The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls will honor two of their sisters who celebrate 50 years as members of the Order on Sunday, August 12, 2012. These sisters represent 100 years of dedicated service to the people of God in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. They have served in varied ministries throughout the United States. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, followed by a dinner and reception for invited guests.

The 50-year jubilarians include Sisters Gertrude Brixius and Donna Guyott, who entered the novitiate at St. Francis Convent on July 31, 1962, made their first profession of vows on August 12, 1964 and their final profession of vows on August 12, 1969.

Sister Gertrude Brixius was born on a farm near Buckman. She has ministered as a dietary assistant and a food service supervisor at St. Gabriel’s Hospital, Little Falls; food service supervisor at St. Francis Home in Breckenridge; nutrition program director at Catholic Charities, St. Cloud; café and store manager at St. Mary Manor, Jackson, Tenn.; advocate at Community Advocates in Milwaukee, Wis.; Executive Director of St. Elizabeth Catholic Worker House, Chicago, Ill., and the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls; and general manager of St. Martin’s Table, Minneapolis. Sister Gertrude presently ministers as acting pastoral minister at St. Bridget’s Parish, north Minneapolis.

Sister Donna Guyott was born on a farm near Oakes, N.Dak. She ministered as an LPN for Oakes Community Hospital, Oakes, N. Dak.; St. Michael’s Hospital, Sauk Centre; St. Gabriel’s Hospital, St. Otto’s Home and Franciscan Sisters’ Convent Care, Little Falls; LPN and child care teacher at Franciscan Villa, South Milwaukee, Wis.; senior resident counselor at St. Camillus Place, Little Falls. Sister Donna is currently caring for young children at New Horizon Day Care Center, St. Paul.