I am pleased and excited to announce that in mid-January, Saint Raphael Academy purchased the Father Barry CYO Center from the Office of Comprehensive Youth Ministry for the Diocese. This purchase along with the lot where the convent for the Sisters, (who taught at Saint Joseph’s,) stood will be the site for the new Saint Raphael Academy Athletic & Wellness Center.

On February 24, 2006, the demolition of the Father Barry Center began. For those of you interested in seeing the actual demolition, it can be found on our website, www.saintrays.org. We held our groundbreaking ceremony for this new Center on April 26, 2006. We were honored that Bishop Thomas Tobin, D.D. and Mayor James Doyle ’56 were with us at this ceremony.

The dreams of many over the years are finally becoming a reality. However, there is a great deal that needs to be done to accomplish this dream. We have embarked upon an ambitious capital campaign, “The Time Is Now,” to develop state-of-the-art Athletic/Wellness and Fine Arts Centers that address the school’s most critical needs. The construction of these facilities will provide our Athletic and Fine Arts programs with the crucial resources necessary to grow and flourish, while affording students a full and complete educational experience. The Academy’s marketability will also be dramatically improved. We have already seen a significant increase in applications for next year’s freshman class. In other words, the successful completion of this campaign will define the future of SAINTS!

Our students continue to carry on the proud Academy tradition our 2005-2006 school year has gone extremely well. Our Fall athletic programs did well. Our Drama Program once again put on an excellent musical as they wowed crowds with their performance of My Fair Lady. Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams were #1 in Division 1 North. Unfortunately, both teams lost in the semi-finals after having impressive seasons. Our boys’ hockey team is currently in the playoffs having survived the first round. So, as you can see, life at the Academy continues to keep us very busy!

We are indeed blessed to have a truly generous and loyal Academy community, and I am confident that we will meet the challenge ahead with the same faith, spirit and dedication that has characterized Saint Raphael Academy for the past 81 years. This effort marks the most significant initiative in the school’s history and our success depends on the involvement of all who share in this great heritage. I ask that when you are approached by members of the capital campaign team, that you please give thoughtful and prayerful consideration towards an investment in the future of Saint Raphael Academy and the young men and women we serve.

Live Jesus in our hearts, … Forever!

Sincerely,

Brother Daniel Aubin, F.S.C.
Academy President