Bishop Tobin Celebrates Mass at Saints

Saint Raphael Academy was honored to have the Bishop Thomas Tobin on campus yesterday to celebrate the Academy’s annual Opening of School Mass. Held at Holy Family Parish, the Academy’s adopted parish, the Mass was the first for the freshmen Class of 2022.

The bishop was joined by seven priests from other area parishes, in addition to Fr. Carl Fissett, Saints’ school chaplain. His guests were Fr. Stephen Dandeneau, pastor of St. Eugene in Chepachet; Fr. Phillip Dufour, who was ordained this summer; Fr. Joseph Gillespie, LC, chaplain at Overbrook Academy in Lincoln; Fr. Paul Grenon, pastor of St. Joseph in North Scituate; Msgr. Jay Darcy, pastor of St. Margaret in Rumford; Fr. Brian Sistare, pastor of St. John the Baptist in Pawtucket; and Fr. David Gaffney, rector of the Seminary of Our Lady of Providence.

Upon seeing the church packed with students and standing-room only for many faculty and staff, the bishop congratulated the Academy on its increased enrollment. “I’m very proud of Saint Rays,” he said. In his homily, the bishop encouraged students to develop their friendship with God through prayer.

“Faith is your friendship with God, and it needs to be nourished.” He continued, “Faith is the harbor that gives you shelter in the storms of life.” Bishop Tobin advised those present that we cannot succeed by ourselves, that we often need others’ help, and that it is important to rely on God for help in times of trouble. He concluded by urging students to have a good year. “Work hard, appreciate opportunities, and stay close to each other and to God,” Bishop Tobin said.

Prayers were also asked for a successful school year for all students. After Mass, Saint Raphael Academy presented Bishop Tobin with a donation for the diocese’s Keep the Heat On campaign.