A Catholic elementary school in Napanee is getting not only an addition but a slightly longer name.
Trustees with the Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic District School Board have approved the renaming of J.J. O’Neill Catholic School to Monsignor J.J. O’Neill Catholic School in honour of his significant contributions to Napanee’s Catholic faith development and practice, Catholic education and to the broader community.
Rev. J.J. O’Neill became pastor of St. Patrick’s Church in Napanee in 1969 and was instrumental in the purchase of the land for what would become Napanee Separate School.
The Marilyn Avenue school was renamed J.J. O’Neill Catholic School in 1978.
The board says including his ecclesiastical title in the school’s name would more accurately honour his legacy and inspire students to emulate his commitment to a faith-filled education, social justice, and community service.
Given that construction on the addition is currently underway, it was felt this was an opportune moment to make the formal name change.
