New school building plans were unveiled and blessed at St. James the Apostle School on September 6, a new and exciting development as the school is undergoing physical renovation, with a new building rising as a sign of growth and renewal.
“In the same way that this school community is being renewed, we cannot cling to old habits or ways that do not give us life,” said Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, in his homily during the St. James Grandparents Day Mass. “Just as new wine requires new wineskins, the new life we have in Christ calls us to live in a way that reflects the joy, hope, and love of the Gospel.”
The archbishop urged students and their families to embrace this newness with open hearts, trusting that God is guiding it. “Let us be joyful disciples, alive with the Holy Spirit, ready to face the challenges of our time with courage and love,” he said. “May the new building we see rising around us be a constant reminder of the inner transformation that God desires for each of us — a transformation that begins with our baptism and continues every day as we choose to walk in friendship with God.”
The San Antonio prelate then prayed, “May Our Lady of Guadalupe help us commit ourselves to this journey, confident that God, who has begun this good work in us, will bring it to completion.”
At the conclusion of the liturgy, welcoming remarks were given by Dr. Marti West, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the archdiocese; and Jennifer Rodriguez, archdiocesan director of Stewardship and Development, spoke on behalf of the On the Way – Andale! capital campaign, which has designated $4.9 million to the project, highlighted by a $600,000 lead gift from the estate of the late Bishop John Yanta, a former pastor at St. James.
The new structure will replace the World War II-era quonset huts currently on the southside campus.
Kim Gonzalez, associate superintendent of Capital and Construction Projects, shared some of the background on planning efforts that have already gone into the project, with groundbreaking tentatively set on the site for the spring. Construction plans were then unveiled by student representatives and the artwork was blessed by Archbishop Gustavo. Closing remarks were provided by Elizabeth Gonzalez, school principal.
Students and guests then processed out of the church to look over an area marked off by green ribbon which illustrated the outline of the new structure.
