(Chelsea Update would like to thank Joe Yekulis for the information and photo gallery in this story.)
When the Chelsea Knights of Columbus and the parishioners of St. Mary Catholic Church learned that their local Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement were in need, they quickly mobilized and agreed to add a seventh fish fry to their calendar on Good Friday, April 3 to lend them a hand.
Sr. Ann Mahany and Sr. Patricia Hackett have been a part of St. Mary Parish for several years now, giving their time and talents to the “Franciscan Project.” This project is described as “a non-profit ecumenical organization meant to empower people to recognize their strengths,” to help them in overcoming their personal struggles.
One year ago, Sr. Ann learned that her liver was failing, and that she would need a liver transplant. She and Sr. Pat made a number of trips to the Mayo Clinic for life sustaining treatments, until eventually in the month of December, she rose to the top of the transplant list and a donor liver became available.
Following successful transplant surgery, she returned home and experienced a slip and fall accident; fracturing her upper arm and hip. As the travel expenses piled up, the Franciscan Sister’s disposable income dwindled, and Fr. William Turner, pastor of St. Mary Parish, turned to the Knights of Columbus for help.
“We needed to raise these funds quickly to help the sisters with the bills they incurred above and beyond what their insurance would pay,” said Turner.
“There were housing costs and food expenses at the Mayo Clinic that weren’t covered, and in the past we’ve used this seventh fish fry to assist people in need. So I asked the Chelsea Knight’s Council to dedicate their Good Friday Fish Fry to help the Sisters. Many parishioners came out to help by cooking, baking, serving, and cleaning. There was a tremendous response from the community, and over 1007 meals were served; a new record for our fish fry,” he said.
Another $1,872 in free-will donations were given by our patrons, so the Sisters will be receiving $6,000 from this event. “On behalf of St. Mary Parish, we thank the great community of Chelsea and Western Washtenaw County for supporting this event,” he said.
