MILFORD -- A year-long Alumni Celebration of Catholic Education in Milford kicks off with a morning Mass Sept. 28 at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish.

All are welcome to attend the Mass followed by a tour of the original St. Mary's Elementary School building.

"We are proud that Catholic education has been an integral part of the town of Milford for over 130 years. We are excited and looking forward to celebrating this legacy with all of our alumni including those who attended MCES, Sacred Heart School and St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary Schools and St. Mary's Central Catholic High School," Milford Catholic Elementary School Principal Marie Sciretta said.

A presentation will be given on the preservation of the St. Mary's Elementary School building by Consigli Construction Co. Inc. who disassembled it, block by block in 2005 and reconstructed it at 72 Sumner Street where it became their headquarters.

The granite building, built in 1897 is a part of the legacy of Catholic Education in Milford and holds a special place in the hearts of alumni, according to the organizers of the celebration, and was once considered one of Preservation Massachusetts' Ten Most Endangered Buildings.

An Alumni Committee has been formed to plan the celebration on the 40th anniversary of the merger of Sacred Heart of Jesus Elementary and St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary schools into Milford Catholic Elementary School.

"The committee is searching for the oldest alumni from Sacred Heart and St. Mary's Catholic Schools. Were you a member of the Safety Patrol? Do you have photos of the Safety Patrol with their belts and flags? What did you put in Mr. Wood's time capsule? What was in Mr. Wood's closet? Do you remember Mrs. Broderick's bell?" Milford Catholic Elementary asked in their recent newsletter.