OLM Parishioners gathered for the Annual Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 24, 2017. Good food, good times and good conversations had by all! Fr. Healey and his team won the Tug-of-War defeating Fr. Barrow and his team once again!
Feast Day Mass of Our Lady of Mercy
Solemn Feast Day Mass on Sunday, September 24, 2017 at 10:30am
Our Lady of Mercy Annual Picnic
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Noon until 4:00PM
On the Parish Grounds
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers & Ice Cream for all
Games for Kids and Adults
Annual Tug of War
CELEBRATE MERCY!
Sister Lucy Vescera, MPF, 90, entered eternal life on Thursday, September 14, 2017, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, at St. Joseph Hall, Villa Walsh, Morristown, NJ. Her passing came unexpectedly.
Viewing is at Villa Walsh, St. Lucy Chapel on Monday, September 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow the viewing at 12 noon. Interment will take place at Ave Maria Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Doyle Funeral Home, Morristown, N.J.
Through the kindness of Fr. Henry Zinno, Pastor, a Memorial Mass is to be celebrated for Sr. Lucy Vescera at her home parish of Mt. Carmel Church, Bristol, RI, on Saturday, October 21, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. This also includes other parishes where Sister has been stationed in the Rhode Island area.
Born in Bristol, Rhode Island, in 1927, Sister Lucy entered the Religious Teachers Filippini in 1945. She received her religious habit in 1946 and made her religious profession in 1949. Sister Lucy received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Central Connecticut State College in Elementary Education.
Sister Lucy’s mission centered on pastoral ministry and was a staunch teacher of religious education. Her places of mission included St. Joseph, Newark, NJ; St. Mary, Cranston, RI; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Bristol, RI; St. Thomas, Southington, CT; Holy Land, Waterbury, CT; and Our Lady of Mercy, East Greenwich, RI, her last place of active ministry.
Through the years, Sr. Lucy was recognized for her dedicated, faithful service: She was credited for her volunteer service at convalescent homes, hospitals, and home bound visits, especially to the people of Waterbury, CT, where she was honored for years of community service; she was acknowledged and praised for her teaching of religious education no matter where she was assigned. Sr. Lucy’s strong faith and authentic religious witness gave credence to what she taught and how she lived.
In 2013, Sister Lucy retired at Mt. Carmel Convent, Bristol, RI, and in 2014, due to poor health was admitted to St. Joseph Hall where she spent her last years.
Sr. Lucy is the daughter of the late Vincenzo Vescera and Angela (Cirillo) Vescera, and sister of the late Oronzo Vescera. She is survived by loving sisters Philomena Rao Bonomo and Mary Vescera; many dear nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sister Lucy Vescera may be sent to St. Joseph Hall, c/o Sister Ascenza Tizzano, MPF, Provincial Superior, Villa Walsh, 455 Western Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960.
We offer our prayerful and heartfelt congratulations to OLM's Sister Jeanne Barry, RSM and Sister Lourdes DeLeon, FAS.
Sister Jeanne is celebrating her 60th Anniversary as a Religious Sister of Mercy. She professed her first vows on September 2, 1957. A native of Connecticut, Sister served as a teacher and principal at Catholic Schools throughout the state. Arriving to OLM in the 1990s, Sister Jeanne served as a teacher and then Principal of Our Lady of Mercy School for nearly twenty years. Now retired she continues to help students at OLM School and Mercymount Day School in Cumberland. She resides at the Mercy Convent at OLM Parish.
Sister Lourdes is celebrating her 25th Anniversary as a Franciscan Apostolic Sister. She professed her first vows on August 15, 1992. A native of the Philippines where her religious community was founded, she has served in the Diocese of Providence for nearly twenty years. She has served at St. Agnes Parish in Woonsocket, Scalabrini Villa and now serves at the OLM School and Parish. Sister Lourdes resides at the Franciscan Convent at OLM Parish.
On Friday, September 8, 2017, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Robert C. Evans, the Auxiliary Bishop of Providence, celebrated the Opening Mass of the School Year for the Our Lady of Mercy School community. Father Bernard A. Healey, Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church, served as the homilist and Father Joshua A. Barrow, Associate Pastor, served as the Master of Ceremonies. During the Mass, the parish school teachers were formally installed by Bishop Evans as Members of the Our Lady of Mercy School Faculty for the year 2017-2018. Also Sister Jeanne Barry, RSM, Retired Principal of OLM School, was recognized for her 60th Anniversary of Religious Profession as a Religious Sister of Mercy and Sister Lourdes De Leon, FAS, OLM Pastoral Assistant, was also recognized for her 25th Anniversary of Religious Profession as a Franciscan Apostolic Sister. Following the Mass, Bishop Evans formally blessed the newly installed OLM School Sign.
Sister Jeanne Barry, RSM and Sister Lourdes DeLeon, FAS are congratulated by the OLM School children on their annivesaries of relgious profession.
Bishop Evans prepares to bless the newly installed OLM School sign.
Opening Mass of the School Year for Our Lady of Mercy School
& Blessing of the New School Sign
Friday, September 8, 2017
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Most Reverend Robert C. Evans
Auxiliary Bishop of Providence
Celebrant
The Very Reverend Bernard A. Healey
Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church
Homilist
The Reverend Joshua A. Barrow
Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy School
Concelebrant
Mr. Scott W. Fuller
Principal
Please join us as we call upon God for blessing for the new school year. The OLM School Faculty is to be installed at the Mass and a light reception follows in the OLM School Cafeteria.
Fr Healey joins OLM 4th Grade Student RyanPedro on First Day of School!
Wednesday, August 30th we welcomed back our OLM School Family from the summer break! The parking lot was full of happy faces! Students, teachers, staff, parents, grandparents, principal, priests and Bishop Evans all enjoying the first day of school. We look forward to another great year with our wonderful students and dedicated faculty and staff under the great leadership of Principal Fuller. Join us next Friday, September 8th at 9am Mass for the Opening Mass of the School Year and Blessing of the New School Sign by Bishop Evans. God Bless our parish school!
Bishop Tobin has issued the following statement on Hurricane Harvey.
Bishop Tobin's full statement follows.
"The damage caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, especially the flooding presently taking place in the Houston area, is unprecedented and heartbreaking. I urge the Catholic community in the Diocese of Providence to be spiritually united with all those affected by this catastrophe and to offer fervent prayers for their well-being, and to pray also for the safety of the first responders. May our nation be united in this time of crisis, and may God’s grace support us during this time of enormous suffering and pain. In the very near future, and as the long-term recovery begins, the Diocese of Providence will offer an opportunity for members of the Church to provide financial assistance as well."
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) president, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, has called for prayers and solidarity with those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Cardinal DiNardo also called on all people of good will to closely monitor future calls for assistance for victims and survivors in the days ahead.
Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows.
“Hurricane Harvey hit the Gulf Coast in a catastrophic and devastating way this weekend, bringing with it severe flooding and high winds which have taken human life, caused countless injuries, and severely damaged homes and property throughout the region. The effects of this storm continue to put people in harm’s way, with horrific scenes playing out all around, such as those of people trapped on their rooftops as water continues to rise around them. Many dioceses of the Church in the United States have been affected; many others will be as the storm continues.
As the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, this crisis hits very close to home. In solidarity with my brother bishops in this area of the country, I call on people of faith to pray for all of those who have been impacted by this Hurricane, and I ask people of good will to stand with the victims and their families. May God, the Lord of mercy and compassion, protect all who are still in danger, and bring to safety those who are missing. May He care in a special way for those who were already homeless, or without support and resources, before this disaster. We pray in thanksgiving for the first responders who are risking their lives to save others at this very moment. We include in our intentions the everyday heroes reaching out to help their neighbors in need, those who, like the Good Samaritan, cannot walk by a person in need without offering their hand in aid.
The USCCB is working closely with affected local dioceses, Catholic Charities USA and St. Vincent de Paul, along with other relief organizations, to assess the needs on the ground. In the next couple of days, we will share more about the best ways to assist those in the Gulf region with material needs based on the latest information we can gather. May God bless you and your families this day and always
All donations to OLM Outreach for the month of September will be dedicated to Hurricane Harvey Relief efforts. Also Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), the official domestic relief agency of the U.S. Catholic Church, needs your support to ensure the delivery of compassionate care and support to individuals affected by Hurricane Harvey. Their agencies provide essential support before, during and after disasters hit. In fact, long-term recovery is an integral part of Catholic Charities’ holistic approach and we work tirelessly to ensure individuals can live their lives with the dignity we all deserve. This service is provided to the community regardless of religion, social or economic background.
You can donate directly to CCUSA Hurricane Relief or you can give to OLM Outreach online by clicking the link to Parish Giving.
Thank you for your support and prayer
Prayer for Hurricane Harvey Relief
Compassionate God,
We pray for all those affected by Hurricane Harvey, and offer the words of the psalmist: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!” (Psalm 29:11)
As families seek shelter, we pray: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!”
As people search for loved ones, we pray: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!”
As survivors look to the future, we pray: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!”
As rescue workers work tirelessly, we pray: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!”
Lord, give might to those who need your strength to carry on. Fill their troubled hearts with your peace and move us with your compassion that we may respond generously to those in need.
Amen.
Our newly designed Our Lady of Mercy School sign is now up! School begins this Wednesday, August 30th!! This beautiful sign matches all other signage at OLM and was made by Mike Z of Countryside Signs of Seekonk, MA. It is scheduled to be blessed by Bishop Evans following the Opening Mass of the School Year on Friday, September 8th! Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us and our parish school!
Welcome Mother Josephine, FAS, the Mother Superior of the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters to Our Lady of Mercy Parish. Mother is visiting from the FAS Motherhouse in the Philippines and traveling across the country visiting the FAS Communities in Nebraska, Illinois and Rhode Island. Pictured above his Mother Josephine the the FAS Sisters from OLM and the Villa Scalabrini Community with the clergy of OLM. We also celebrated OLM own Sister Lourdes, FAS, 25th Anniversary of Profession as a Religious Sister on August 15th.
What a glorious time we had last weekend in the Diocese of Providence, and here at Our Lady of Mercy. Three fine young men were ordained priests for our diocese and our native son, Father Brian Morris, celebrated his First Mass of Thanksgiving here at OLM. Thankfully the weather cooperated and helped make for a beautiful two days. The Ordination Mass was solemn and majestic and many parishioners from OLM were in attendance. The newly ordained Fr. Morris did a fabulous job celebrating his First Mass.
Class of 2017 vs Faculty and Staff
Congratulations to the OLM Junior D1 Girls CAL Basketball Team. They were crowned RI State Champions today after defeating St. Philip's Parish Team. Pictured below is the team with Coaches Steve Basler and Brenda Verdi. Great job! On to the New England Tournament!
OUR LADY OF MERCY STUDENTS REACH OUT IN MERCY DURING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS’ WEEK
East Greenwich, RI - Students at Our Lady of Mercy School reach out to others on a regular basis, through acts of kindness within the school community and beyond. During Catholic Schools’ Week, students did just that and more. At the Warm Hearts and Warm Wishes Event held on Friday evening, January 27, in addition to enjoying “breakfast for dinner” and music and games, students created placemats which will be laminated and shared with the residents of Heart of Mercy Home in Honduras. The project was led by the “Friends of Mercy” group at OLM. The Friends of Mercy also coordinated two additional collections that were generously supported by the OLM School community: games for McAuley Village and warm hats and gloves for the Midnight Moment Outreach in Providence.
All throughout Catholic Schools’ Week, in advance of the Super Bowl, the school collected canned soups and other non-perishables for the OLM Parish Outreach Program. On Wednesday, February 8, students who had correctly guessed the Super Bowl’s final score helped deliver over 12 crates of soup and 7 crates of non-perishables to the “Mercy House” at OLM. From there, they will be distributed to the less fortunate in the area. Doug Green, Coordinator of the OLM Parish Outreach Program stated, “The OLM School family is always very generous to our outreach efforts. We are extremely grateful for this generous outpouring of support and mercy which will be shared with our neighbors in the community.”
With a tradition of excellence in Catholic elementary and middle school education since 1951, Our Lady of Mercy School offers its students an opportunity to pursue excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Pre-K through Grade 8, co-educational Catholic school located in East Greenwich provides a nurturing, values-driven environment built upon the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Our Lady of Mercy Teams qualifyat First Lego League Qualifying Tournament
East Greenwich, RI -- Two of Our Lady of Mercy's First Lego League Teams have qualified for the Rhode Island First Lego League State Championship after their outstanding performance in the Qualifier at Portsmouth Middle School on Saturday, December 10. First Lego League provides youths with an introduction to Robotic Engineering and real-world problem-solving skills. Each team that competes must design a solution to a real-world scientific issue and program a robot to perform lego mechanism missions autonomously in a timed competition. This year's theme is Animal Allies.
olmroboticslandsharks2016
OLM’s “Team Land Sharks” is trying to reduce the amount of sharks killed from bycatch. Through research and visits from local experts, these students have found that shark populations are diminishing at a rapid rate. To keep our Ocean food chain healthy and in balance, sharks need our help. In New England, many livelihoods depend on fishing and our students think they have a solution that is helpful to sharks and easy to adapt by current deep sea fishermen and women. They have engineered a prototype that can be retrofitted onto existing nets/hooks. These students believe they can repel the shark's electroreceptors (ampullae de Lorenzini) using these magnetic "dots”.
The “Microchip Megalodons” from OLM are trying to save our Tree Swallow friends. Many say watching swallows in the sky is like watching a ballet. People flock to migration sites to watch these birds perform their natural sky dance. Some are facing a bit of a problem, however. They have found homage in an invasive species of phragmites. The Microchip Megalodons have designed a way to get rid of the phragmites without disturbing the tree swallows’ homes. Using the school's 3D printer, they have made a model of a new bird condo that can house the same thousands that now live in the phragmites.
These two teams have done an excellent job on their projects and worked tirelessly programming their robots. OLM’s remaining teams, Crabby Crew and Parrot Pals, have also been hard at work preparing for their competition at the Pier Middle School Qualifying Tournament on December 17th. Crabby Crew is a middle school team that has an innovative solution to an invasive Asian crab species. The Parrot Pals, OLM's first all girl team consisting of 4th and 5th graders, want to help our Parrot friends that many times outlive their owners.
The First Lego League State Championship will take place on January 14 at Roger Williams University from 12-3 p.m
OLM SCHOOL WALKATHON RAISES OVER $13,000FUNDS USED FOR PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL
East Greenwich, RI -- The Annual OLM School Walkathon, which was held on Thursday, October 5, raised a record of over $13,000, which will be used towards special projects throughout the school. Students in Grades Pre-K through 2 walked just under a mile around the immediate church/school property while the older students did a two mile walk down Post Road, to Cedar and Kenyon Roads and then back to OLM via First Avenue. Students collected pledges from family and friends, with prizes being awarded to the top pledge-earners in each grade. As they far surpassed the school-wide goal of $12,000, the entire school was treated to ice cream treats on Thursday, October 13. Students who brought in the highest amount in pledges received OLM tote bags filled with OLM paraphernalia and gift certificates to Hill Top Creamery in East Greenwich and Launch Trampoline Park in Warwick. Class individual winners included: PK3: Olivia Cioe ; PK4: Lily Slocum; K: Lola Berube; 1: Helen Mita; 2: Kathryn Colgan; 3: Veronica Coffey; 4: Mary Mita; 5: Michael Mita; 6: Austin Kairnes ; 7: Ryan Youngs; 8: Alise Knudson. “Joey” the Kangaroo from Launch was happy to give the students high fives before they set off on their walk and upon their return. At the conclusion of the walk, students were treated to an outdoor awards assembly with water and snacks. A grand prize raffle drawing was held with the lucky winner, eighth grader Malcolm Verdi, of North Kingstown, receiving a $150 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods, and $25 gift card to Piezoni’s Pizza in East Greenwich. He will also have the privilege of being Assistant PE Teacher for the Day with a Subway lunch with Mr. Stefanik. First Grader Collin Franchina won a $56 gift card to Launch and a Launch t-shirt, socks and other items. Funds raised each year by the OLM PTG, from events like the Walkathon and the annual Spring Fling Auction, are used for various enrichment opportunities like Field Trips, Google Chrome Books and technology enhancements, the Art Masters Program, robotics,Mock Trial, CAL sports and more.
OLM Boys Cross Country Wins State CAL Title& OLM Girls Win Second Place CAL Title
Team Wraps Up Season with South Division CAL Championships for both Boys and Girls
The OLM Middle School Boys’ Cross Country Team captured its second consecutive State Title at the CAL State Meet at Slater Park in Pawtucket on Wednesday, October 16th. The OLM Girls finished an impressive second, also for the second straight year. Seventh grader Ryan Dobrzynski placed second, eighth grader Chad Doorley finished third and Nick Mueller placed sixth from OLM on the boys‘ side. Brittany Caskey, an OLM eighth-grader, placed fourth at the state meet. Other top OLM girls finishers at Slater Park included Emma Shaw, who placed 12th and Lauren Salvadore who was 15th. During an awards ceremony at the start of the meet, it was announced that both the OLM Boys and Girls teams had won their second consecutive South Division Titles of the Catholic Athletic League after winning all of their weekly meets at Goddard Park. Under the direction of coaches Mary Beth Campellone, Fiona Hanlon, Lisa Meehan and Kathy Moren, the 65 runners in grades 6, 7 and 8 have been practicing twice a week since August. The team had its annual year-end banquet on Sunday, October 27th at Quidnessett Country Club.
Please join us as we celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit to open the new school year at Our Lady of Mercy School.
Friday, September 2, 2016 at 9:00AM
Our Lady of Mercy Church Fr. Bernard A. Healey Celebrant & Homilist
Fr. Joshua A. Barrow Concelebrant
The Statement of the Most Reverend Kevin J. Farrell Bishop of Dallas
"The magnitude of the violence in downtown Dallas Thursday night is staggering. Five police officers were killed and seven other officers and two civilians were wounded in a deadly spate of gunfire at the conclusion of a peaceful march protesting recent killings of black men in Baton Rouge and Minneapolis.
Our first concern is for the families who have lost loved ones in this tragic attack. We pray for consolation and healing for both the families and those killed and wounded. We are reminded of the ever -present danger to those who are dedicated to protecting us.
We have been swept up in the escalating cycle of violence that has now touched us intimately as it has others throughout our country and the world. All lives matter: black, white, Muslim, Christian, Hindu. We are all children of God and all human life is precious.
We cannot lose respect for each other and we call upon all of our civic leaders to speak to one another and work together to come to a sensible resolution to this escalating violence. Let us implore God our Heavenly Father to touch the minds and hearts of all people to work together for peace and understanding.
Let us recall the words of Pope Francis, “May the God of peace arouse in all an authentic desire for dialogue and reconciliation. Violence cannot be overcome with violence. Violence is overcome with peace.”
Let us Pray for the City of Dallas and all those suffering there:
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
Bishop Tobin has announced the appointment of Father Joshua Barrow as the new Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church. His appointment is effective July 1, 2016. We thank Bishop Tobin for sending us Fr. Barrow. As you know there is an ever increasing shortage of priests and to get a second priest is rare luxury for parishes. So please be sure to thank Bishop Tobin and also please commit to praying for more priestly vocations for our diocese. Fr. Barrow is sure to be a great blessing for our parish. He is just 27 years old and full of zeal, energy and very eager to begin his priestly ministry here at OLM. He is a native of Warwick where he was educated at the public schools and graduated from Pilgrim High School. He grew up in St. Timothy Church in Warwick. After high school, Fr. Barrow entered Our Lady of Providence Seminary and graduated from Providence College with a B.A. in Philosophy. Bishop Tobin then assigned him for priestly formation and theological studies to the North American College in Rome. Father was ordained a priest in June 2015 and then returned to Rome for graduate studies. After completing an S.T.L Degree in Dogmatic Theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas this past spring, he was assigned to OLM. I am sure you will give him your usual warm welcome to OLM. Father Barrow begins his priestly service here on July 1st. Welcome Fr. Barrow!