Dear Parishioners:
This week we mark beginnings and endings. The 8th Grade of Our Lady of Mercy School mark the end of their years at the parish school and the beginning of the next chapter in their young lives. They are to be recognized at the 10:30AM Mass by our parish community with the OLM School Medal. On Monday night at 6:00PM they graduate the 8th Grade! Congratulations to the Class of 2015!We thank the parents and families of our graduates for the many sacrifices they’ve made for the education of their children and for their commitment to Our Lady of Mercy School. As I offer my thanks to these parents, I am reminded of the words of Saint Pope John Paul II in his encyclical, Familiaris Consortio, in which he wrote: “The most basic element is parental love, which finds fulfillment in the task of education as it completes and perfects its service of life.” We wish these parents and graduates all the best and pledge our continued prayers for them.
It’s also the end of school at OLM this week with the last of day of classes on Tuesday! Classes end but summer begins! I remember how the last day of school was always a joyful and hopeful day as we looked forward the lazy, hazy days of summer! We wish all our dedicated students, teachers, and staff a truly restful and healthy summer! Enjoy the summer and see you in September! Of course just because school ends for the summer doesn’t mean Church
ends! I hope no matter where you find yourself this summer, whether it’s near or far, at the beach house or traveling out of state, you are able to attend Mass. If you are traveling, simply go to the website Masstimes.org to find the nearest Catholic Church and the schedule of Masses! It’s that easy so please don’t take a vacation from God this summer!
I received word from the Office of Bishop Tobin last week that the date for Confirmation at Our Lady of Mercy Church has been set for Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 5:00pm. On that day Bishop Tobin is to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation and the gifts of the Holy Spirit on over one hundred of our young adults. Please pray for our candidates as they continue to prepare for this important day in their lives as 
Catholics. They continue their formal preparation in the fall with a retreat and a penance service just before Confirmation. As freshmen in high school they truly need the gifts of the Holy Spirit!
The OLM Vacation Bible School is coming! It begins on Monday, June 22nd and runs every day that week from 9:00am until Noon right here at OLM. The Bible School is for all parish children ages 4 thru 12. It is a great opportunity for the kids to experience lots of fun as they learn about the Catholic Faith. If you are interested please contact Mrs. Bethany Bessette by email at bcroteau@olmschool.org
I welcome a new addition to our parish staff this week, Mr. Michael LaChimia is our new part-time OLM Youth Minister. He also starts next fall as our new OLM Middle
School Theology Teacher. As our Parish Youth Minister he is to work closely with Fr. Connors in building up our growing Parish Youth Program. Michael hails from Carver, Massachusetts and is a recent graduate of Providence College where he graduated summa cum laude! Please be sure to offer him a warm welcome when you see him around OLM.
Next Sunday we celebrate Father’s Day. It is a day to offer thanks and gratitude to all of our Fathers, living and deceased. In honor of the day, we are to offer Masses for All Fathers next Sunday. We ask
you to please return all Father’s Day Memorial envelopes prior to next Sunday. In speaking about St. Joseph, the Patron Saint of Fathers, as a protector, Pope Francis said: “The vocation of being a protector, means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, it means caring for one another in our families. It means building sincere friendships in which we protect one another in trust, respect, and goodness.” Pray for Fathers that they may follow the example of good St. Joseph. God Bless. Congratulations again to the OLM Class of 2015!