Controversy over the merger of Naugatuck’s two Catholic schools — and the name-change dilemma that followed — might have initially put a blemish on the publicity for St. Francis-St. Hedwig School.

But initial negative press couldn’t bring down Naugatuck’s newly merged parochial school.

Four months after the Archdiocese of Hartford announced that St. Francis and St. Hedwig schools would merge in time for the 2011-12 school year, the new school has rebounded and proven itself sustainable for the future. Needing 218 students to remain financially sound, the Church Street school has roughly 250 students, from the two former schools as well as the public schools, said Principal John Salatto.

“It’s been a win-win all around,” Salatto said.  “Everybody’s quite happy with our new school in town.”

On Wednesday, Archbishop Henry J. Mansell blessed St. Francis-St. Hedwig School during a morning ceremony, which was preceded by a Mass for the student body and the community. Held in the third-floor gymnasium, the archbishop spoke briefly in acknowledgment of the school’s patron saints, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Hedwig of Silesia, before anointing the room with holy water.

Apart from the dozens of uniform-clad students, many other officials were in attendance for both the Mass and the blessing, including the archdiocese’s superintendent, Dale Hoyt, Mayor Robert Mezzo, Deputy Mayor Tamath Rossi and state Rep. Rosa Rebimbas, R-78.

During the Mass, Mansell spoke affectionately about the important of Catholic education, and what role St. Francis-St. Hedwig plays.

“We Thank God especially… for all the tremendous developments possible at St. Francis-St. Hedwig School,” Mansell said during his homily. “(And) making possible the great growth, all the physical developments, social developments and spiritual developments.”

The archbishop went on to speak about how studies are often done that look into what makes Catholic education so effective. Citing one study, Mansell said it was because the schools function “as a family.”

“We have all our students, our faculty, and we also have our parents and grandparents,” he he told the students gathered for the Mass at St. Francis Church. “You see the wonderful family, and the members of our parishes, that make this school possible.”

With the transition now through, Salatto said has heard much positive feedback about the school. He said he heard stories from parents about how their students come home excited about school and saying they are happy they are going there. 

They talk about making friends and some, particularly former St. Hedwig students, are happy to be at a school with a gym and an athletic field, Salatto said.

“I think as word spread that we are viable, and once the faculty and administration were decided,” he said, “I think people felt confident that this was going to be a strong go.”