Newspaper Page Text
The Southern Cross, Page 4
Thursday, January 27, 2000
A tribute to
By Sister Rose Mary Collins, SSJ
Savannah
T he elementary and secondary schools of
the Savannah Diocese extend their heart
felt gratitude to Sister Mary Frances
Sobczak, CDP, for her eight-and-one-half years
of dedicated service to our diocesan family.
Sister resigned as Superintendent of Schools on
December 31, for reasons of health.
Sister’s leadership has at once challenged and
empowered us to be schools of excellence, com
munities of faith and witnesses to the gospel.
Sister has left her mark on our academic pro
grams, our school policies and, most importantly,
in our hearts.
May our ever-generous God be her source of
strength and peace. Here are some tributes to
Sister Mary Frances from some of the principals
she served with:
Saint Teresa’s School, Albany
Grace Ledwitch, Principal
For your dedication, leadership and spiritual
guidance in our Diocesan Schools, we are truly
blessed. The gentleness in your voice and the
manner in which you assisted teachers and
administrators was appreciated by all as we
worked together to fulfill the mission of Catholic
Schools. You instilled confidence and profession
alism in each educator that you came in contact
with. For these special talents and abilities, we
sincerely thank you.
Immaculate Conception School, Augusta
Sister Una Toomey, MFIC, former Principal
Sister Mary Frances is a beautiful example of
peace, love and joy. Her long illness did not pre
vent her from her call to ministry. She gave it her
all and she did it with a smile!
In all my dealings with Sister Mary Frances she
had a keen listening ear and was always so posi
tive and available. She carefully studied the facts
and the sources of every situation and was ready
to stand on the side of what was right and just.
Sister Mary Frances appreciated our dedication
to the ministry of education. She has been a won
derful example to me personally. My prayers for
her are that she will continue to have the strength
to endure her sufferings bravely. God’s abundant
blessings are yours, Sister Mary Frances!
Aquinas High School, Augusta
John Albert, Principal
Things that I remember about Sister Mary
Frances:
Sister was totally helpful in a crisis. Sister was
always available to discuss things with me.
Sister was always gracious and took me out to
lunch when I had meetings with her in Savannah.
Sister was dependable. If she said that she would
be somewhere at a certain time, she was there.
Sister listened to my ideas concerning educa
tion in the Diocese of Savannah.
Sister worked very, very hard and was always
supportive of me as principal.
Sister was “in charge” of every meeting that
she attended. She was someone who had much to
offer and was ready to offer her opinion.
Sister was not afraid to be honest with people.
She told it like it was.
Sister loved hot dogs and gave up a specially
prepared lunch on one of her visits to Aquinas to
eat the hot dog that the cafeteria was serving.
Sister Mary Frances Sobczak, CDP
Sister Mary Frances Sobczak, CDP
Supervisor;
generous, compassionate
energizing, challenging, dedicated,
gracious friend,
wisdom figure.
Saint Francis Xavier School, Brunswick
Jane K. O’Day, Principal
Sister Mary Frances leaves the Diocese of
Savannah and its schools a huge legacy. Her res
ignation leaves a void where she once stood as
the Superintendent of Schools. My association
with Sister Mary Frances began only four years
ago. Even though I knew Sister Mary Frances for
such a short time, I admired how she continued
to perform so many jobs so well. She was always
busy editing a handbook, working on accredita
tion, updating technology or interpreting school
law.
It was my pleasure to work for her and I shall
miss her dearly.
Our Lady of Lourdes School, Columbus
Chuck Kraft, Principal
The faculty, staff and parents of Our Lady of
Lourdes Catholic School in Columbus, Georgia,
are most appreciative of your support and love
for us. You challenged us to be the very best that
we could be.
Your ability to show us how to work and pray
together has been the main reason that we are
successful.
May the good Lord continue to look over you,
Sister Mary Frances.
Saint Anne School, Columbus
Patricia Nobes, Principal
At this special time, Catholic Schools Week, we
recall those people who have had a major influence
in our schools.
On behalf of the students, parents, and faculty
and staff of Saint Anne School, I would like to take
this opportunity to thank Sister Mary Frances
Sobczak for her eight-and-a-half years of service to
our diocese. She has been unceasing in her efforts
to support and maintain the high standards for
which Catholic education is recognized. She has
been a major presence in all of our schools as we
moved into the twenty-first century. We thank God
that she made the Diocese of Savannah part of her
life’s journey.
Saint Joseph’s School, Macon
Sister Joan Serda, RSM, Principal
Sister Mary Frances, thank you for being
• the beacon that united us,
• the spark that kindled our spirit,
• the trailblazer that challenged us to move in
new directions,
• the flame that inspired us,
• the fire that taught us courage and determina
tion,
• The light that held us to the course,
• The model of the Spirit in our school and our
lives.
Saint Peter Claver School, Macon
Sister JoAnne Goecke, DC, Principal
Thank you, Sister Mary Frances, and our best
wishes to you.
Saint James School, Savannah
Sister Joan Felicia O’Reilly, IHM, Principal
“Lighting the Way to the New Century!” This
theme of the national celebration of Catholic
Schools Week reminds me of Sister Mary Frances
Sobczak, CDP. By her loving dedication to Catholic
education, Sister Mary Frances lights the way to the
new century by sharing her knowledge and love
with others.
As the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the
Diocese of Savannah, Sister shared her knowledge
and expertise with others. Generous with her time
and talent, Sister willingly spent hours helping and
supporting someone in need. Ever the professional,
she cared deeply for the excellence of our schools,
calling us to ever greater strengths. As a religious
woman, she gave by word and deed, examples of
great faith, hope and love.
Sister Mary Frances provided me with encourage
ment during my first months as a principal in the
Diocese of Savannah. She was never too busy to
take my phone call, even if it was the fifth time in
two days. Sister honestly helped me analyze situa
tions in order to make good decisions. She lent her
support in many ways on many days!
Sister Mary Frances took her cues from the lead
ership of Jesus Christ. She worked tirelessly for
God’s “little ones.” She stood up for what she
believed in and she didn’t think anything was a lost
cause. Her warmth, generosity and love are hall
marks of service to the Diocese of Savannah, to the
Catholic Schools and to Saint James Catholic
School.
The prayer and support of the staff and students
of Saint James School are with Sister Mary Frances
during her illness. May she continue to be a light
for all, guiding us by her patience, suffering and
hope to the new century!
Saint Peter the Apostle School, Savannah
Catherine Scanlon, Principal
Thank you, Sister Mary Frances, for your help
and guidance. You are in our thoughts and
prayers.
Saint Vincent’s Academy, Savannah
Sister Helen Marie Buttimer, RSM, Principal
Sister Mary Frances will always be remem
bered with affection and appreciation. Her work
as Superintendent in Savannah brought the
Schools Office to a new level of professionalism.
Working with Saint Vincent’s, Sister Frances
consistently balanced a respect for our academic
independence with a recognition of the need for
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