On Friday, September 8 Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall celebrated their Opening Mass and Commissioning Ceremony for new head of school, Beth Coyne.  The Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford, His Excellency Juan Miguel Betancourt, S.E.M.V. presided, along with concelebrants Fr. Aidan Donahue of Precious Blood Parish in Milford, Fr. Brian Konzman S.J., of Fairfield College Preparatory School, Fr. Ryan Lerner of Yale University’s St. Thomas Moore Chapel, and Deacon Dominic Corraro of St. Mary School Milford. 

Bishop Betancourt offered words of encouragement to the students and faculty, wishing them well as they embark on the new school year.  He also reminded all present of the importance of Mother Mary, as Friday was also the Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. 

After the homily, Sr. Lisa Griffith R.S.M. and Susan Smith, delegates from Mercy Education, led the school community through a special blessing of Mrs. Coyne.  Various constituent groups offered well wishes and prayers to Coyne, with Coyne reciting her own beautiful acceptance prayer in response.  The day was full of excitement; the joy was palpable.