Dear Parishioners:
It appears that Spring may have finally sprung. The sun has been shining more and the flowers are beginning to bloom. Let’s hope it continues for a few weeks. Of course, the spring always brings with it the need for spring cleaning. Our crack maintenance crew continue to be hard at work cleaning up the physical plant and getting the yards ready for spring blossoms and green lawns.
Along with this work we also had to install a newly required back flow preventer for our water system in the Church and Rectory. This was required by law and mandated by the Kent County Water Authority. With the cost of about $4,000 we are now in compliance with the law. The same project is being implemented at OLM School and we await the cost of that project. Once completed both the Church and School will be fully in compliance with the law and the good folks at Kent County Water Authority will be happy!
Speaking of OLM School, just last weekend our OLM Middle School Science Olympiad Team competed in the statewide competition with twenty-five other middle schools. With great pride, I am able to announce that they finished fourth in the state! We congratulate the team on such a great achievement.
We thank our outstanding OLM Middle School Science Teacher, Dr. Deb Husak, for helping guide the team. Also we thank the many parent volunteers who pitched in and helped the team members with their projects. And we thank the students for their hard work and dedication to this great achievement. Great job by all!
Our OLM Mock Trial Team has been advancing in the state competitions as well. These budding lawyers and future judges from OLM recently beat the Moses Brown Team. We wish them well with their upcoming competitions. These are but a few highlights of the great work going on everyday in our parish school.
Each school day our outstanding and dedicated faculty help our wonderful school children excel in their academics and in living the Catholic faith. OLM School continues to excel academically and spiritually in developing the future saints and scholars of our Church and world! We thank all those who make this possible and all those who continue to support our students and the mission of our school.
Now that the April vacations are over and soon the month itself ends, we look forward to the arrival of May. After all April showers always bring May flowers! May is always a busy month at OLM and this year is no different. May is also a month dedicated to our parish patroness the Blessed Mother Mary. May Devotions with Eucharistic Adoration and the recitation of the Rosary are scheduled for each Monday of the month at 7:00pm.
Also on Saturday, May 12th we are looking forward ot our parish celebration of First Holy Communion. This is always a great occasion of faith, hope and joy for our parish. Our Second Graders have been preparing all year for the big day, so please continue to keep them in your prayers.
On Mother’s Day as we honor motherhood and our own mothers, we also honor our Blessed Mother Mary with the annual May Crowing. This beautiful and joyful ceremony takes place on Sunday, May 13th at the 10:30am Mass. If you’ve never attended it, be sure to come this year as it is always a very moving tribute to our Blessed Mother.
On May 18th our OLM School 8th Graders take a special trip to New York City. There they get to see the sights of the city like the United Nations, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the September 11th Memorial. In addition, Fr. Barrow celebrates Mass for the group at the newly renovated and magnificent St. Patrick’s Cathedral. What a great opportunity for our students to experience
Finally, on Saturday May 26th at 10:00AM, Bishop Evans ordains Eric Silva a transitional deacon. Eric served at OLM as a summer seminarian two years ago. As a transitional deacon he begins his final preparation for ordination as a priest next June. All are kindly invited to attend the Ordination Mass at the Cathedral on May 26h. Keep Eric in your prayers as prepares for ordination.
Spring is indeed sprung! Do good. Be well. God Bless. Go Sox, Bruins and Celtics!!