In 1966, St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in West Islip, NY, was opened with 600 freshman. Among the original faculty were 13 Allegany Franciscans, Janet Sullivan being the only one of the sisters still living. Former member Peg Clark (Sister Miriam) was unable to attend.

The first class graduated in 1970 and were preparing to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2020, but Covid restrictions postponed their celebration until this April. Sister Stella DeVenuta, OSF, a Wisconsin Franciscan, was a member of the two year planning committee and spent many hours trying to connect with all the Franciscans who had been at St. John’s during those first four years. The committee wanted to honor the Franciscan part of their experience at St. John’s, so we were invited to be guests at all the festivities. This included a Friday night meet and greet with food and drink, a Saturday night dinner and program, and a Sunday morning Liturgy and brunch. Four of us were able to attend and were given hospitality in the Dominican convent (a mirror image of the one we lived in on the other side of the building.) Margaret Mary Kimmins and Kathy Uhler had each been on the faculty for one year of this classes’ time and I had been there for three years.

Janet knew most of the attendees and was invited to do the invocation on Saturday night along with Dominican Sister Bernadette Donovan. Many of the alumni were not easy to recognize after 52 years, but they seemed so happy to recognize us, especially Janet, who had taught many of them in the Math department. It was a pleasure to hear their stories and know how much they had done with their high school education. Boards were displayed of the deceased member of their class and one was dedicated to the deceased faculty including many of our sisters.

The four of us were happy to represent the Congregation at this historic event in the life of our commitment to Catholic education.

We read "Canticle of the Sun" together. Affirmed each farmers gifts and finishes with a blessing...

"Dear Loving Creator,

Bless our farmers as they enter a new growing season. Bless their hands as they sow seeds, plant, harvest, wash, and bring beautiful produce to market. Bless their bodies with strength and endurance. Their minds with calm. Bless their hearts with passion. They are the tenders of this beautiful land, provided by, You, our loving Creator. Be with them as they feed our community. Keep them safe and happy all the days of their life.

AMEN."

In attendance was Sister Melissa, Fr. Dominic Monti, Jason Eastman, Shauna Keesler, Bonnie Padlo, whom all are board members.

Catholic Climate Covenant is happy to announce that from May 22-29 the global Catholic Church will gather to celebrate Laudato Si' Week 2022 together.

"Listening and walking together" is the theme this year, along with the quote, "Bringing the whole human family together to protect our common home" (LS 13). It will be a festive week, showing the world how much the Church has changed in these seven years and inspiring millions of Catholics around the world.

You can join in the celebration by visiting the Laudato Si’ Week website and registering to follow along all the daily global events planned, starting with an opening ceremony on Sunday, May 22 at 6 a.m. Eastern time (Noon Rome time.) 

Laudato Si’ Week programming will focus on the 7 Laudato Si' Goals, presenting one of them each day and enriching the conversation with online and offline activities as well as resources for prayer, study and action. The events will lift up Catholic teaching on biodiversity, responding to the cry of the poor, divestment, education, and eco-spirituality. Locally, thousands of events will bring the message of Laudato Si’ to everyday Catholics, helping bring this global celebration to life and changing countless communities around the world.