The fact that they put up an anti-marriage sign (complete with a URL link to a right wing hate group (The American Society of Defense for Tradition, Faith, and Property)) reaffirms my belief that this is not a good place. I was also treated poorly at the school as a disabled student. Although this was many years ago (when I was unlucky enough to have Sister Patricia for a teacher), I was glad to see the school close! If the parishioners (and probably the clergy) continue to hold intolerant attitudes in 2023, I'm glad that I left this place years ago. I tried Saint Mary's Fishkill for awhile. Although they weren't AS bad (when I went, which also was years ago), I'm thankful that I've found the Episcopal church instead. Saint Mary's Wappingers really should get no stars at all, but this wasn't an option. read more

Although I have never enrolled my children in the Catholic School, I am not too happy with St. Mary's Religious Education Program this year. They have started a bilingual program with the religious education program. I have nothing against the Spanish language, but my child who is English speaking can not relate to it and connect. The Easter Vigil was half in Spanish and when the children make the sacraments, Communion and Confirmation, half of the mass is also in Spanish! We do not have a tremendous Spanish speaking population in Wappingers Falls, and I am quite positively certain that the mothers of the children who are bilingual would want them to learn English. This I feel is a step down. We have bilingual texts in the classrooms for religious ed., and my 8 year old says to me, what are the funny words on the cover, mommy? In addition, they have handed out to each of the children attending St. Mary's O.R.E. laminated pink cards with their names on each of them to turn in to the priest after mass on Sunday. This is to make sure families go to mass which we do, or if you go to a different parish that week, to have the priest there sign the bulletin. I never heard of such a ridiculous thing in my life. It is socially inappropriate. If this continues, we will be switching parishes as I heard some moms also might be doing in the years to come. I would like my children to experience better. read more