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Pictured above: Sister Pat Davis, founder and former director, with Christa Hanson, Presentation Associate and current director, at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Learning and Loving Education Center in Morgan Hill, California.
by Christa Hanson, Presentation Associate and Learning and Loving Education Center executive director
The past mingled with the present as all looked toward the future. In March of 1994, the Learning and Loving Education Center was opened through the vision and efforts of the Sisters of the Presentation, San Francisco. Twenty immigrant women and their little children came to learn and grow. Now, in March of 2019, 170 immigrant women and 55 of their preschool children come to learn and grow. There is much to be celebrated.
On March 2 a gala celebration was held to recognize, remember, reflect upon, revel in, and rave about what has been, what continues to be, and what may lie ahead for the Center. The liturgy at St. Catherine Church in Morgan Hill set the tone for the anniversary festivity. The Rev. Patrick J. McGrath, Bishop of San Jose, was present. He has always been there for the Center, supporting with his presence, his encouragement, his financial gifts, and above all, his prayers. The Sisters of the Presentation, who continue to sponsor this ministry, added a sense of continuity and belief in the goodness of what the Center has been and become. Many staff, students, donors, and friends of the Center joined in the joyful praise. There was much to be celebrated.
Former and present students joined Christa Hanson, executive director (upper left), and Sister Pat Davis, founder and former director (center), to celebrate 25 years of Learning and Loving in Morgan Hill, California.
The reception was a time to recognize past and present staff, volunteers, boards, donors and students. Of course, a delicious menu of international foods added to the celebration. Music, song and dance, as well as three speakers from the Center and a professional video, filled the hall with happiness and spirit. The Center was the grateful recipient of monetary donations to further its work and programs. There was much celebrated, with more to come!