Savannah Catholic school unveils $17.6M improvements

by Shakuria Smith

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Saint James the Less Catholic Church and School will celebrate the progress of its $17.6 million “Charging Forward in Faith and Education” capital campaign Sunday, Sept. 27.

The celebration will begin with an 11:30 a.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop Stephen Parkes, followed by a 12:45 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing improvements and additions made through the campaign.

Guests will then be invited to tour the school’s newly completed spaces and enjoy light refreshments.

The campaign includes projects focused on three areas: parish worship, expansion of the school campus and the future of Catholic education.

Church renovations include updates to the sanctuary, choir area, audio and lighting, pews and flooring.

The school campus improvements include a rebuilt front entrance and a new junior high with six additional classrooms.

The campaign also includes endowment funds intended to support parish capital expenses and operations, make Catholic education more accessible and provide professional development opportunities for the school.

While several projects have been completed, the church and school are continuing fundraising efforts through Dec. 31 as part of the campaign’s final push.

Saint James the Less traces its roots to 1874.

The parish was officially established in 1956, and its school opened that same year.