EAST GREENWICH — Sister Jeanne Barry, R.S.M., proudly listens as Our Lady of Mercy Regional School seventh graders recite their school motto.
“OLM School provides a spiritual and nurturing environment, which builds a solid academic foundation and supports the community, all in the Roman Catholic tradition, following our Lord’s example of love and kindness so that mercy may flourish,” the children say in sync.
As she retires this summer as principal of OLM, Sister Jeanne knows the students mean the words they speak. She’s confident they’ll help continue the school’s mission in her absence because they frequently organize campaigns to help people in need.
“I love when they’ve been touched by something they’ve heard about,” said Sister Jeanne, noting that the school has held fundraisers to assist individuals and families facing hardships. “They will say, ‘can we do something for them?’ It’s amazing.”
To celebrate Sister Jeanne’s retirement, students recently held an assembly at the school, with each grade performing a song or medley. They also presented her with $3,032, which they raised for McAuley House, a Providence-based independent nonprofit organization that Sister Jeanne holds close to her heart. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, the McAuley House ministry provides the less fortunate with such basic needs as food, clothing and shelter, as well as emotional support and guidance.
“You’ve helped hundreds of people,” she recalls telling them at the event.
Students, as well as faculty members, vow to carry on the example of selflessness that Sister Jeanne has shown during her 17 years at OLM, where she also taught first grade for four years prior to becoming principal in 2001. They will miss her generosity, knowledge, and support.
Father Bernard A. Healey, pastor of Our Lady Mercy Parish, feels the same. He noted that Sister Jeanne has dedicated more than 50 years to Catholic Education as a Sister of Mercy, with 32 years as an administrator and 22 years teaching.
“Her breadth of experience in Catholic Schools has given her a great wisdom in dealing with children, parents and faculty,” Father Healey said. “I will also miss her joyful spirit. Sister Jeanne has a great sense of humor and we have shared many a laugh. She really lives the joy of the Gospel on a daily basis.”
Seventh graders agree. They regularly witness Sister Jeanne serving actively in the faith.
“In the daily announcements, she’ll always talk about our Gospel and explain it to us so we’ll understand it better,” said Emily Bisordi, 13, with Eric Paliotta, 13, and Catie Noonan, 13, saying they’ll miss hearing her voice on the loud speaker at each start of each school day.
While Katherine DelGiudice, 13, and Leah Browning, 12, said Sister Jeanne tells them the importance of attending Mass and regularly receiving the sacrament of confession, Emma Shaw, 13, pointed out that Sister Jeanne encourages everyone to stay close to God and forgive others.
Patrick Faherty, 13, said she helps them academically by writing comments on tests and schoolwork, which motivates them to keep doing their best. That positive reinforcement, says Lee Pavao, 13, is priceless.
“She’s always there for us,” he said, with Andrew McLaughlin, 13, adding, “She’s very supportive and present at every single school event.”
Matt Campellone, 13, and Jose Lamendola, 13, echoed McLaughlin’s sentiments. Campellone, who recently won the honor of serving as “Principal for the Day,” said Sister Jeanne inspired him to organize a dress down day fundraiser to benefit San Miguel School, an independent Lasallian middle school for urban boys in Providence.
“It gives others that don’t have as much as we have the chance to have something,” said Campellone, pointing out that they donated more than $500 to the school. “And it brings me closer to God.”
Second graders, including Will Cavanagh, 8, Bella Feroce, 8, and Lauren Quattromani, 8, said they are going to miss Sister Jeanne’s kindness, as will Kali Hauser, 8, Gianna Lamendola, 7, and Sam Collier, 8. For Emily Gerosa, 8, she will always remember Sister Jeanne’s compassion.
And while Ian Morin, 7, appreciates her ability to enforce “good rules,” Christian Butera, 7, and Bryanna Magiera, 8, will miss her friendliness.
“She takes her time to say hello to everybody just like God would do,” Magiera said.
Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Daniel J. Ferris, isn’t surprised the children speak highly of Sister Jeanne.
“She’s done a really good job at OLM,” Ferris said.
Following her retirement, the OLM community will welcome Scott W. Fuller as principal. He has nearly 30 years of classroom and administrative experience, and has served in the Cumberland School District since 1990. Beforehand, he taught math and science at St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket. He is a member of the Barrington School Committee, and he and his wife, Pamela, along with their three children, are parishioners at St. Luke Church in Barrington.
“He has a strong educational background,” said Sister Jeanne, as Fuller has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University at Long Beach, and a master’s degree in secondary administration from Providence College.
On June 18, the parish held a Mass and reception to honor Sister Jeanne. After taking a sabbatical, she hopes to continue working in Catholic Schools, providing resource and tutoring for children.
“I’d like to still do something with kids part time,” she said, noting that she’s thinking about staying in Rhode Island. “I want to help the children who have a tendency to fall through the cracks.”
No matter where she ends up, she said she will forever cherish her time at OLM. Encouraging children to use their God-given gifts has been a blessing.
“You’re molding them into the people they are meant to be,” she said. “And you have a lot of fun with them.”
