Ring Mass 2024: Celebrating Connections and Commitment

Among the many time-honored Merion Mercy Academy traditions, perhaps none is more cherished by students and parents alike than the Junior Ring Mass. While we don’t know the exact year that the school ring was introduced, there is reference to this special occasion as far back as 1950 when the ring’s arrival at Mater Misericordiae Academy was heralded with notice in the Ricordia. Back then, receiving the ring was an occasion for the seniors. 

In 2024, 81 juniors participated in the Ring Mass, which was presided over by Reverend Kevin DePrinzio OSA. 

In the Call to Worship, written by Sister Mandy Carrier RSM, Annie Askin ‘25 read: 

“The sisterhood reaches beyond our friend groups to extend the same love we see in Jesus’ life and teachings to each and every member of our Merion Mercy community.  Everyday, in small ways and in great sacrifices, we make the Circle of Mercy wider so that each of us knows that we belong and that we are sisters to one another.

In her reflection, Tessa Lynch ‘25 examined how individual experiences come together to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood:

“To me, the sisterhood means lasting relationships that shape my life. It means being surrounded by a community that impacts the world through their own experiences and values. What I have found to be the most compelling about the sisterhood, is just that. Our individual experiences. Every one of us comes from different backgrounds, which is something I often marvel at. I never would have guessed that it would be so easy to become friends with people I am so different from. However, our tightly-knit community has allowed us all to do just that. This is the very epitome of what this ring represents for me.” 

The Ring Mass ceremony concluded with this blessing: 

These class rings symbolize the connection each student has to the Merion Mercy Academy sisterhood, and the commitment to living Mercy and seeking justice that the class of 2025 has cultivated.