Sister Claire Ouellette and Sister Simonne Janelle recently celebrated their 50th anniversary in the religious order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at a ceremony at the Sisters’ Chapel of St. Joseph Convent, Biddeford.

The Most Rev. Joseph Gerry, O.S.B., bishop emeritus of the Portland Diocese, was the main celebrant of the Eucharist liturgy at a service held June 31.

Sister Ouellette is the coordinator at St. Joseph Convent in Biddeford and of the convent’s Pavilion section. She is a Massachusetts native and has taught at schools in Maine and Massachusetts as well as serving as superior at several convents.

Sister Janelle was born in Biddeford and is a licensed social worker who has worked at several facilities in Maine and Massachusetts. She has also been supervisor at St. Andre’s Home and at Marie-Fitzbach Convent, both in Biddeford.