There’s just something about the relationship between a grandparent and grandchild. Grandparents always seem to be on your side. They always have food and treats for you. And they are always good for a hug after a rough day.
Saints was thrilled to celebrate that special bond with its first Grandparents Day since 2019. Last Friday, nearly 200 students and their grandparents attended a morning Mass that honored this inter-generational connection.
Saint Raphael Academy Chaplain Ryan Simas said the Mass, with seniors Olivia DeMacedo welcoming everyone and Samantha Marsis giving the readings. Juniors Matthew Sullivan and Matt Cabral assisted at the altar. Seniors Clare Bradley and Hannah Guevermont were Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.
Lending their voices to the choir were seniors Megan Legendre, Clare Bradley, Calista Aguinaldo, and Hillary Jeanty. Talented members of the SRA faculty provided the musical accompaniment.
Despite the unusually high heat and humidity, the grandparents and guests were elated at the opportunity to spend time with their own special Saint.
Connecting with Saints
Senior Camille Fitzpatrick had both sets of grandparents attend the event. “They are all familiar with Saints because all their children went there. One of them, my Pepere [Larence ’73], graduated from Saints himself and is a proud Saints alumnus! They loved coming back to Saints and seeing all that has been updated and changed since the last time they were here,” she said.
Camille often spends time with her grandparents, and said they enjoy attending her dance recitals and competitions. She said SRA’s Grandparents Day was the perfect day to hear from both sides of her family about her parents’ time as students at Saints.
Principal Dan Richard welcomed guests to Alumni Hall, explaining that he could relate to them as the grandfather of six himself. He confided that the best part of grandchildren is spoiling them! Later, students were invited to take a prayer card and gift it to their grandparents as a memento of the day.
All enjoyed a breakfast reception and the chance to meet some of their grandchildren’s friends. Families posed for formal portraits, taken to commemorate the day. (Grandparents will receive a copy. Families who are interested in purchasing additional photos for themselves are welcome to contact Mare Studios at 401-438-1555.)
