Dear Parishioners:
At the Mass of Installation, Bishop Lewandowski knocks three times on the Cathedral Door. The knocking is a symbolic act of humility, highlighting the bishop's role as a servant of God and the People of God.. The knocking is a way to formally announce the bishop's arrival at his new Diocese and request permission to enter and begin their ministry of teaching, sanctification, and governance.
Last week, our new Bishop was installed at a beautiful Mass at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. Bishop Lewandowski is now the Tenth Bishop of Providence. Fifty bishops, hundreds of priests and religious, and over 1,000 people were in attendance. It is a great sign of hope as our new shepherd begins his ministry here. Please continue to pray for Bishop Lewandowski.
As the new Bishop begins his ministry in Providence, we say farewell to the OLM School 8th Grade, who graduate this week. Today at 10:30 a.m. Mass, they receive their Our Lady of Mercy Medal, and we, as their parish family, pray for them. Following the Mass, there is an Academic Awards Lunch, where these young budding saints and scholars are recognized for their achievements.
The OLM 8th Grade, Class of 2025
On Monday, the 8th Grade is on Retreat at the Seminary of Our Lady of Providence for the day. Father Mahoney is leading them on this Retreat, and we thank him for his generosity. Please pray for our Class of 2025. The soon-to-be graduates go to Holiday Hills for a day of fun in the sun on Tuesday. Then on Thursday, they have their final “Walk-Out” as students of OLM School at school dismissal time. And their Graduation Week ends on Friday as they attend their Final First Friday School Mass. The Graduation Ceremony is on Friday evening at 6:00 pm. Congratulations to the OLM School Class of 2025! We wish them much success in high school and beyond!
Sister Emma and Sister Lourdes enjoying the Oktoberfest!
As we say farewell to these students, I’ve learned that we will soon say “Farewell” to Sister Emma. The Franciscan Mother Superior wrote me about a month ago to inform me that Sister Emma, who has served at OLM for 11 years, will be transferred this summer. She is heading to the Seminary of St. Gregory the Great in Nebraska to begin a new ministry among the seminarians and priests at the seminary. Sister Emma has been a wonderful part of our OLM Family for many years, and we will miss her very much. She will leave for the Annual Retreat and Assembly of the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters in Nebraska in late July.
After the Retreat, Sister will stay in Nebraska to begin her new assignment. We thank her for her years of faithful, dedicated, humble, and holy service to Our Lady of Mercy Church and School. When Sister Lourdes and Sister Jane return from their Retreat in Nebraska in August, they will return with Sister Benigna Mallare, newly assigned to Our Lady of Mercy. We look forward to welcoming Sister Benigna as she begins her ministry here at OLM. We thank Mother Zenaida, the FAS Superior, for assigning her to OLM. Please pray for our good Sisters in this time of transition in their lives and ministry.
As Bishop Lewandowski begins his ministry here in Providence, please pray for him. We hope and pray that he might assign a new Associate Pastor to OLM. But if it is impossible, we must reexamine our schedule to make it more manageable for one priest. While we are grateful to Bishop Evans, Monsignor Montecalvo, and the Dominican Friars for their assistance this past year, we may have to adjust our Mass schedule. So pray for a new Associate Pastor and for more vocations to the priesthood!
The arrival of June also means that our OLM Office hours change for the summer months. During June, July, and August, the office will be closed on Fridays. It is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
I offer my thanks to the 405 parishioners who generously donated this year to the Catholic Charity Appeal. We have raised over $240,000. However, we are still short of 465 donors who helped us raise over $260,000 last year! If you are among the parishioners who have not yet donated this year, please do so by the end of June. We want to exceed last year’s total number of donors and total amount raised. It would be a good sign of our dedication to the poor for Bishop Lewandowski!!
Next week, we look forward to the celebration of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. As we prepare for that great Solemnity, please pray for two adult parishioners who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the 10:30 am Mass. May the Holy Spirit come and renew our parish! Be well. Do Good. God Bless. Go Sox!