OLM School Students Put on Spectaular Christmas Pageant

The students of OLM School displayed their faith and talent at the Annual Christmas Pageant on Friday, December 14th.  Students from grades Pre-K through 8 sang carols and hymns and offered a live Nativity.  We thank our OLM Music Teacher, Mrs. Nonetta Ruggerio,  for her hard work in planning, rehearsing and conduction the Pageant.  We also thank the OLM Jr. and Sr. Bands under the direction of OLM Band Teachers, Greg Takemoto and Jack Ramatta, for performing several Christmas favorites.  It was truly a spectacular night of music and performance for the OLM Community.  Keeping Christ in Christmas!

Christmas Season Schedule at Our Lady of Mercy

Congratulations to our Newly Confirmed

On Sunday, November 5, 2017 Bishop James F Checchio of Metuchen, NJ confirmed 87 young adults of Our Lady of Mercy Church. We offer the newly confirmed our heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes!

“Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire!” St. Catherine of Siena

 

Bishop Checchio anointing Spencer THOMAS MORE Wood with the Sacred Chrism Oil at Sunday's Confirmation Mass.  

Priests Grilled at 1149!

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.

We Congratlute and Rejoice for Deacon Phil Dufour Ordained in Rome

Deacon Dufour celebrates his ordination at the North American College in Rome.  Pictured L to R: Fr. Carl Fissette, Fr. Nathan Ricci, Deacon Dufour, Bishop Checchio and Fr. Ryan Connors.

The 2017 Ordination Class of the North American College in Rome.

Today at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Philip Dufour of Bristol, a seminarian of the Diocese of Providence, was ordained along with his 30 classmates by Bishop James Checchio of Meutuchen, NJ. OLM's Fr. Joshua Barrow along with other Priests of the Diocese of Providence including Fr. Ryan Connors, Fr. Nathan Ricci and Fr. Carl Fissette were in attendance for the Ordination.  We congratulate Deacon Dufour and offer our prayerful best wishes!  Ad multos annos!

Fr. Barrow and the happy new Deacon!

OLM Picnic, Fun in the Sun!!

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! 

Join us for the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, Sunday, September 24

 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!

Rest in Peace Sister Lucy Vescera, MPF

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.

Congratulations Sister Jeanne and Sister Lourdes

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.

Bishop Evans Celebrates Opening Mass of the School Year, Sister Jeanne and Sister Lourdes Annivesaries and Blesses New School Sign

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.

Join us for Opening Mass of the School Year

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.

Welcome Back! First Day of School at OLM! 295 Students Strong!!

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!

Prayers and Solidartiy for Hurricane Harvey Victims, How You Can Help

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.

New School Sign is up! Take a look!!

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 Joseph, Franciscan Apostolic Sisters Mother Superior

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.

Congratulations Father Brian Morris

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.

School Volleyball Game

Class of 2017 vs Faculty and Staff

Congratulations to the OLM Junior Girls CAL Basketball Team, Crowned RI State Champions!!!!

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!

OLM School Students Reach Out

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 qualify at First Lego League Qualifying Tournament

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