All Catholic Elementary School Reunion coming

Have you ever wondered what happened to your favorite teacher, best friend or the class clown from your elementary school?

The Catholic Alumni Partnership is hosting The Spirit We Share All Catholic Elementary School Reunion 2010 on Sunday, Oct. 31, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.

Former students from every Catholic elementary school, currently open, merged or closed throughout Western New York are welcome.

The Diocese of Buffalo is one of seven dioceses in New York and Connecticut participating in an initiative called the Catholic Alumni Partnership, with a goal of helping Catholic elementary schools reconnect with their alumni. The program, the first of its kind in the United States, is funded by a multimillion-dollar grant from New York City philanthropist Robert Wilson.

In recent months, more than 200,000 letters were sent out to former students from 151 schools across Western New York in an effort to reconnect with alumni. The response received was overwhelming. Many alumni sent back photos and wrote lengthy reminiscences of their elementary school days.

"My Catholic school education served me extremely well and allowed me to attend a number of colleges and universities. I spent more than 30 years working in corporate America in various positions. My success in the business and academic world I attribute in large measure to my Catholic school foundation."  St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus School, Niagara Falls.

"Best time of my life, learned more in eight years than I have in 49. Life lessons to live by, God, family, education." Sacred Heart School, Niagara Falls

"I cherish my Catholic school memories, thank you for them."  Prince of Peace School, Niagara Falls

 "Fantastic teachers and wonderful people -- they truly helped shape and mold their students -- they helped me become the educator I am today!" Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Niagara Falls

 "The Spirit We Share Reunion 2010 is an effort to bring together hundreds, possibly thousands of former students, who are the living legacy of Catholic schools, to reconnect and experience some of the spirit and exuberance they felt as kids," said Karin Krasevac-Lenz, director of the CAP program in Buffalo.

Bishop Edward U. Kmiec will be on hand to offer a blessing. There will be food stations and music. Attend in casual attire. The cost is $20 per person or $35 per couple.

For more information, to RSVP or volunteer, call 847-8380, or visit the Catholic Alumni Partnership page under the "Education" tab at www.buffalodiocese.org.