St. Jude Regional Catholic School Celebrated 70 Years

The Rockville institution marked seven decades of education with a commemorative Mass and a community gala.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Secondary Education

St. Jude Regional Catholic School Celebrated 70 Years

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St. Jude Regional Catholic School in Rockville celebrated its 70th anniversary with a special Mass and gala held on September 26, 2026. The milestone commemorated seven decades of operation since the school first opened its doors in 1956.

Why it matters

The event honored the institution's long-standing role in the community and its historical transition from being staffed by religious sisters to lay leadership. It also served as a fundraiser to support ongoing tuition assistance for local families.

The school was founded with 256 students in 1956. Over the decades, it saw significant family legacies, including the Mayer family, who sent 25 children through the school.

The players

St. Jude Regional Catholic School

This is a private Catholic school located in Rockville, Maryland, that has served the local community since 1956.

Bishop Juan Esposito

He is a high-ranking Catholic cleric who presided over the commemorative anniversary Mass for the school.

Jeanne Donatelli

She is a former educator who shaped the school's culture through her 26-year tenure as principal.

Paula Gwynn Grant

She was one of the first African American students to attend the school, enrolling in 1973.

Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis

This religious order staffed the school from its founding in 1956 until their relocation in 2016.

The details

The celebration included a Mass led by Bishop Juan Esposito at the Shrine of St. Jude, followed by a gala in the parish hall that featured a paddle raise for tuition assistance. The event highlighted institutional history, including the 26-year tenure of principal Jeanne Donatelli and the impact of early students like Paula Gwynn Grant, who began her education there in 1973.

September 17, 1956: The school opened to its first 256 students.
2016: The final Bernardine Sisters relocated from the convent.
2021: The youngest of the Mayer siblings graduated from the school.
September 26, 2026: The 70th anniversary Mass was celebrated.

Culture Shift

The school's evolution mirrors the wider trend of Catholic institutions transitioning from administration by the Bernardine Sisters to lay-led management. This reflects a broader shift in the structure of private religious education across the United States.

The anniversary gala served as a practical mechanism to boost tuition assistance, directly impacting the accessibility of the school for future students. Residents can expect the institution to continue its focus on student affordability as it begins its eighth decade.

The takeaway

This milestone highlights the importance of multi-generational family involvement in maintaining the longevity of local private schools. Communities looking to preserve such institutions often rely on similar fundraising efforts to ensure long-term financial viability for new families.