Groundbreaking ceremonies for Marian Catholic High School’s new $2.5-million building were held at 10 o’clock this morning.

Officials of the Diocese of Allentown were on hand for the short ceremony, along with the Rev. Frederick Winkler, principal of Marian Catholic High School.

The new school will be constructed on a 40-acre tract of land, one and a half miles west of Route 54 in Rush Township. The new structure will accommodate 1,200 students, with provisions for later expansion to handle 1,800.

The initial cost has been estimated at $1,406,000, with the final cost being set at $2.5-million.