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December 31 will mark the end of our capital campaign, and what an amazing journey it has been. Thank you to everyone who participated financially – more than 1200 of you – plus all those who provide prayers, in-kind donations, and volunteer hours. We appreciate your many gifts and are so grateful to God for your generous spirits.

If you have made a financial gift, you should have received a letter confirming your listing on the donor recognition wall. If you did not receive a notification – or if you want to make a year-end gift, please contact the Advancement office before January 1.

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was a beautiful celebration. Approximately 750 of the faithful gathered for Mass with many area priests concelebrating and Bishop Steven J. Raica as the principal celebrant.

After Mass, Bishop Raica blessed the new school building, a ceremonial ribbon was cut, and the community was invited in for tours and refreshments.

It was a historic day for Catholic schools in Traverse City.

Ribbon Cutting for new Immaculate Conception School.

Ribbon Cutting for new Immaculate Conception School.

Ribbon Cutting for new Immaculate Conception School.

Ribbon Cutting for new Immaculate Conception School.

Ribbon Cutting for new Immaculate Conception School.

Ribbon Cutting for new Immaculate Conception School.

Ribbon Cutting for new Immaculate Conception School.

Ribbon Cutting for new Immaculate Conception School.

Immaculate Conception School Chapel & Altar Dedication

Immaculate Conception School Chapel & Altar Dedication

Immaculate Conception School Chapel & Altar Dedication

The beautiful stained glass in our new Saint Gabriel the Archangel Chapel was a gift from the parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church. The window depicts the Annunciation and was handcrafted by Omnibus Studios. The crucifix which hangs over the altar was also a gift from the parish. It is estimated to be more than 100 years old. (Photos by Gerald Martineau, TCSF ’64)

December 8, 2018

Bishop Steven J. Raica has announced that the Chapel in our new elementary school will bear the name of Gabriel, the archangel who was a messenger from God to the Blessed Virgin. We are thrilled to have this beautiful source of inspiration in our new building.

December 8, 2018

On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we have launched a special fundraising drive dedicated to the final needs of our new school building. We have a established goal of $300,000, and have created a place to give online.

Playground Equipment

The playground at the new Immaculate Conception Elementary School will have swings, sandboxes, a turf field, and play structures appropriate for each age group. It will also feature a synthetic surface which will last longer than mulch, minimize mess, and provide the right type of cushioning/support for young people at play.

Classroom Furniture

We plan to outfit the new school with modest new furnishings chosen by our teachers. The cost to underwrite one classroom is $10,000. Specialty classrooms (library, STEM lab, etc.) will be equipped with furnishings designed for their specific use.

Chapel Appointments

The Chapel of the Archangel Gabriel will serve students and staff  along with small gatherings of the faithful. It must be equipped with liturgical items such as a presider’s chair, pews, ambo, a chalice and ciborium, etc. We are grateful to Immaculate Conception parish for underwriting the cost of the beautiful new stained glass window depicting the Archangel Gabriel’s visit to Mary.

To give, visit our website or contact Wayne Mueller in the Advancement Department.

December 7, 2018

The current fifth graders made a special field trip to the Immaculate Conception campus today for Mass, a story read by Fr. Anthony, a cake honoring the Blessed Virgin, and then a photo in front of the new school building. It was a great day!

The parish of Immaculate Conception has made two major gifts to the new school building: A crucifix that has long been a part of the church/school history, and new stained glass windows for the school chapel. In his letter to parishioners, Fr. Anthony Citro said:

Given the longstanding and close relationship between Immaculate Conception Church and School, we could think of no more fitting decision than to provide the school with two gifts of great importance and impact: 

First, the magnificent crucifix that at one time was a fixture in the second floor of the combined school/church will be transferred to the new school, second floor Chapel. The ultimate symbol of our faith will also symbolize the unity between parish and school, and our commitment to conveying the riches of the faith to future generations.

Second, the new school chapel plans call for an arch-shaped, stained glass window featuring the Blessed Virgin Mary surrounded by angels. Quality stained glass windows are rather expensive, but they are also among the most beautiful treasures of our Church. Because of the significance of this item, the Finance Council and I have decided to make this, too, a gift from our parish to the new school. May our Blessed Mother inspire and instruct all those who pass by her light!

Thank you for your support of the school project. We look forward with joyful anticipation to its completion.

On September 7, 2018, as the remaining section of the old Immaculate Conception Elementary School was being demolished, construction crews unearthed a time capsule in the building cornerstone. The copper box contained holy cards, photographs, a school yearbook, and capital campaign materials dating back to 1961 when the addition to the school was completed. To view the contents of the time capsule, visit this link.