As we move into Catholic Schools Week we highlight one school that has been educating students in the Faith for more than 150 years.
St. Joseph School in Baltic celebrated a milestone this year—its 150th anniversary. Since its founding in 1874, the school has been a cornerstone of faith, education, and community, nurturing generations of students to lead lives of service and integrity. The anniversary celebrations on January 26, 2025, reflected the school’s enduring legacy and vibrant present, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, and friends.
Commemorative Mass
The day began with a commemorative Mass at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated by Father Tito and concelebrated by Father Josemaria.
Students played integral roles in the liturgy, from reading Scripture to presenting offertory gifts, serving on the altar, and singing in the choir, underscoring the importance of faith formation at St. Joseph School.
Anniversary Brunch
Following the Mass, the community gathered for an Anniversary Brunch filled with fellowship, reflection, and celebration. The event opened with a prayer by Father Tito and included inspiring remarks from alumnus Randy Wilkinson, Class of 1979, and Father Josemaria, a Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate from the Marian Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Griswold.
Father Josemaria shared a thoughtful reflection on St. Joseph as an educator, drawing a parallel between the saint’s role in Jesus’ life and the mission of St. Joseph School. “Even our Lord, in His humanity, learned through experience,” he explained. “In the School of St. Joseph, Christ grew in wisdom and stature. This school carries on that same legacy of forming young minds and hearts with faith and integrity.”
Infusing his speech with humor, Father Josemaria joked about “Tito Tuesday,” a day at the friary when Father Tito comes to hear confessions and, more importantly, brings pizza. “No greater love has a priest than this: to hear the confessions of his brethren and bring pizza,” he quipped, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
Randy Wilkinson followed with his own reflection on the profound impact St. Joseph School has had on his life. “For 150 years, St. Joseph School has sown seeds of faith and education in fertile soil,” he said. “The yield has been extraordinary—men and women formed with values, purpose, and a commitment to serving others.”
Wilkinson also shared a humorous anecdote about how he was “voluntold” by Father Tito to be a speaker at the event. “Two months ago, Father Tito told me he had good news. Naturally, I assumed it had something to do with Wednesday night bingo. But no, the good news was that he had found a speaker—for today’s event. And who was the speaker? Me!” His self-deprecating humor and heartfelt remarks struck a perfect balance, earning both laughs and applause from the audience.
A Living Testament
The highlight of the brunch was the presence of 103-and-a-half-year-old alumna Jeanette Tétreault, who graduated from St. Joseph School in 1934. Her mother was the first generation in her family to attend the school. Jeanette’s daughter, Linda Glaude, also attended the school and later taught there. This legacy continued with Jeanette’s grandchildren and now great-grandchildren—five generations in all. Her attendance at the event brought history to life for everyone present, inspiring a sense of pride and gratitude for the school’s enduring mission.
A Legacy of Excellence
Interim Principal Dr. Gail Kingston expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support and participation in the anniversary events. “This celebration is a testament to the enduring power of faith, family, and tradition,” she said. “St. Joseph School is not just a building—it is a community that has shaped countless lives over the past 150 years. Together, we honor our past and commit ourselves to a future filled with hope and purpose.”
As attendees raised their glasses in a toast to “150 years of faith, family, and tradition,” the spirit of St. Joseph School’s mission was alive and well. The celebration gave thanks for the school’s history of service to the community and the countless lives it has touched over its 150 years.
For more information about St. Joseph School and its mission, visit StJosephSchoolBaltic.com. Cheers to 150 years, and here’s to the journey ahead!