Our Lady of Mercy School honors Sister Jeanne Barry, R.S.M. with special reception

Posted

EAST GREENWICH — Many from Our Lady of Mercy came out to celebrate the 80th birthday of the beloved Sister Jeanne Barry, R.S.M.

The reception began with prayer led by Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans followed by a rendition of “Circle of Mercy,” led by Kathryn Hollowell, music teacher and sung by seventh graders, Madeline Medeiros and Calista Leroux. Father Bernard A. Healey, pastor of OLM and Lee Mita,PTG President presented gifts and each class created handmade cards for Sister Jeanne.

Sister Jeanne dedicated 17 years at OLM, where she began teaching first grade 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 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 from 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.”