SUN PRAIRIE — On a hot late August day, in the midst of a pandemic, dozens of masked people gathered outside the new entrance of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary School in Sun Prairie to celebrate a great accomplishment in the midst of hardship.
“I think we are a community that is beyond blessed today with all that has happened in our world, the challenges we are all facing,” said Principal Kimberlee Frederick while standing before the small crowd as they tried to stay cool in the shade of awnings. “To be able to be here, to be able to be celebrating this beautiful building, celebrating Catholic education, celebrating the tradition that is Sacred Heart, is beyond a great gift to us.”
Beside her were Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison and priests Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt, the recently retired pastor of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish; Fr. Thomas Kelley, the new pastor; Fr. Lawrence Oparaji, parochial vicar; and Msgr. Donn Heiar, pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish in Sun Prairie.