From the Head of Saint Peter School – It Takes a Church: Saint Peter School at 125

In 1901, the School Sisters of Notre Dame opened the doors of Saint Peter School to the children of this parish, and those doors have not closed since. For 125 years, through good times and bad times, this school has formed young people in the Catholic faith and prepared them to serve their community and their world.

A well-known expression states that it takes a village to raise a child. Our school’s history suggests something more: It doesn’t just take a village; it takes a Church. A Church forms the whole child, heart, mind, and soul. A Church also lasts longer than any one generation; the families who pray in our Parish today are carrying forward what the families of 1901 (and before!) began. Saint Peter School has lasted 125 years because the whole Church has held it up. We would not be here if not for the prayers of many people including members of our school community, the members of this parish, and the Archdiocese of Boston; we would not be here without all of the prayers, time, talent, and treasure that has been given by people like you reading this message today.

Saint Peter School now serves more than 200 students from Cambridge and surrounding areas. We have grown in part due to your generosity in speaking about our school to your families and friends, and thanks to the generosity of many donors who help us welcome students with financial need. Our Catholic identity shapes our every day; students prepare for and receive the sacraments here, serve our neighbors through our Service-Learning program and partnerships, and pray together as a school community. We are also an academically rigorous school that pushes our students to high levels of achievement; for example, our students score better than approximately 85% of students nationwide on standardized testing (NWEA MAP)! Finally, we are a school with a great sense of community; we have an active Parent Association, packed events (like this celebration), and the support of our parish. We are so grateful for you, and for all that you do to keep Saint Peter School thriving!

So, to everyone who helped prepare today’s Mass and celebration, including especially Ms. Kathleen O’Connell, who organized our fabulous volunteer effort, and to every parishioner, past and present, who has taught, volunteered, prayed, or given so that children could learn here: this anniversary belongs to you.

We give thanks for our first 125 years, and we look forward to the next 125 together.

Sincerely yours in Christ,  Dr. Evan Kristiansen