Hello dear former classmates of St Pius X High School - Girls & Boys - beneficiaries of the dedication of the Sisters of Saint Anne and Christian Brothers of Ireland.
Good memories that continue to give life
Undoubtedly we all have some not so positive or perhaps even quite negative memories from out four or less years at St. Pius X High School on Papineau Avenue in Montreal. After all, we were teenagers, although at the time I didn't feel like a teenager at all. As I recall it, that term was not so readily thrown about as it later came to be.
I remember the good brothers addressing us as "Gentlemen" and the good sisters addressing our schoolmates from the "Girls' side" as "Ladies". Our dress and behavior reflected those addresses and, I felt then and still feel today, so did our attitudes and feelings.
Perhaps it is not too late today for us of the "older generation" to pass on or "pay forward" those remarkably positive attitudes and strategies employed by the brothers and sisters and required of the lay teachers and staff at that time.
Respect for others, even for the young, can still be employed with good effect, and we can carry on the good that benefited us so many years ago and continue to enrich our lives today. Away with the negative and cynical attitudes and "in" with the positive, confident, and hopeful attitudes brought to Earth by the Child of Bethlehem, the man of Nazareth, the Crucified and Risen Lord, Jesus Christ.
A period of fun meetings, organizing, and joyful reunions
Way back in 2002 some of us bumped into each other who hadn't seen the other or heard from each other since graduation in 1966; while others in clumps of two or three did maintain contact over the years. A "ball began to roll" as it were in 2006 and, by 2007 deliberate decisions were made to seek out more classmates and think eventually of having a reunion.
Planning began in earnest in April 2009 and our first reunion happened fairly quickly at St Luke Parish on the grounds of the church, rectory, and garden on a beautiful, sunny Saturday September 26, 2009. For this first reunion we were only guys but 37 of 40 came and it was simply wonderful. It was very timely because over the next few years we lost some of our classmates who moved on into the great adventure of eternity.
August 28, 2010 we had another reunion, much less formal, in Ricky Doyle's beautiful back yard, and this time, we enjoyed the company of some of the girls, classmates, and a few companions.
September 24, 2011 we had another, more formal, reunion at the banquet hall on Henri Bourassa in Ville St Laurent with more guys and gals classmates whom we had managed to find, and the atmosphere was so enthusiastic and positive that we already began to dream of a "50th Anniversary Reunion" and the planning continued in earnest.
The "reunion team" grew and increased in number and over the next five years had lots of fun meeting over meals in restaurants, occasionally in a home, and slowly worked towards our big goal of our 50th Anniversary reunion.
The happy day came and we were almost as excited as we were for our grad ball back in 1966!
Saturday, May 28th, 2016 we held our "St. Pius X High School 50th Anniversary Reunion" at Vino Rosso Banquet Hall on Henri Bourassa, where we had five years earlier had a smaller 45th Anniversary Reunion. Sidney Freund and his Band provided the entertainment and we had quite a night of it! Classmates came from in and out of the province, one from as far as Vancouver, and from south of the border. We enjoyed table fellowship, the meal, drinks and chatting in circles here and there, joining in the dancing, going out for some air and quiet chatting, and overall reminiscing, fun, and sharing. At various points we had some brief formal presentations to highlight the moment. Good memories to add to our memories from the past.
The end of a wondrous period of enthusiastic activity
Now the time has come for us to "return to normal" as it were. We are all delighted to find that we still have the freedom to take initiatives, to get together, and to enjoy one another's company.
Feel free to peruse and enjoy previous posts and the photo albums.
Peace to one and all in this new year 2017 as we quickly approach "Mardi Gras" and another season of Lent and its twin the Easter Season.... Before you know it we'll be enjoying another Spring and Summer seasons.
May you and your loved ones ever know the love, mercy, and peace of God!
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