Parish bids farewell to religious congregation after 62 years

SOMERVILLE — Immaculate Conception Parish bid a fond, tearful farewell to the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary June 8 and 9 in a series of Masses and receptions designed to express gratitude for the order’s legacy of service in the parish and its elementary and high schools.

Because of fewer religious sisters available for its many obligations, Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Mary Ellen Tennity, the order’s General Su- perior, notified Msgr. Brennan that the

order would withdraw from Immaculate Conception Parish and schools at the end of the current school year.

“I am feeling mixed emotions,” admitted Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan, pastor and director of its elementary school and high school. “The sisters have been here for 62 years, since 1957, and we must honor and thank them for their vocations and service to the parish.”

On Pentecost Sunday, the congregation did just that, hundreds of them, filling the large church on Mountain Av enue. Seated in front as guests of honor were some three dozen IHM sisters, clad in their powder blue habits, serving as a living testament to the scores who had once fulfilled integral ministries in thelife of the Somerville parish and schools.

“We pray for all of you, for your vocations and the marvelous ways you served this parish,” said Msgr. Brennan, who presided at the Mass.

Concelebrants were Father Tholitho, director of Catholic identity at Immaculata High School; Father Anthony M. Sirianni,

pastor, St. Helena Parish, Edison, who had worked with the sisters in Somerville some years earlier, and Dominican Father John M. Devaney, a 1994 graduate of Immaculata who serves as a New York City hospital chaplain.

In his homily, Msgr. Brennan fought back tears as he acknowledged the large congregation which had arrived to stand witness to the religious sisters’ charism in the faith community.

“St. Luke tells us today that people gathered in Jerusalem and had come from many different places. We have that here today,” he began. “The sisters have come from near andfar, as have alumni of our schools, and parents who have known and worked with the sisters. The Holy Spirit called these sisters … given them a mission, and they have

committed themselves to fulfill their mission in this

parish. “I received your magazine on Friday, thank God,” Msgr. Brennan continued over the sound of laughter from the congregation, then read, “Your mission statement is, ‘The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Immacu-lata, Pennsylvania, proclaim the Gospel message in the spirit of Jesus the Redeemer. Strengthened by a life of vowed consecration, nurtured by prayer and the Eucharist, and sustained by community living, we radiate joyful service and promote Gospel values, offering compassion to all God’s people through our mission to evangelize, to catechize, and to teach.’ “Since 1957, these sisters have lived that mission here… For that we say today, ‘Thank you, sisters,’” he said, pausing to wipe a tear from his eye as the congregation broke out into prolonged,enthusiastic applause. "As pastor, I speak

on behalf of the entire community as I say, ‘This parish is grateful.’”

A reception in the school's cafeteria

proved to be a perfect place for parishioners and religious to renew old friendships. Debbie Berger, a 33-year member of the parish, distributed sheet cake and smiles as she reminisced how she met her husband at the parish, then educated her children in the parish elementary school as she worked in the parish office.

“It’s unbelievable. I’m heartbroken,” Berger said of the sisters’ impending departure. “But their charism will live on. They were such a part of the school. Now my daughter teaches in the same kindergarten classroom she used to attend.” When asked which religious sister had a major impact on her life, ElizabethAmatucci Gleason immediately found

Sister Brenda Query in the crowded cafeteria and posed for a photo with her. Sister Brenda, formerly Sister Brandon Joseph, had taught the woman’s younger sister at the school and the two of them had kept in touch for decades after.

"We are friends for life," Amatucci

Gleason said of the religious standing be-

side her. Reflecting upon their departure

from Immaculate Conception, she continued, “It’ll be an adjustment, but they have left us so much of their practices, we will continue their traditions.”

“I was here beginning in 1974, and it was my first assignment. I had a great

foundation in teaching

and the local community,” Sister Brenda continued, noting that she had been one of 25 religious sisters stationed at the parish. “There was great spirit and camaraderie in communal life.”

At a luncheon later that day at the

Bridgewater Marriott, Msgr. Brennan said, “We trust in God and his providence. While we prepare to say farewell to the sisters, we know that deep, spiritual bonds will always remain, and we will continue to support each other in prayer.”

Sister Mary Virginia Quinn, who had headed the convent for the two schools, thanked those with whom the IHM Sisters have worked over the years, saying, “We are united through Mary and her Son. We pledge to keep you in our prayers and memories.”

Because of scheduling conflicts,

Bishop James F. Checchio was unable to attend the event but sent a framed letter commemorating the IHM Sisters’ service to the Diocese of Metuchen and a Papal Blessing marking their faithful service.

Supporters of the schools and parish raised $30,000 for “In Her Memory,” a scholarship and retirement fund that will support Immaculate Conception and Immaculata students in need and the retirement community of the IHMs.

Contributions to the fund can be made through the end of June by texting a short message and a monetary designation to (908) 386-4696. Instructions on how to fulfill pledges will be sent by reply text.

Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan (second row, center), pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville, and director of its elementary and high schools, poses with members of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at lunch at the Bridgewater Marriott June 9.

— Terry Lavin Kuboski photo