SIGNS OF THE TIME

You might notice that there is a new wooden sign on the brick wall as you come into the chapel entrance.

The Lake Geneva Historic Preservation Commission presented this plaque to our parish at a dedication ceremony on September 20 in honor of the church's 175th anniversary. Parishioner Ken Etten, who is the chairman of the Lake Geneva Historic Preservation Commission, worked with our 175th Anniversary Chairpersons Millie McCormick and Geri Braun to create this beautiful commemorative plaque. It gives a snapshot of our past to mark this special time in history. (If you haven't yet picked up a copy of our commemorative book with detailed history, there are still a few left in the parish office.)

Ken Etten, Millie McCormick, Alderman Bob Kordus at the Dedication Ceremony

Also recently hung in the chapel entrance is this Papal Blessing from Pope Francis.

Fr. John Baumgardner took on this mission for us and went to the Vatican office in Rome to arrange for a Apostolic blessing from the Holy Father for our Pastor and Parishioners on the occasion of the 175th anniversary. He carried it back with him from Rome just in time for our Anniversary celebration at Geneva National!

Thank you to all who have helped to mark this very unique time in the history of St. Francis de Sales Parish! We hope that these "signs of the time" will help to remind us all of the founders, priests, staff, and parishioners who have formed this wonderful parish community over the past 175 years.... "lighing the way to the future"!