LAKELAND  |  The Resurrection Catholic School community in Lakeland gathered Aug. 19, 2026, to celebrate the generosity of administrators, current and former parish priests, and many individuals who made extensive campus renovations possible. Bishop John Noonan celebrated the school’s weekly Mass and afterwards, blessed the new buildings.

Over two years ago, in May 2024, renovation began at the Sheedy Center, the original church building. “Over the next eight months, this historic building was transformed into a beautiful space that now houses our preschool, art, music, and resource classrooms,” said Tammi Haas, principal. In February 2025, Henkelman Construction began demolition and reconstruction of what would become the school’s new administration offices.

“This project allowed us to relocate our administrators and office staff back to the heart of our campus,” Haas said. “Safety became an especially important part of our planning.”

They redesigned traffic flow, fencing, and access to the school campus to ensure it remains secure during the school day. However, when they arrived at the end of construction, they realized there was more work to do.

“The renovation of our two elementary classroom buildings was not originally part of the plan,” Haas said.

The two buildings predated the school and originally housed faith formation classes. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, the buildings needed extensive repairs. New classrooms were built for first through third grade students. They also added restrooms inside both first-grade classrooms to improve student safety and maximize instructional time.

In addition to these improvements, four classrooms received new flooring and fresh paint and the school now has a new library. Despite the extra projects, the approximately $6 million project was completed debt-free.

Father Angel García, parochial administrator of Resurrection Parish, surprised Father Tim LaBo with a plaque for the school’s office, dedicating the space to him in commemoration for his efforts. The plaque is “a small token of appreciation back to (Father LaBo) in recognition of all the hard work (he has) given to our school and parish community,” Father García said.

“We’re all here today because of your generosity, your generosity and love for the priesthood,” said Bishop Noonan, who described Father LaBo as “a person who loves to give of what gifts and talents he has.”

Father LaBo humbly accepted the honor and was quick to point out there were many people who helped bring the renovations to fruition. “It’s not just me who makes all of this happen… it takes all of us,” Father LaBo said. “It takes the community. It takes everyone in the school and everyone in the parish, everyone in the community to make a big project like this really happen.” He added, “I’m grateful for the support of each and every one of all of you… for that effort to bring us to full completion.”

“Today, our campus is more beautiful, functional, and safe because of the many people who came together over the past several years to plan, dream, design, and create these spaces for our students and our community,” Haas said. “We celebrate the people who made this possible, the faith that has guided us, and the bright future that lies ahead for Resurrection Catholic Church and School.”

By Lucas Blackwell of the Florida Catholic staff, August 28, 2026