On Sunday, March 1st, the Lac Courte Oreilles Community turned out in huge numbers to honor and salute the staff of St Francis Catholic Church and School at the church Community Building. The staff has served our community for many years, educating our children, providing religious and spiritual services, and spreading camaraderie among all tribal members.
The staff includes Sister Felissa Zander, serving St Francis and LCO from 1961 to the present; Sister Maryrose Theobold, 1967 to the present; Father Greggory Hopefl, from 1988 to the present; and Father Karunakar Madanu, from 2022 to the present.
Tribal Council Member Lorraine Gouge served as emcee as Chairman Gary Clause made the presentations of various gifts, most notably beautiful handmade ribbon dresses for the sisters. Lorraine Smith, Tribal Elder, made opening remarks and set the stage for the presentations. Trista Burch sang a lovely version of Jesus Loves Me. She was followed by Paula Cooper who handmade two beautiful, embroidered shirts for the fathers and shared her personal story of the dove carrying an olive branch.
The event included a historical slide show recalling the staff, students, and activities over the past decades. The highlight was the sharing of a potluck meal among all attendees, served and presented by the dedicated and seemingly tireless Church Community Building Staff.
The Church Staff was obviously moved by the show of love and support from the tribal community, as it represented a small token of our deep gratitude for their selfless service to our people.
Again, our thanks to organizers Andrea Quaderer, Sandy Carley, Mindy Taylor, Rachel Taylor, Shelby Tainter, and Sharon Coon whose original idea it was to plan this celebration of our St Francis Church Staff. We also want to thank TGB member Lorraine Gouge’ who was an instrumental part of this event by securing the speakers, gifts, food, banner and card.
We thank you for your dedication and commitment to our community!
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Louis Traverzo, Director of Administration Division
Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Government
Louis.traverzo@lco-nsn.gov | 715-274-9568
