Bishop John Leibrecht of the Cape Girardeau-Springfield Roman Catholic Diocese told visitors to the Notre Dame High School Sunday afternoon they must not only remember the heritage of the school but must also look to its future.

The standing-room-only crowd had come together for the formal dedication of the new Notre Dame Regional High School, which the bishop called "the next wonderful, beautiful step in the life of the church."

The theme for the campaign, which the raised the money to build the new school, was "Building on the Past, Preparing for the Future, Living Today in Faith."

"We have to remember the history of this place," the bishop said, "and as we dedicate and bless this building, don't only be grateful for this day. Look ahead."

After making his remarks to the crowd, Leibrecht formally blessed the school, then passed through the halls sprinkling holy water on the structure as a part of the blessing.

Following the dedication and blessing, the crowd was allowed to tour the new building.

In his remarks, Leibrecht also reminded the people that the job of building the school was larger than was originally planned. He also said it took all of the people in the area coming together to make building the school possible.

"This is a beautiful building that promises so much," Leibrecht told the crowd, "but the building cannot make good things happen. It will not be magic. It's up to people with faith convictions."

This year marks the first year Notre Dame students have occupied the new building west of Cape Girardeau on Route K.

The school, which is the only Catholic High School in the region, has students from Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Gordonville, Scott City, Kelso, New Hamburg, Benton, Chaffee, Oran, Charleston, Sikeston, Vanduser and Morley.

Because of the regional nature of the school and the support given to build it, the bishop commended all of those who assisted in the campaign that made the school a reality.

"You are a light in this area, a light to the churches in Southern Missouri and a light to the rest of the diocese," the bishop said.

The school is the only Catholic High School in the region.