Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will lead a prayer service in gratitude for Catholic education and for the new school library at St. Martin of Tours Parish School. The entire school community and special invited guests will be attending the dedication of the library to be named Sister Paul Mercedes, I.H.M. Library in memory of Alice Mullen.

A procession from the church to the new Sister Paul Mercedes, I.H.M. Library in memory of Alice Mullen will include Bishop McFadden, Monsignor Frances Beach and priests from St. Martin of Tours Parish, Sister Lorraine McGrew, Superior General of Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Provincial Counsel, members of Sister Paul Mercedes' and Ms. Alice Mullen's families, altar servers, student council members, and other guests will take place on:

Tuesday, January 30, 2007
10:00 a.m.
Saint Martin of Tours Parish
Roosevelt Boulevard and Cheltenham Avenue
Northeast Philadelphia

Sister Paul Mercedes Perreca, I.H.M. worked in the tutoring center at Saint Martin of Tours Parish School and devoted her life to serving the Church and children. Sister Paul always encouraged her students to develop their full potential. Sister Paul was struck and killed by a vehicle as she crossed Cottman Avenue at Hawthorne Street on her way to Mass on Monday, January 9, 2006.

Sister Paul Mercedes taught eighth grade at both Transfiguration Parish School and St. Gabriel Parish School in Philadelphia in the 1960's and 1970's. Sister Paul went on to become the principal of St. Anastasia Parish School in Newtown Square, Delaware County. Sister returned to teaching in the late eighties and began her work as an eighth grade teacher at St. Martin of Tours in 2001.

Ms. Alice Mullen lived in St. Martin of Tours Parish for more that 58 years and truly loved being a member of this very special parish community. Ms. Mullen was dedicated to the parish and was an example of living the Good News, the theme of this year's Catholic Schools Week, "Catholic Schools: The Good News in Education." Ms. Mullen's family and Mr. Leo Holt contributed to the relocation and reconstruction of the new library, which houses 8 new computers and learning materials.

Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, along with Catholic schools throughout the nation, will celebrate Catholic Schools Week, January 28 through February 3, 2007. Catholic Schools Week is an annual national celebration of the important role that Catholic elementary, secondary and special education schools across the country play in providing a values-centered education. This year's national theme is "Catholic Schools: the Good News in Education." Catholic schools are proud of the intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical and social values that are emphasized in their schools. For more information please visit the Office of Catholic Education's website, www.catholicschools-phl.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747