OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL HONORS ONE OF THEIR MOST DEDICATED AND BELOVED WITH SPECIAL RECEPTION
East Greenwich, RI – Many from OLM came out to celebrate the 80th birthday of the beloved Sister Jeanne Barry, R.S.M. The reception began with prayer led by Most Rev. Robert C. Evans, Auxiliary Bishop of Providence. Next, seventh graders, Madeline Medeiros and Calista Leroux sang a lovely rendition of “Circle of Mercy”, led by Kathryn Hollowell, OLM music teacher. Very Rev. Bernard A. Healey, Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish and Lee Mita OLM PTG President presented gifts and each class from OLM School created personal hand-made cards for Sister Jeanne.
Sister Jeanne dedicated 17 years at OLM, where she, began teaching first grade for four years and continued as principal from 2001 – 2014. She has impacted many students and parents for countless years within the community. The love and respect for her was made apparent as current and past OLM families came out to the school to honor her birthday celebration. At Friday’s school mass she received a blessing from Pope Francis in recognition of her 80th birthday.
To honor Sister Jeanne’s legacy, a “Circle of Mercy” Award has been created in her name as a scholarship to be given annually to a student who best exemplifies the virtues of love, kindness and compassion in school, at home and in his or her parish. Maura Legare and other former OLM parents, describe Sister Jeanne best by saying “You have had such a profound impact on us, our families and our children and the hundreds of children OLM School.” “May God continue to bless you now and always, and we thank Him for the gift of YOU, our dear Sister Jeanne in our lives.”
With a tradition of excellence in Catholic elementary and middle school education since 1951, Our Lady of Mercy School offers its students an opportunity to pursue excellence in academics, athletics and the arts on their journey as young saints and scholars. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Pre-K through Grade 8, co-educational Catholic school located in East Greenwich provides a nurturing, values-driven environment built upon the teachings of the Catholic Church.
