Celebrating 150 years of Catholic education in Phillipsburg

While the institution has gone by different names and even served different grade levels and age groups over the years, Warren County’s only Catholic school has been steadfast in its mission to educate and enrich young people.
And as Saints Philip and James School – as it is now known – marks its 150th anniversary this year, school and parish leaders, students and parents both past and present have cause to celebrate.
“We have been a fixture in our community, and we hope to continue this tradition for many more years to come,” said principal Sara Siano. “We have such a rich history, that I think it is hard to talk about Phillipsburg without mentioning our Catholic School.”
The school traces its origins to the late 1800s, with the school’s first cornerstone laid in 1875. The institution, earlier known as Saint Philip and St. James (SPSJ), would go on to experience changes to meet various enrollment needs in the community throughout its history – including an expansion as Phillipsburg Catholic High School and later All Saints Regional School. In 1999, after the closure of the high school, it was renamed as Saints Philip and James. 
“Whether it was SPSJ, PCHS, All Saints, and currently SSPJ, it doesn’t matter what the name of the school was over these past 150 years, our legacy is a collage of countless memories, achievements, and milestones,” said Margie Markus, who attended the school herself and has seen her children and grandchildren follow in her footsteps. “This intricate mosaic not only reflects the pride of students, faculty, and alumni but also serves as a beacon for future generations.”
Markus, who is also head of the school’s alumni committee, has been working in preparation for this year’s milestone anniversary to collect details about the school’s history, combing through yearbooks and examining historical memorabilia. While a lot has changed in K-12 education in the past century and a half, she noted, the core of the school’s work has remained the same.
“Saints Philip and James School seeks to achieve excellence in education and to instill the morality and spirituality that provide the basis for becoming a responsible citizen and productive member of society,” she said. “That was the belief of those early educators back in 1875 and even though education has come a long way in the past 150 years, these beliefs still hold true today, allowing us to remain steadfast to our strong foundation in the Catholic faith.”
In honor of its 150th anniversary, the school will organize an event for school families and alumni in May, on the feast of Saints Philip and James, and will be planning a larger event later in the year. 
Father John Barbella formerly served as pastor of the school’s parish, and is now pastor of St. John Vianney, Colonia. Reflecting on the strong legacy of the school, he noted the dedication of religious sisters and brothers who taught at the institution over the years – including the Sisters of Charity, the Sisters of Mercy, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope, and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.
“Few schools that I know of have ever had such a varied group of religious communities serving over the years – each of which brought their unique charism to it,” he said. “The same is true of the many, many, dedicated lay teachers over the years – who made untold sacrifices to teach in Catholic School – giving a powerful witness to the students. This is some of what makes this school so special.”
He noted that the school is responsible for promoting many vocations to the priesthood and religious life, mentioning in particular the late Msgr. Terrence Lawler, as well as Father Patrick Boyle, who still assists with Masses at the parish. 
For Father Barbella, the 150-year anniversary says a lot about the school’s impact.
“It provided people who wanted to educate their children in an atmosphere permeated with the Catholic Faith an opportunity to do that, and they took advantage of that opportunity,” he said. “No Catholic school survives 150 years unless people are willing to support it for all that time.”
Father Antony Arockiadoss, the current pastor of Saints Philip and James Parish, expressed his gratitude to all the clergy, school leaders, parents, parishioners, volunteers and donors who have helped the school to thrive for so many years. 
“This hardworking community built one of the best churches of its time – calling it ‘The Cathedral of the West’ – and pioneered in education that built community and faith. They believed it and continue to spread that message,” he said, “Still (today), our school parents love to send their children here. They love the school, staff, and the prayerful atmosphere we provide.”