The Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia was host to the annual Mass of Appreciation and Thanksgiving for all religious Sisters serving in the Salina Diocese on Wednesday, May 16. About 50 religious sisters from three congregations attended the Mass.

This was the first time that the annual appreciation Mass has been held in Concordia, said Sister Jean Rosemarynoski, president of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia. The event started with Mass at 11 a.m. with Father Frank E. Coady, Diocesan Administrator, in the Sacred Heart Chapel at the Nazareth Motherhouse followed by a luncheon in the Motherhouse dining room.

“The fact that it was here this year let a lot more of us attend, because otherwise three-quarters of us couldn’t go,” said Sister Cese Green, of Concordia, referring to many of her fellow retired sisters who are restricted health-wise in their mobility.

In addition to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, the Missionaries of the Eucharistic Heart of Christ the King in Salina and the Missionaries of the Holy Savior and St. Brigid in Hays attended the service and luncheon.

In attendance to honor the Sisters were Fathers Frank Coady, Diocesan Administrator, of Manhattan; James Hoover, of Concordia; Kerry Ninemire, of Manhattan; Jerry Morgan, of Salina; Larry Letourneau, of Salina; Don Zimmerman, of Manhattan; Henry Baxa, of Belleville; Steve Heina, of Clyde; David Metz, of Concordia; Keith Weber, of Salina; John Wolesky, of Solomon; and Msgr. James Hake, of Salina.

“We have gathered here today to thank you for what you do and what you continue to do,” Father Coady said during the Mass. “You Sisters have lived in the classroom, witnessed in the hospital, been dedicated to the poor. You have made a profession of this faith.”

Following the Mass, the sisters and priests had time to renew old friendships over lunch.

“Many of the sisters and priests have worked together. It was wonderful for them to have an opportunity to visit with long-time friends,” said Sister Jean Rosemarynoski. “The sisters appreciated sharing our home with the priests, other sisters who minister in the diocese and guests from the chancery. We were delighted with the day!”

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