Remembering Sister Joyce Volpini, SND

One of my favorite things to do at my job at The Catholic Review is visit principals at their offices. Most young children would look at me strange if I were to tell them that and say “You like going to the principal’s office?” Yes, yes I do. The reason is simple: Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Joyce Volpini. Growing up at St. Jerome School in Hyattsville during the 1980s and early 90s, Sister Joyce was the face of the school and arguably the parish. She, along with her fellow order sisters, provided a stern, yet loving and caring environment for us. Sister Joyce dedicated more than 30 years to St. Jerome. She was more than a principal, though. For some, she was a second mother. For others, she was a guidance counselor. And still more, she was a friend. In fact, she was a friend to all. This year will mark the 20th since I started my final year at St. Jerome. I returned to About a year ago, she left the parish and school amid transitions. While current and former school families rallied to keep her there, she never sought the spotlight. In fact, she barely addressed it publicly.