Dear Friends in the Lord,

St. Mary's Academy was a success in its first year, one hundred years ago. This success was to grow over the years as additions of brick and mortar were made to the school building to meet the growing numbers of students. More important than these expansions was the dedication of religious sisters and the commitment of families to maintain the school program. The new school, and convent, opened in 1962 was further evidence that Catholic education was a priority of the parish, the O'Neill community and the Franciscan sisters.

Your efforts to maintain a successful school over the years, and a keen awareness of God's blessings behind your efforts, should prompt each of us to rededicate ourselves in a new way to the mission of a Catholic school, to the life of the parish faith community and to the task of sharing our faith in Jesus throughout the community.

I extend my congratulations to St. Patrick Parish, the Franciscan Sisters of Penance and Charity and the families and supporters of St. Mary Grade and High School on this occasion of the centenary of these schools. I rejoice with you and on this important occasion I thank God for you.

Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Most Reverend Elden Francis Curtiss

Archbishop of Omaha