Lillian McIntyre
McIntyre has served as the Assistant Superintendent of diocesan schools for four years.
Prior to that she was the principal at St. Philip School, Greenville for 11 years; she also taught, for a combined 10 years at St. Ann, Providence, Cranston-Johnston Catholic Regional School, St. Mary, Cranston and St. Mark, Cranston.
Thoughts on retirement: “It’s an emotional time. I’m trying to look at it as a new beginning instead of a sad ending.”
Retirement plans: “I want to see my grandbaby!” “I’m giving up my job, but not the ministry. Having spent my youth and my entire life grounded in the faith, that frames my life and all my decisions. Our mission is to pass on the faith, there are so many opportunities out there.”
Favorite memory of the diocese: “I absolutely loved my four years at St. Ann School, there wasn’t one day that I dreaded... I think it was because I was privileged to be the religion teacher. I taught religion in grades K-6 and to be able to grow and journey with my classes was a blessing.”
Kevin J. Dillon
Dillon has been the principal at All Saints Academy, Middletown, for six years.
Prior to that he spent more than 30 years at the Sheffield School in Newport.
Thoughts on retirement: “My wife’s been calling me and my faith’s been calling me.”
Retirement plans: “Hitting the golf course! Also, I am a member of the Kiwanis Club and a Third Order Franciscan. My work at Kiwanis will hopefully keep me involved at All Saints.”
Favorite memory of working in the diocese: “Working with all the kids, I’m going to miss them, there’s no doubt about that.”
James H. Hopkins
Hopkins has been the principal at Sacred Heart, East Providence, for nine years.
Prior to that, he taught at the school for three years and was a Special Education Department Head.
Thoughts on retirement: “This is my 40th consecutive year in education. I had a vested interest in Sacred Heart because I’m a graduate (class of 1958), but I’m ready now.”
Retirement plans: “I plan to play it slow and see, but I’ll probably be volunteering.”
Favorite memory of working in the diocese: “I was awarded the Distinguished Graduate Award in 2000 from the National Catholic Education Association.”
Barbara A. Costa
Costa has spent her entire 32- year career at St. Mary School, Cranston. She has been the principal for 2 1/2 years and before that taught grades 3, 5, 6 and 8, for 29 1/2 years.
Thoughts on retirement: “I’m really looking forward to it, but I don’t think it has really sunk in yet. A lot of my life has been here at St. Mary School.” (She attended the school for grades 1-6.)
Plans for retirement: “None yet. My first concern is just finishing what I have to do here. I’m sure I’ll always be connected to St. Mary School in some way.”
Favorite memory of working in the diocese: “Probably when I was named principal, that was quite an honor for me.”
Interviews conducted and compiled by Emily Donohue
