It is hard to believe that Ash Wednesday was yesterday and we are beginning the holy season of Lent.  As you know, this is a time of meaningful prayer, repentance and sacrifice.  As most of us try to “give up” something we enjoy, it is also a time to be extra kind and help others that are less fortunate than us.  As you know, each year the OLMCA community is actively involved in a school wide Lenten service project and this year is no exception.  We are excited to announce we will be helping the St. Joseph’s Center Baby and Children’s Pantry, sponsored by Sr. Francis Rose.

Sr. Frannie, as she is affectionately known, entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters in 1963 and has worked in various Catholic schools as a pre-school teacher for most of her career.    Sr. Frannie ministered  at OLMCA and taught Pre-K for a period of twenty-seven (27) years.  Many of you may remember her as she was a staple in the community.  She may have taught your children/grandchildren during her career at OLMCA.  She loved working with the young students and was an amazing teacher.  She patiently worked with the young children reading stories, introducing them to letters, sounds and numbers.  Most importantly, she led by example as she demonstrated kindness and respect for everyone she came in contact with, especially her students.    Currently, her ministries include working in the development office at the IHM Center and the IHM retirement home where she helps and visits the elderly sisters who reside there.  She is also actively involved in the St. Joseph’s Center Baby and Children’s Pantry.  The St. Joseph’s Center assists families in need as well as handicapped children. As our school wide Lenten project and to help this worthy cause, we will be collecting various supplies that are required to meet the needs of the children as well as any monetary assistance that can be provided.  

Moving forward, as a school community, we will assign required supplies to each class.  The teachers will also be working with their students, writing letters to Sr. Frannie thanking her for her selfless work as an IHM Sister.  The older students will prepare a slide show as they research the origin of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters and their contributions to society.

As always, I know we can count on the support of this incredible school community to help the St. Joseph’s Center Baby and Children’s Pantry.  God bless all of you as we embark together on this special journey to celebrate Easter in a meaningful way by helping Sr. Frannie in one of her many ministries.  Thank you all so much for your incredible support.