Kearns-Saint Ann School celebrates Founder's Day

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The Most Rev. John C. Wester, bishop of Salt Lake City (center, seated), celebrated the Kearns-Saint Ann School Founders' Day Mass.

SALT LAKE CITY – The Kearns-Saint Ann School community gathered to celebrate the founding of the school and the beneficiaries who made it possible. The Most Rev. John C. Wester celebrated Mass, joined by Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, St. Ann pastor. Honored guests were Thomas and Philip McCarthey, great-grandsons of Thomas and Jennie Kearns, the original founders of the orphanage. Also present were members of the Sisters of the Holy Cross and Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, whose orders staffed both the orphanage and the school.

Tom and Phil McCarthey regaled the community with tales of their family during the early years of the orphanage. Sister of Charity Michele Curtin reminded the students of the importance and power of love. Sister Genevra Rolf, assistant superintendent of Utah Catholic Schools, represented the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

All founders were presented with a plaque featuring the stained-glass window of the school chapel, which shows Saint Anne teaching her daughter Mary. A reception followed the Mass, where students greeted the bishop.