January 20, 2012

Dear Friends of Portsmouth Abbey School,

Since Dr. James DeVecchi took over as Headmaster here in the summer of 2000, his tenure has been a remarkable period of stability and growth for the School.  In addition, visitors find an atmosphere of cheerful welcome, friendliness and good fellowship which reflects the character of Jim DeVecchi. So it is with some nostalgia and regret that we accept the announcement that the time has come for him to retire, after what will have been thirteen years of devoted, skillful, and energetic leadership as Headmaster---not to mention his valuable contribution as a member of the faculty and administration of the School since the 1970s.

Portsmouth is by its mission a Catholic school, enjoying cordial relations with the Catholic Bishop of Providence.  We are also an autonomous Benedictine school, with the special flavor of reverent worship, engagement with culture, and hospitable welcome that are characteristically Benedictine. Moreover, it is important that there is a monastic/lay partnership at the heart of the culture of the School: ever since they founded it in 1926, the monks have been assisted by lay teachers, administrators, and staff. The Monastic Community has found Jim's leadership of the School to be in smooth continuity with the more than seven decades which preceded it.

Of course, Portsmouth Abbey School will continue to be Catholic and Benedictine. Our immediate task now is to find a successor to Jim DeVecchi who will carry forward and build on his excellent work. The Certificate of Delegation, by which the Monastic Community of Portsmouth Abbey in 2002 entrusted the governance of the School to a Board of Regents, assigns to the Board the appointment of the Headmaster.  The Search Committee, which is leading the effort to find a new Headmaster, includes monks of Portsmouth Abbey.

Let me ask you to join me in thanking Jim DeVecchi and his wife, Deb, for all they have done for Portsmouth Abbey School during their many years of active involvement with us and in wishing them a happy retirement.

Please also join us in praying that, through the intercession of our heavenly patrons, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, and Saint Gregory the Great, we will be successful in putting in place a worthy successor to Jim.

Yours in Christ,

Caedmon Holmes, O.S.B.
Abbot and Chancellor