Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross in Green Bay, WI

Praising, singing, reflecting and celebrating

Founders’ Day marks what God has done and continues to do through the lives of our Sisters & Associates

By Renae Bauer
published April 2018

Deo gratias -- thanks be to God -- describes the spirit of and song for Founders’ Day, April 8. Beginning with Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Morneau, the Sisters and Associates sang “Deo Gratias,” the song commissioned by the Community for its 125th anniversary.

In his homily, Bishop Morneau spoke of the Community’s powerful and rich symbols – Cross, Word and Eucharist – and how each is an expression of Christ’s love for all, a love experienced by St. Francis of Assisi and lived through the Sisters’ and Associates’ commitment to prayer, presence and hospitality.

Following the social and dinner, the Associates presented their gift, an oil painting, to the Sisters. Created by Associate Carol Kwaterski, the painting captures the breathtakingly colorful display of the Autumn Blaze Pear tree on the convent grounds. The Associates gave the tree to the Sisters in 2009 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sister-Associate Relationship.

A cappella singing of religious music by the Nancy and James Gapinski family kicked off the afternoon.Their tight, soaring harmonies were nothing less than perfect. The celebration concluded with the presentation of the newly printed History Book which journals the Community’s history from 1990 to 2017.

Before parting company, the Sisters and Associates once again sang “Deo Gratia,” proclaiming their thanks to God.

FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION:  About 75 Sisters and Associates gathered at St. Francis Convent on April 8 to mark 150 years since three women arrived in Green Bay to help two friends and a Crosier priest open a school in Bay Settlement -- and, in time, establish this Community. (Renae Bauer photo)


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