May 14, 2010

Retiring principal to be honored at Celebration Mass on May 22

Providence Sister James Michael Kesterson has spent 60 years in Catholic education, serving the last 32 years as the principal of St. Jude School in Indianapolis. This photo was taken on her 80th birthday as she stood by her portrait taken in 1948. (Submitted photo)

Providence Sister James Michael Kesterson has spent 60 years in Catholic education, serving the last 32 years as the principal of St. Jude School in Indianapolis. This photo was taken on her 80th birthday as she stood by her portrait taken in 1948. (Submitted photo)

As Providence Sister James Michael Kesterson retires as the principal of St. Jude School in Indianapolis after 32 years, St. Jude Parish will mark her years of dedicated service with a Celebration Mass at 5 p.m. on May 22 followed by a program in her honor at the church.

As a tribute to her service, the St. Jude Parish Council has decided to begin the second phase of its master plan—the construction of a new wing to the school.

The proposed name of the school addition is “Guérin Wing” to honor Sister James Michael and all the Sisters of Providence for their dedication to children, following the example of St. Theodora Guérin, the foundress of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. The new wing will have a “Sister James Michael Wall of Support.” Everyone who provides financial support to the new wing will be recognized on the wall display.

For information about contributing to the “wall of support,” contact Joan McKinley at the St. Jude Parish office at 317-786-4371. †

(Related: Retiring St. Jude principal’s love for children, Catholic education and football is as strong as ever)

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