On Wednesday, October 18, the OLM School and Parish community gathered at 1149 Restaurant in East Greenwich for its third Grill the Priests event. Organized by members of the school’s Parent Teacher Group, Father Bernard Healey and Associate Pastor Father Joshua Barrow of OLM Church, the evening was a tremendous success with a sold-out group of over 100 attendees who were not only thirsting for answers to various questions, but also enjoyed the opportunity to socialize in an adults-only format.
Father David Gaffney (far right) offers a response during OLM’s recent Grill the Priests event held on Wednesday, October 18 at 1149 Restaurant in East Greenwich. Joining him on the panel were Father Nicanor Austriaco, OP, Father Brian Morris, Father Joshua Barrow and (hidden from view) Father Adam Young.
Following a brief reception of complimentary food and beverages ,the priests took their spots before the crowd and prepared to be “grilled”. In what has become a somewhat popular format in recent years, participants were allowed to ask questions, either “live” or anonymously via note-cards, on a variety of topics related to the Catholic Church.
Father Healey served as the moderator for the evening. The brave and learned priests on the panel included newly ordained OLM School Alum Father Brian Morris of St. Luke’s Parish in Barrington, Father David Gaffney, Rector of the Seminary of Our Lady of Providence, Father Nicanor Austriaco, O.P., a Dominican Friar and Professor ofBiologyat Providence College, Father Adam Young, Pastor of St. Paul Church in Cranston and Father Barrow.
The priests took turns answering questions that were either directed specifically to them, or based on their area of expertise. The evening was filled with tremendous faith, light-hearted humor amongst the brother priests and laughter and frequent applause from the attendees. By all accounts, it was another tremendously successful event that celebrated the OLM community.
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.
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.
