focus on character development and the emphasis on faith and service.”
“We knew we wanted a values-driven education that … took the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy seriously,” said Mungiello, and noted that he appreciated the courage of the teachers and administrators who worked through the COVID-19 pandemic to assure minimal academic disruption.
“The education exceeds expectations, in that teachers give personal attention to all students and they offer their time to review lessons after school,” Iacono said. “Centering prayer in daily activities strengthens Catholic virtues … [and] the students grow in character and respect for each other, themselves and their classwork."
An archival photo of St. Rose of Lima School students and their teacher from the 1980s. Courtesy photoCampesi finds the collaboration of families and staff “powerful,” with the teamwork providing children with “engaging extracurricular activities and fun after school clubs.”
Coming Back for More
The family-like atmosphere continues across generations, bringing alumni back to enroll their children for the same experience.
“It’s not just a school; it’s a place that helped shape the person I am today,” said Tracy Cognetta-Somma, class of 1998, whose daughters – Abigail, fifth grade, and Alexis, seventh grade – are current students. “Sending our girls to the same school I attended means more to me than I ever expected.”
Some of Cognetta-Somma’s first memories of SRS, “school Masses, service projects and teachers who took the time to truly care,” as well as the Christmas Bazaar and May Crowning traditions, are being brought to the fore as she relives them through her daughters. “Our girls are now part of a generational story, which is both grounding and inspiring.”
Trust, tradition and faith that echo what they instill at home drove the Cognetta-Summa family to choose SRS for their children.
The school community of St. Rose of Lima in 2024. Courtesy photo“My husband and I wanted our girls to grow up in the same environment,” she said, “a place where they are known by name … to experience that same sense of belonging that I did, and to be grounded in something deeper … where kindness matters, service is encouraged and God is part of their daily lives.”
Continuing the Legacy
Looking to the years ahead, members of the SRS community shared what they hope families will find there – something like what they themselves found.
“My hope is that it continues to honor its rich history while celebrating innovation and growth,” Leonetti reflected. “I envision a future where the school remains a beacon of faith, academic excellence and community, adapting to the evolving educational landscape while staying true to its Catholic values. I hope St. Rose continues to foster generations of compassionate, confident, and well-rounded individuals who not only excel academically but also lead with integrity and serve others.”
Cognetta-Summa wants future families to know the same Catholic values, and “a warm, welcoming community that supports academic excellence while building character, helping students to grow into kind, responsible individuals.”
Campesi echoed the same desires. “In our experience, the school's mission to provide a Gospel-centered education that empowers students to become responsible and productive members of the Church and society has been a testament to our children's academic, spiritual and personal growth.”
“I would hope future families can feel our love and see our efforts as they walk the halls,” said Iacono. “We all strive to keep St. Rose and Catholic school education relevant and thriving for years to come.”
“We hope they find what has always been here: Jesus Christ in action,” said Mungiello. “And when they find that, they will find themselves.”
Wearing royal blue polo shirts are students from St. Rose of Lima School attending the Mass marking the 150th anniversary of their school. Mike Ehrmann photo