Bishop Cote Celebrates Opening Liturgy at Mercy High School
Bishop Cote Celebrates Opening Liturgy at Mercy High School
By: Jennifer C. Kensel, Mercy High School
Sr. Mary McCarthy, Principal and Bishop Cote congratulate freshwomen scholarship winners before the Opening Liturgy: (left to right) Sr. Mary McCarthy, Ashley Chase, Caitlin McAuliffe, Bishop Michael Cote, Alice Ochterski, Margaret Bartolotta, Jessica Hoops and Emily Casserino.
On Thursday, September 16, 2010, the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, DD, Bishop of Norwich, celebrated the Opening Liturgy for the 2010-2011 school year at Mercy High School. During his homily, Bishop Cote encouraged the students to continue to respect, care for and serve others – the hallmarks of a Mercy education. He praised the school for preparing its students well for college and beyond and thanked everyone for their spirit of welcome and hospitality. The Bishop presided as the various classes proclaimed their commitment to the Mercy community for the coming year. In conclusion, he noted that he is proud to be able to say that Mercy High School is one of the Catholic schools in his Diocese when he meets with other Bishops from around the country.
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, 176 members of the freshwoman class received their class pins and flowers from their "big sisters," the members of the junior class. Flowers were also presented to transfer students and a new faculty member by the officers of the Student Advisory Council, led by Hannah Woods, President. Mercy welcomes Mr. Robert Hunt, teacher of French and Spanish, to the faculty.
During an opening lunch for faculty and staff, Mercy honored faculty member Sr. Anne Walsh, CND, who recently celebrated her golden jubilees as a religious sister. Mercy also thanked and said farewell to two retiring faculty members: Mrs. Nancy Makrogianis and Mrs. Ann Williamson.