The rain did not stop the good spirits for those in attendance who came Dec. 7 to celebrate the completion of a parish milestone for St. Philip the Apostle Church in Pasadena.

Cardinal Roger Mahony, along with San Gabriel Region Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala, blessed and dedicated a new school building at the celebration, moved inside the parish hall because of the rain. "We are not just blessing a building," Cardinal Mahony reminded the students, "but each one of you as well."

Planning for the new building --- along with the renovation of another existing building --- has been in the works for more than six years. Previously, the campus was spread out, with each building (one for lower grades, one for upper) situated on opposite ends of the property.

"The best part of having this wonderful new space is that for the first time in a very long time, the students are together on one campus, in one space," said principal Jennifer Rameriz. "All of us --- students, teachers, and everyone who works here --- feel united and a real sense of joy at being together."

Designed by Kluger Architects of Signal Hill, the renovation and new building cost $8 million, raised in a $14 Capital Campaign fund. Special features of the new school building include an art room with a wash-up station, computer lab with 35 individual stations, science room, and specifically designed kindergarten rooms with separate bathrooms and exits directly to the play yard.

The two-story building is ADA compliant with elevators. The building also has a state-of-the-art emergency system with automatic closing fire doors and alarm system.

In addition to celebrating its future, the school is also recognizing its past this year with its 80th anniversary. A photo of the first graduating class shows five students; today more than 500 students attend the K-8 school.