On the morning of February 2, following an All-School Mass, the Cardinal Gibbons school community, along with over 100 guests, attended the official groundbreaking blessing ceremony for the Building the Vision construction and renovation project. The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, celebrated the Mass and presided over the blessing ceremony, held at the new construction site on campus.

Fei-Lin Scruggs ’12 gave a reflection during Mass, telling those assembled about the new facilities that are being added to the school as a result of the expansion and renovation project. Scruggs, who is involved in myriad activities at school, including dance, also said that her memories of Cardinal Gibbons are attached to places within the school such as the theater and dance room.

“We have been lucky to be here in this building and it is exciting to think that the future students of Gibbons will have similar experiences as well,” she said. “The new additions will give them the chance to make their own memories in high school.” Read Fei-Lin’s entire reflection.

At the conclusion of the Prayer after Communion, students, faculty and guests processed to the construction site for the blessing ceremony. Under a bright morning sky, Principal Jason D. Curtis welcomed the audience, saying that after much prayer, planning and generosity of time and talent, we gather now to bless this (construction) site.

“This project,” he noted, “will allow for continued growth in our academic  and co-curricular programs, while keeping us mindful of the mission of Cardinal Gibbons High School: to form men and women of faith, service, and leadership in church and community.”

Later in the ceremony, Bishop Burbidge blessed the site, saying: “Today, may we rejoice in the work that will begin. Once complete, may it be a place where students and teachers, imbued with the words of truth, continue to search for the wisdom that guides the Christian life and strive whole-heartedly to be people of faith, service, and leadership.”

After the blessing, Bishop Burbidge, Principal Curtis, Dr. Michael Fedewa, Superintendent of Schools, David Nerz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Gene Davis ’86, President of the Alumni Council, and Jennifer Betz ’12, Student Council Executive President, all donned hard hats, lifted shovels and broke ground on the school’s $15.5 million project. The Building the Vision expansion and renovation project will equip the school with additional classrooms, athletics and arts facilities and a new entrance, as well as the latest in technology to help educate new generations of students. Completion is expected in August 2013.

Reviewing the morning events Curtis said: “What a wonderful opportunity for our students and faculty to celebrate Building the Vision with so many leaders, friends, and supporters of the school. It was inspiring to see both our school’s past and present come together to give this gift to the future generations of Cardinal Gibbons families.”

Learn more about the Building the Vision construction and renovation project, including FAQs, interactive site plan and press release.

View a live broadcast of the groundbreaking

Video of Mass and groundbreaking

Watch ABC’s coverage of the event