St. Dominic Catholic School celebrates 80 years of faith and learning

KINGSPORT — What began as a dream in 1945 — three Sisters of Mercy teaching 25 children in a single building — has grown into a living legacy of faith and learning that now spans eight decades. On Saturday, Sept. 27, parishioners, alumni and families gathered at St. Dominic Catholic Church and St. Dominic Catholic School to celebrate 80 years of blessings during a special event titled Mass & Memories. The evening began with the 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass, celebrated by Bishop Mark Beckman of the Diocese of Knoxville and concelebrated by Father Michael Cummins, pastor of St. Dominic, along with Father Anselm Edu, Father Bede Aboh, and Deacons Frank Fischer, Bob Lange, Steve Helmbrecht and Humberto Collazo. Music for the liturgy was led by Dana Bellino, alumna, alumni parent and current SDCS music teacher, together with Danyelle Porter and the SDCS student choir. Students and alumni participated as readers, altar servers and gift bearers, culminating in a touching song sung by all students in attendance — a reminder that the voices of today's children carry forward the faith planted by those who came before. Following the Mass, the celebration continued at the school campus, where guests enjoyed light refreshments, a timeline wall displaying key milestones, and photo displays reaching back to the 1940s. Alumni and parishioners shared their own stories on memory cards and video recordings, bridging generations through shared gratitude for what St. Dominic has meant in their lives. A legacy rooted in faith and service The story of St. Dominic Catholic School is woven into the story of Kingsport itself. The first Catholic Mass in Kingsport was celebrated in 1914 by Father John Callahan, fondly known as "The Horseback Priest" for his tireless travels to serve small faith communities in the region. By 1945, the Catholic community had grown enough to establish a parish and open a school, entrusted to the care of the Sisters of Mercy — a congregation known for their devotion to education and compassion for those most in need. The original school building opened that same year with just three Sisters and 25 students. Six years later, in 1951, a new brick school was dedicated, marking the first of several major expansions. In 1968, Father Woodley Hall was added, creating space for parish and school gatherings, and in 1986, the Child Development Center opened to serve the community's youngest learners. Through the decades, St. Dominic weathered cultural change, economic shifts, and even the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic — all while remaining steadfast to its mission of forming the hearts, minds and souls of children. "Our school is a ministry of the Church," said Cummins, "and has proven over the years to be that voice of Jesus that connects with people, brings them closer to God, and inspires them to live their lives in a way pleasing to Him. A school does this in a way that no other ministry can." A living mission Today, St. Dominic Catholic School continues the mission begun by the Sisters of Mercy — to educate with the love and compassion of Christ. Serving preschool through grade 5, the school offers a rigorous academic foundation integrated with Catholic identity. Students attend Mass twice weekly, participate in service projects that support parish ministries and the local community, and grow in faith through music, art and daily prayer. "The strength of our school lies in our closeness as a community," reflected Principal Bonnie Saleh. "It's a place where children are known by name, where faith is lived daily, and where every person — student, teacher or parent — is valued as a member of our family in Christ." "We continue the mission of staying true to the example Jesus gave us — we learn, we teach, we pray and we serve," added Beth Barnette, director of development and admissions. "St. Dominic has always been more than a school. It's a community where hearts are formed and faith is lived out loud." Barnette said the Mass & Memories event reminded everyone that while buildings and faces may change, the spirit that defines St. Dominic remains constant — faithful, generous and full of hope. Looking forward with faith For 80 years, St. Dominic Catholic School has helped generations of children build a foundation of faith, knowledge and service. Many alumni have gone on to become educators, health care workers, business leaders and parents who now send their own children to the same school halls they once walked. In its 81st year, the school continues to thrive as a ministry of St. Dominic Parish, welcoming families of all faiths and sharing the light of Christ through Catholic education.