MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2022 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Michel, Harkins, Butler (38th), Jackson (11th)

Senate Resolution 43

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING SISTER PAULA BLOUIN UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AS DIRECTOR OF ASSISI EARLY LEARNING CENTER.

     WHEREAS, Sister (Sr.) Paula Blouin, School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND), has retired as Director of Assisi Early Learning Center in Madison, Mississippi, after selflessly dedicating over three decades to the Center; and

     WHEREAS, the Madison County community has benefited tremendously from the educational and religious leadership throughout her tenure; and

     WHEREAS, Sister Paula dedicated her life to religious service and apostolic work in August 1964; and

     WHEREAS, Sister Paula's vision for a Catholic Early Learning Center in Madison County was brought to fruition under her leadership.  She has served since late 1986 and was able to open the doors of the Early Learning Center as a ministry of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in 1987; and

     WHEREAS, in addition to fulfilling her duties and responsibilities as Director of Assisi Early Learning Center, Sister Paula also was actively a leader of charity, care, support and guidance at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Flowood, Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, Sister Paula has worked tirelessly to help each child who comes through the Early Learning Center to grow and develop in wisdom, stature and favor with God and man; and

     WHEREAS, thousands of children and families have had the opportunity to experience the rarity of this single individual who holds a tenure of this magnitude, while leading the Early Learning Center through a myriad of economic and social changes.  Sister Paula is demonstrative of the strength, grace, dignity and unwavering commitment to put children first with a servant's heart; and

     WHEREAS, we join the parents and alumni of Assisi Early Learning Center in honoring this exceptional lady:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the distinguished career and meritorious service of Sister Paula Blouin as Director of the Assisi Early Learning Center and congratulate her upon the occasion of her retirement on December 31, 2021, after 35 years of outstanding service, and extend the best wishes of the Legislature for continued health and prosperity.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Sister Paula Blouin, forwarded to the Catholic Diocese of Jackson, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.