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Just as the events of day-after-day accumulate into "history," the annals of the Sisters of Divine Providence in New England relate the story of how and why the Sisters of Divine Providence came to New England and grew. The Gurnett Property of 660 acres purchased from Mrs. Mae Gurnett in 1946 is the place in Kingston, Massachusetts where it all began. And today it is still the place from which most of the educational endeavors of the Sisters eminate. Camp Mishannock for girls was the first ministry undertaken. From a small group of 40 in 1947, to a much larger group today -- with an international contingent of counselors and campers -- the summer work of education continues. A safe, tranquil woodland place for personal and social growth, the Camp provides learning experiences in land and water sports, the opportunity to share cultures with campers and counselors from other countries, to develop self-confidence and leadership skills. This ministry resonates with the Community's charism of teaching and nurturing young girls. Sisters Ella Jean Bruen and Jacqueline Meyer are co-directors of the camp, which is just five miles from the Atlantic Ocean. In short succession from the beginning point of 1947, no time was lost in establishing schools, 'for teaching is what we do." Many of those Sisters who have died were the mentors of those who now teach in our schools. Our heritage is a proud and memorable one. By 1959 there were Sacred Heart Elementary and Heart High School, St. Joan of Arc in Orleans , MA, St. Cecilia's in Stamford, CT, and St. Francis Xavier in Weymouth , MA . Over time, however, increased financial pressures forced parishes to close parochial schools. Decreasing vocations and the lure of other social ministries contributed to the demise of the existing parish schools. In many of the South Shore parishes of Massachusetts , Sisters instructed weekend CCD classes of children in Christian Doctrine. The Archdiocese has always been cognizant of the great contribution made by the Community. Thousands have benefited. The Sacred Heart School , pre-primary through grade 12, has become a leading educational institution in the South Shore , enrolling over 1,100 students from 40 towns. A co-educational, private, Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Boston owned and governed by the Congregation of Divine Providence, accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Sacred Heart continues to offer quality education and life experiences directed by Gospel values to its students and their families. Presently there are 16 Sisters directly involved on the teaching staff. The quote, "Teaching is what we do," is so appropriate when ministry in New England is mentioned. Even without counting the years of teaching that the forerunners of today contributed, the present group of teachers has chalked up over 1,000 years in accumulated service to children and adults in the New England area.
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