Hundreds of supporters turned out to three receptions June 8 and 9, 2019 honoring the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for 62 years of service to Immaculate Conception Parish, Immaculate Conception School and Immaculata High School in Somerville. The IHM Sisters will conclude their service to the parish at the end of this month. Monsignor Seamus Brennan, in greeting 300 people at a luncheon in the IHM Sisters’ honor at the Bridgewater Marriott, said, “We trust in God and His providence. While we prepare to say farewell to the Sisters, we know that the deep spiritual bonds will always remain and we will continue to support each other in prayer.”
Sister Mary Virginia Quinn IHM, who heads the convent for the two schools, thanked those with whom the IHM Sisters have worked over the years and said, “We are united through Mary and her Son. We pledge to keep you in our prayers and memories.” Unable to attend due to schedule conflicts, Bishop James Checchio sent a framed letter commemorating the IHM Sisters’ service to the Diocese of Metuchen and a Papal Blessing marking their faithful service.
Through a technology called Text to Pledge, 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. It is a way of saying goodbye after 62 years, but letting the IHM community know that they will live in our hearts forever!
If you or your child was ever touched by an IHM Sister, whether it be through academic encouragement, spiritual guidance, gestures of kindness or positive mentoring, this is your chance to say “Thank You.” There’s still time to join Immaculata and ICS supporters who’ve already committed $30,000 by donating to the IN HER MEMORY SCHOLARSHIP AND RETIREMENT FUND! Text your pledge and a message of gratitude for the Sisters to 908-386-4696 TODAY! For those who prefer to fulfill pledges by check, please make payment to Immaculate Conception Parish and send to Immaculata High School, In Her Memory Fund, 240 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876.