100-year legacy

Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor of St. Rose Parish, also praised the commitment of the faculty. “Teaching in a Catholic school is a great sacrifice. There is a spirit here that is very attractive and inviting. Teachers care for one another as well.”

Likewise, the parish community firmly supports both St. Rose High School and St. Rose Grammar School, which celebrated its centennial in 1921. Msgr. Arnister spoke about the energy that young people bring to the parish. “Our parishioners are very supportive of the school. We emphasize that everyone is responsible for Catholic education and educating our young. This reflects our Gospel values. I love being a pastor in this school. It keeps me young and gives me hope in the future.”

The St. Rose Board, composed of administrators and lay members, collaborate to bring experience, skills, and resources to support St. Rose’s future. Board member Francis “Fro” Heine, ’80, who counts himself among 22 family members who attended St. Rose, explained, “As board members, we look at the high school as being within a competitive business environment of other strong schools.” He explained that one distinct advantage at St. Rose are the opportunities “for every student to be in leadership positions

Faculty and student members of the St. Rose Pipe Band perform at the Jan. 6 school centennial celebration. Courtesy photo

 St. Rose juniors pose with a celebratory frame Jan. 6. In front, from left: Maria Testa, Reese Loscar and Alyssa Luizzi; back row from left: Emily Fudge, Giovanni Pescatore and Andrew Restiano. Courtesy photo

ST. ROSE BY THE NUMBERS:

95% - faculty with advanced degrees

400 - student enrollment

$150,000 - average college scholarship per student

100% - college acceptance

12 to 1 - student teacher ratio

22 - sports teams that will, in turn, grow their skills and confidence.”

St. Rose is intertwined within the community in a very profound way. Once again hearkening back to mission, Dougherty highlighted that, “Our work in Catholic schools is so essential in serving our communities and, in turn, truly making a difference in the lives of others.”

As Peter Smith, ’63, proudly stated, “It’s the premier educational institution in Belmar.

The fact that it is the oldest continuing operating high school in the Diocese of Trenton is remarkable to me. It has stood the test of time.”

For generations, St. Rose High School has supported those who seek to build their family’s life around their faith, not just at school, but also at home, at work, and in the community. The charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Chestnut Hill, the first teachers at St. Rose, resonates still: “Uniting God, neighbor and all creation.” allowed for creation of outdoor athletic facilities.

On Oct. 29, 2012, Superstorm Sandy destroyed the first floor and basement of the campus. The community came together to restore the building and physical plant within a year.

In the last decade, St. Rose has invested in the construction of a new science wing, media center/library, and five new learning centers:

C.A.V.E. (Center for Animation, Video, and Entertainment)

S.T.R.E.A.M. Makerspace (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math)

Business and Financial Center

Performing Arts Center

Engineering Center for the Project Lead the Way Curriculum

Robert Dougherty ’05 began his role as principal July 1, 2022. He is a 2001 graduate of St. Rose Grammar School as well.

BY DOROTHY K. LAMANTIA  Correspondent

It is a time for celebration as St. Joseph School and Donovan Catholic High School observe and honor a combined 150 years as a center of Catholic education in Ocean County.

Founded in 1932, St. Joseph School, the county’s oldest Catholic school, shares 16 acres with the parish church and high school – the county’s only Catholic secondary school – in Toms River.

When Father Scott Shaffer took the helm as pastor of the parish and director of the schools in 2012, he visualized establishing connections between both schools and the parish to make them a family.

“While the leadership of the schools is different,” said Father Shaffer, “all realize they are on the same team, encouraging each other and collaborating for the betterment of the schools and the children they serve.”

Collaboration finds expression on the St. Joseph/Donovan Catholic campus in shared faith experiences, community activities, and academics.

Toms River schools share legacy of 150 years of

St. Joseph School principal Madeline Kinloch explained, “We share joint liturgies and prayer services, where the high schoolers become role models to our kids. Our middle schoolers attend programs at the high school, like the live streaming of Pope Francis’ visit.

“Seniors, especially those who anticipate majoring in education, intern in our classrooms. Both schools share the same performing arts director. School bands perform joint concerts twice yearly. Seniors on the high school stage crew