IHM Congregation Honored for 45 Years of Service

submitted by Jane Mary Duke, IHM

On October 7, 2026, an all-school Mass was held at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Rosary and the 65th anniversary of the school’s founding.

Father Dan Leary invited Sisters Rosemaron Rynn, Jane Mary Duke, and Ann Parker to attend the celebration. The school, originally opened in September 1961, was staff ed by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM). The initial faculty consisted of three sisters: Sister Paraclete Gallagher (Principal), Sister Maron Rassley, and Sister Laurentia Mayan. Later, in 1967, Sister Rosemaron Rynn was appointed Principal and first-grade teacher, serving alongside Sister Jane Mary Duke (fourth grade) and Sister Immaculate Severino. The Sisters of IHM served at the school from 1961 until 2007.

During the anniversary Mass, the visiting Sisters were presented with two dozen red roses and invited to speak to the students. The school also presented them with a framed, handmade symbol of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which is now displayed in the school’s front entrance. Following the liturgy, the Sisters joined Father Leary at the rectory for lunch.