Nearly 500 people joined the Sisters of Notre Dame at St. Paschal Baylon Church in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, July 12 to celebrate the love, commitment and fidelity of eight women who have dedicated themselves to Jesus through Mary. Renowned composer and music director Christopher Walker led a choir of Sisters of Notre Dame, Associates of Notre Dame and the Caritas Chorus of St. Paul’s Church in Westwood.

Sr. M. Kathleen Burns offered this call to worship:

Good Morning and welcome to our celebration of Jubilee and final Profession of Vows. Today we bear witness to the "YES" given to God's everlasting love.  A "yes" of 70 years by Sister Mary Francelia, a "yes" of 60 years by Sister Mary Donnamay and Sister Mary Josanne, a "yes" of 50 years by Sister Mary Ann, Sister Mary Lois, Sister Mary Luellen and Sister Mary Sheila, and a "yes" to the final profession of vows by Sister Cristina Marie.

We praise God for the continuing total self gift of these women to Jesus Christ in the vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience.

As we celebrate the Eucharist this morning, may God's everlasting love surround us, convincing us evermore of God's overwhelming goodness and provident care.

Sr. Cristina’s final profession of vows was a moving ceremony that included answering an examination, proclaiming her final vows, signing her vows on the altar, receiving a solemn blessing and accepting a ring engraved with the words "Tout a Jesus Pour Marie" (All for Jesus Through Mary). She was presented to the congregation to great applause.

Then each of the seven Jubilarian sisters faced the altar and renewed her vows, the ‘Yes’ given to God’s everlasting love. Over the years, their vocations have included adoration ministry, bereavement ministry, cooking for the province center, nursing and praying with the sick. Several have also served as principals, school administrators and teachers of every subject from reading to computer science. Together, these women represent 390 years of service to the Lord and the Church.