St. Mary's School Farewell Tribute, Goldsboro N.C.

May 18, 2008

Dear Friends of St. Mary’s Parish Community,

The path of history has brought us to this place today. On August 27, 1927, a small community of Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Scranton, Pennsylvania, responded in a faith-filled way to the call to minister at the original St. Mary’s School, Goldsboro. With hearts open to possibility, Sisters Kathleen Hart, Maureen LeFevre, and St.Clare Flanagan began the loving work of teaching and nurturing the forty-five children entrusted to their care. Little did they know that today we would be celebrating the completion of eighty years of service to this school and community.

The people of St. Mary’s school and parish communities have always welcomed the IHM Sisters into their hearts and homes and in many ways have become a part of our own history as women religious and educators. Some who come to this celebration today will remember both early and later years, the difficult times and joyous occasions. You will share stories, re-living the history that you wrote with your lives. Many will recall people and events that marked special times or touched your lives. All will enjoy the blessings of having been a part of this caring family.

The IHM story has become a part of your history as a school and as a parish community. In all, eighty Sisters have served the people of St. Mary’s. Through them, we have faithfully completed the work that was begun by God those eight decades ago. The IHM Congregation holds fast to the hope that the spirit we carried with us will ever live on in your hearts. We know that you will ever be a part of our lives.

You can be sure that the hearts of all IHM Sisters, wherever we may be, join yours in celebration today. Your faith-filled lives have enriched us and your goodness has inspired us. May God bless you and all your good works today and long into the future..

Sincerely and with prayers for God’s many blessings,

Sister Mary Persico, IHM
President