WESTVILLE — The final day of school, usually a joy-filled welcoming of summer, was described as “sad” and “bittersweet” Tuesday at St. Mary’s School in Westville, which is closing after 107 years of serving this Vermilion County community just south of Danville.

But on the day when students in pre-school through 7 received report cards and other awards — diplomas had been awarded to the nine graduating eighth graders on May 16 — the pastor gave the mission of the school itself the highest grade.

“Our main goal was to teach all of you to be holy,” said Father Timothy Sauppe, pastor, in his homily at a Mass on Tuesday.

While the school offered an excellent education in academic subjects such as math, geography, and spelling, Father Sauppe said students — and the teachers and staff of St. Mary’s School — would be best served if they carry the lessons of faith learned within its walls in their hearts throughout life.

“We need Jesus Christ in our lives,” he said. “With God’s grace, we can do wonderful things. Carry that message with you.”

The school’s 84 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 8 have been encouraged to continue their Catholic education at schools in Danville, just a few miles to the north.

The difficult decision to close the school had been announced in February. Despite “fundraising to beat the band,” the school was experiencing significant financial shortfalls.

Earlier this month parishioners and former students had an opportunity to walk through the school at an informal open house, but a much larger celebration will be held in conjunction with the Westville Labor Day parade later this summer, said Father Sauppe.

St. Mary’s School was established in 1903, was closed in the Depression-era of the 1930s, and reopened later that decade. The present school building was built in 1960, and its peak enrollment was 369 students in the 1966-1967 school year.

Tuesday’s final Mass was attended by many parents, grandparents, and parishioners in addition to students, teachers, and staff. It was an emotional celebration, especially for long-time teachers and staff such as Shari McMasters, who had served as school secretary and bookkeeper for 24 years.

Those emotions were perhaps highest when, at the close of Mass, Father Sauppe invited all students present to the sanctuary steps and led them in the singing of the Salve Regina, honoring the school’s patroness.

Principal David Bibb then thanked Father Sauppe for his “wonderful work with the school.” The assembly responded with long applause.

CHANGES IN OTTAWA
Hearts were also heavy last week at St. Patrick’s School in Ottawa, which was holding its final classes. St. Patrick’s students next year will be combined with St. Columba’s students at the latter’s facility as the community transitions to Marquette Academy.

St. Patrick’s School, built in 1912 at a cost of $35,000, will be demolished, according to a decision announced last Monday.

Next week’s issue of The Catholic Post will have more on the rich history of St. Patrick’s School and the long history of Catholic education in Ottawa.