Sister Maureen Clark, CSJ, honored by Fairfield University

Fairfield University in Connecticut presented an honorary Doctor of Laws degree to a Sister of St. Joseph who has served for 26 years in Catholic ministry in the Massachusetts correctional system.

Sister Maureen Clark, CSJ, received the degree at the 2013 undergraduate commencement to honor her "unwavering dedication to those forgotten by society, and with respect for her belief that everyone deserves dignity, hope, and a second chance."

A native of Pittsburgh, Sister Maureen worked there in the correction system for 13 years, before her 26 years of service in Massachusetts.

Most of her time in corrections, serving in the capacity of a chaplain, has been working with the female offender population. A highlight of her ministry has been in the creation of programs that help reconcile and reunify women with their children and families, such as the "Read to me, Mommy" program later implemented in prisons nationwide where women read books to their children on DVD.

She has also served on the Massachusetts Governor's Advisory Board for Prisons and on the Boston Catholic Archdiocesan Board on Prisons.

Sisters of Charity of Nazareth install new central leadership team

Sisters of Charity of Nazareth from Boston virtually attended the installation of the new central leadership team last month in Nazareth, Kentucky as the congregation installed a new president and two vice presidents.

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, the new president, Sister Susan taught at Catholic schools in Indiana, worked in youth ministry in Texas, and in lay ministry development for Sacred Heart Southern Mission in Mississippi, before her most recent work as the vice president of the congregation.

A native of India, vice president Sister Sangeeta, SCN, has served in administration at three hospitals in India, as both a vice provincial and provincial in the Eastern Province, and studied in the United States both at Spalding University and Xavier University.

Vice president Sister Brenda, a native of Washington, D.C., served as a diocesan director of campus and young adult ministry in Texas, Chair of Catholic Campus Ministry Association for the United States, SCN vocation and formation director, program director for Jesuit Volunteers International, and as the vice provincial of the Western Province.

Fontbonne Academy introduces tablet technology to classrooms

Fontbonne Academy in Milton announced has begun the introduction of a one-to-one learning initiative, using Apple iPads during the school year 2013-2014.

The Class of 2017, the current ninth grade, will be given iPads for the school year, making the academy the only Catholic girls' school in the area with a program of this kind -- which school officials said will be comprehensive and grade-based.

The school recently upgraded their wireless system and the rolled out a student-teacher-parent portal on the website called a learning management system (LMS).

"We are making strides to enhance the educational experience at Fontbonne, and the measures we have taken for this school year are dramatic," said head of school, Mary Ellen Barnes, who orchestrated the leasing program for the iPads.

Fontbonne teachers tested out the iPads last year and went through extensive training, including sessions to explore the potential and limitations of the device.

"I am excited about using the iPad in my classes and understand that this first year will be critical to developing a curriculum that is truly engaging," said Barbara Ryan, chair of the school's English department.

Country Day School in Groton appoints first lay principal

MILTON -- The Leadership Team of the Holy Union Sisters announced the appointment of Mary Hamelin as first lay principal of the Country Day School of the Holy Union in Groton.

The sponsored ministry of the Holy Union Sisters at the school has been led by a Holy Union Sister for over 60 years.

Hamelin previously taught middle school science at the school for over 15 years. She also served as coordinator of curriculum and professional development.

Hamelin succeeds Sister Yvette Ladurantaye, SUSC. Sister Yvette, who has been principal since 2004, will become a member of the Holy Union Sisters United States Province Leadership Team.

"For over fifty years the Holy Union Sisters have sponsored and led a school that is one of the best kept secrets in the Nashoba Valley. It is my pleasure to work in a school with a dedicated and professional staff that cares deeply about continuing this tradition of nurturing a love for learning and a commitment to excellence from all its students," said Hamelin.

Lowell native leads U.S. Grey Nuns

Sister Julia Christine Lanigan, a Lowell native, took office for a second term as president of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart in a June installation ceremony and Mass at the Motherhouse of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart in Yardley, Pennsylvania.

Sister Julia was re-elected by her sisters in community during the congregation's spring Chapter meeting.

Sister Julia was a member of Immaculate Conception parish in Lowell and attended Immaculate Conception grade school and Keith Hall High School. She studied at D'Youville College in Buffalo, New York before entering the Grey Nun congregation in 1967.

In her early years as a Grey Nun, Sister Julia ministered as a nurse, served as a nursing educator in Ogdensburg, New York, and later became director of nursing at Kodiak Island Hospital in Kodiak, Alaska. She holds an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business and previously served as Treasurer and Leadership Council member of the Grey Nuns.

Sister Diane Bardol, Sister Cecilia Cosgrove, Sister Dawn Gear and Sister Mary Elizabeth Looby will serve the leadership council alongside Sister Julia in her five-year term.