On March 12, 200 St. Mary's Institute students descended on St. Mary's Church in Amsterdam to join Bishop Howard Hubbard in the celebration of Mass. This special Mass was taped to be replayed Easter morning for the benefit of the home-bound.
The students made up the bulk of participants, representing grades kindergarten through eight. Students also sang in the chorus, led by Rachelle Cotugno, and composed the group of four altar servers assisting Bishop Hubbard during Mass.
I am sure Bishop Hubbard felt thankful and pleased to see so many future church followers and leaders filling the pews. The students' remarkable attentiveness and reverence throughout the hourlong service attests to the fine work of Principal Giovanni Virgigilio Jr. and the wonderful teachers at SMI.
St. Mary's Institute serves the community and the church by imbuing its students with high moral values, respect for tradition and love of God and neighbor. Amsterdam is blessed to have such a fine school.
Larry Jordan
Amsterdam