News Release

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Mark Dau

The Hunterdon Group, Inc.

E-Mail: Mark@HunterdonGroup.com

Cell:  908-619-6289

 

DIOCESE OF METUCHEN TO HONOR IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL CLINTON AS THEIR SPOTLIGHT SCHOOL OF THE YEAR; PASTOR ALSO HONORED

 

ON THE INTERNET:  http://www.icsclinton.org/presskit/

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Friday, August 27, 2004

 

CLINTON TWP., NJ – Immaculate Conception School (ICS) in the Annandale section of Clinton Township, NJ, has been chosen to be the spotlighted school for the Diocese of Metuchen’s 2005 Spotlight on Catholic Education Dinner.  The school, beginning only its third year of existence, will be recognized at the third annual dinner to be held next April.

 

“The success of Immaculate Conception School in such a short time frame is a wonderful success story,” says Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski.  “It is a joy to see first hand the answer to so many prayers.”

 

As the first Catholic Pre-K through eighth-grade school in Hunterdon County, ICS enrolls almost 500 students from the greater Hunterdon County area.  In August 1999, the Diocese approved the establishment of the school, with ICS opening its doors in 2001 to children entering three-year-old pre-school through fourth grade. In 2002, the new school building opened. 

 

"Visiting the school last spring, I was taken with how excited the students were when they talked about their school," the Bishop noted. "Listening to them you know ICS is Catholic education at its best."

 

Immaculate Conception School will receive half of the proceeds of the Spotlight Dinner, which will also benefit the Diocese’s Foundation for Catholic Education. Through the foundation, tuition assistance is provided to families with children who attend any of the Diocese’s 42 parochial elementary schools, two Diocesan high schools and two parochial high schools. 

 

“ICS strives to create a Christ-based environment that fosters in each student spiritual growth, academic excellence and moral integrity,” says ICS principal Annamarie Reilly.  “This honor spotlights not just the school, but the many parents and volunteers who support the school.  But most importantly, it honors the children, who are the true shinning stars.”

 

 

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In addition to ICS being honored as the Spotlight School for 2005, Reverend Andrew L. Szaroleta, Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church and School, will also be honored that evening with the Bishop Edward T. Hughes Leadership in Catholic Education award.  “Like seed sown in good ground, the dream of such a school was nurtured into reality under the pastoral leadership of Father Szaroleta with the support of many faithful parishioners, parents and friends,” says Rev. Msgr. John B. Szymanski, the Vicar General for Development and Planning.  “Under his leadership, vision and tireless energy, Immaculate Conception has blossomed into a model of academic and spiritual excellence.”

 

For more information on the Spotlight on Catholic Education Dinner, contact the Office of Development at 732-562-1990, Extension 1600.   For more information on Immaculate Conception School, contact the school at 908-735-6334.

 

 

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About Immaculate Conception School

 

Immaculate Conception School is situated on a 54-acre campus on Old Allerton Road in the Annandale section of Clinton Township, NJ.  Located near the intersection of State Highway 31 and Interstate 78, the complex also includes a church, parish hall, priests’ residence and offices, pre-school and kindergarten building and athletic fields.

 

Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church was established on Oct. 13, 1864, as a mission church, attended at different times by pastors of parishes in High Bridge, Hampton, Lambertville and Flemington.  The first church building was constructed in 1879 and situated on Halstead Street in the town of Clinton.  On Nov. 14, 1947, Immaculate Conception became a parish church with the appointment of its first resident pastor.

 

In 1969, the parish moved from the town of Clinton to the Annandale section of Clinton Township.  The present house of worship, situated on St. Mary’s Hill, was dedicated on June 30, 1996. Reverend Andrew L. Szaroleta has served as the parish’s resident pastor since Feb. 1993.

           

 

Immaculate Conception School

314 Old Allerton Road, Annandale, NJ 08801-3207

Telephone:  908-735-6334

Facsimile:  908-238-0724