Bishop Feehan High School is proud to announce that Mr. and Mrs. Dennis & Michelle ’70 Kelly will be honored with the school’s Patricia M. Harrington, RSM Hero of Catholic Education Award during the “Setting Our Hearts” Gala on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Rhode Island Convention Center.
The Kellys’ impact on Catholic education is felt across the Diocese of Fall River. From Michelle’s early days as a Feehan graduate to their years as proud St. John the Evangelist School and Bishop Feehan parents and grandparents, and through decades of public and private leadership, they continue to make a powerful difference for thousands of Catholic school students and dozens of schools each year. In addition to Dennis’s longtime leadership role with the Diocesan Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE), Dennis and Michelle most recently served as co-chairs of Bishop Feehan’s Daring to Believe capital campaign, the most successful philanthropic effort in the school’s history. As CEO of Bristol County Savings Bank and then the chair of the bank’s charitable foundation, Dennis facilitated millions of dollars of charitable impact across Southeastern Massachusetts, including life-giving support to the Diocese of Fall River and Diocesan schools and families.
Most importantly, Dennis and Michelle exemplify perfectly the warm spirit and humble nature of Sister Pat, serving as role models to future philanthropic leaders and to all those who aspire to service and impact. The Kelly’s will be the 11th recipients of the prestigious award. Previous recipients include former Feehan president Chris Servant ’66, Fall River Bishop Edgar da Cunha and last year’s honorees, Jan and Bill Walsh.
“The Sister Pat award was created for faithful servants like Dennis and Michelle,” says Feehan President Tim Sullivan. “Yesterday, today and tomorrow Catholic education has thrived, does thrive and only will thrive with the support of those who believe in the mission and offer their time, talent and treasure to the work. We often talk of the ‘Feehan Family’; Dennis and Michelle are what we are talking about.”
The Patricia M. Harrington, RSM Hero of Catholic Education Award was established by Bishop Feehan High School in 2017 to honor a champion of Catholic education who makes significant contributions in service of Catholic schools and the Church. Sister Pat — who passed away in 2015 — was a legendary figure in the Feehan community: her example of faith, love and mercy set a standard at Feehan for nearly 40 years and will be remembered always. Sister Pat herself (posthumously) was the first recipient of the award.
“The Setting Our Hearts Gala is an evening dedicated to honoring the spirit of Feehan— the strength of our community, the essential role played by Catholic schools in preparing future leaders of faith and mercy, and the bold vision we hold for the future,” said Jessica Symonds, Feehan Vice President of Advancement. “This award and Dennis and Michelle Kelly’s example fits perfectly into an evening that is all about impact. "
The “Setting our Hearts” Gala has become the central annual community event of the Feehan year, welcoming more than 600 people to celebrate the Feehan community and support the school. In addition to the Hero of Catholic Education award, highlights of the evening include an elegant dinner, a limited live auction, a $10,000 cash raffle, a live band, dancing and a host of surprises. For more information, to purchase tickets or tables, or for information on honoring our honorees, visit BishopFeehan.com/gala or contact Jennifer L. Smith ’06, Director of Special Events and Volunteer Management at 508-226-6223 x132 or [email protected].