In 1984, Father Fred Gaglia was appointed pastor, bringing about many changes. The Diocese re-identified the school as a parish facility and changed the school’s name to Sacred Heart Parish School.
Fifty years later, on September 19, 2015, people from Anton Martin Slomsleck and Sacred Heart Parish School came together to celebrate the community that it formed, “Rooted in Faith.”
The celebration started with a Mass celebrated by Father Romeo Seleccion, MS, Episcopal Vicar of the San Bernardino Pastoral Region, and concelebrated by Father Benedict Nwachukwu-Udaku, the pastor, Father Ed Molumby, Father Julian Okoroanyanwu, associate pastor, Father David Andel, a former student, and Father John Gunningham, a former teacher.
Current and past students, families, faculty and staff came together to celebrate the community that has been educated at Sacred Heart Parish School and their many accomplishments. Five of the original 18 sisters who worked at the school in its first 19 years were present at the celebration: Sister Therese Ann, Sister Patricia, Sister Annette, Sister Lois and Sister Jememe.
Some of the alumni and staff from those first years came to greet the Sisters, recount memories and rekindle friendships. Some original students have sent their children to Sacred Heart and now their grandchildren are attending the school. Classrooms were opened so they could revisit their old rooms, while activities for the kids were on the school grounds and food was served in the halls.
Current families and students attended the celebration, eating, laughing and forming their own friendships and memories to last.
Both the school and sisters received a Papal Blessing celebrating 50 years of dedication to Catholic education. Sacred Heart Parish School also received an Episcopal blessing from Bishop Gerald Barnes in appreciation for their dedicated service, sacrifice, and care for this community.
Principal Trenna Meins also received for Sacred Heart Parish School, a California Legislation Assembly Resolution, “Resolved by Assembly Member Marc Steinorth and Senator Mike Morrell,” saluting Sacred Heart Parish School… and point with pride to the outstanding opportunities it has provided to its students over the years, and extend sincere best wishes for its continued success in the future.”