Sister Francis Mary has touched many lives by sharing her gifts as a liturgist, choir director, and music teacher throughout 60 years of religious profession.
Born, baptized, and raised in Springfield, with few exceptions, she has stayed close to home. Her first assignment was teaching sixth graders and directing the choir at St. Mary School, East Moline, Ill. (1962-1966). She also spent a year teaching junior high students at Holy Rosary Duluth, Minn. (1971), and one year as a student teacher at Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights, Ill (1970-1971).
Closer to home, she taught middle grades and music at St. Mary, New Berlin (1966-1969). The biggest portion of her ministerial life has been given to students at Sacred Heart Academy/Sacred Heart-Griffin, where she taught theology and music and was choir director (1971-1989) and at St. Agnes Parish, where she was liturgist, organist, and choir director (1989-2014) while continuing to teach piano students at Sacred Heart-Griffin.
Dozens of well-prepared vocalists and pianists owe their silver and gold medals to her patient and encouraging instruction. Many volunteer cantors and choir members are grateful for her guidance and love of liturgical prayer. “It has been an honor to use God’s gifts in helping others praise God through music,” she said.
In 2014 Sister Francis Mary began her current ministry as liturgist at Sacred Heart Convent. Sister Francis Mary’s step brother Bill (Lois) Maloney and her cousins share her joy.
Want to support our Jubilarians?
Click the button to make a secure online donation to honor one of our sisters celebrating 25, 50, or 60 years of vowed life. Your gift today helps our sisters change lives with their prayer, preaching, wisdom, and encouragement for all they encounter.
Congratulations Sr. Francis Mary, OP! You taught me so much these many years. You are such a blessing to so many. My piano teacher. My mentor as a teacher of music. An outstanding organist these many years growing up as the organist at my parish. Then the musician at my mass of thanksgiving as a newly ordained priest! The music was heavenly! Truly!! Sr. Francis Mary God has blessed so many through your 60 years of religious profession and witness to the Lord! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you dearly!
In Christ,
Fr. Arisman
Congratulations Sister! I was in your homeroom as a terrified freshman! You were also my Freshman Literature teacher, and eventually my chorus Director! You taught me so much, and I am grateful still! I was a member of the 1976 ! You impacted my life in so many positive ways and I thank you!
Congratulations on such an amazing achievement! I was just talking about you earlier this week as I thought back to the last time we worked together (for my sister’s wedding). You have been a true inspiration for many and I am grateful for all of the support and guidance over the years. Wishing you the best in the year of your Jubilee and for all the years to come!!
Such a wonderful and gifted musician. While I didn’t always come prepared for my lessons :/, I did learn to play the piano and gained a love and appreciation for music through Sr. Francis Mary’s patience and guidance. I still play my piano every now and then, but my most cherished accomplishment is sharing this gift of music with my own family. Congratulations and thank you, Sister, for sharing your gift of music with so many!
60 years! What an accomplishment! Dear Sr. Francis Mary you make my heart sing! All those years gracing us at St. Agnes with your tremendous gift that God has given you! Happy Happy Jubilee dear friend! The angels are singing you praises today and everyday. Thank you for sharing your gift with us! God Bless you!
Congratulations Sr. Francis Mary. What a joy to be your friend all these years and what a joy it was to have you at St. Agnes for so many years. God truly blessed us with your presence and we truly enjoyed your music and talents. Thank you for being there for so many people all these years. You are truly a special gift from God to so many. Love You
Congratulations Sister , you are such an inspiration to so many. Your unselfish ways and sweet smile are contagious. Many blessings for the years to come. Love you,