A few more photos from Old St Francis School

A class of 4th Grade students, possibly from the 1980s

Sign above St Francis' Theater

Trophy presentation at Old St Francis

Fr Luke Sheehan

Fr Luke's funeral in Ireland

Decals and Stencils outside present-day McMenimans

A few more old photos

Students with Bishop in front of St Francis church

Here are a few more photos from down Memory Lane, especially for all those who remember the Old St Francis School, which is presently known as McMenimans. Photos show various events that took place over the years and other artifacts still on display.

An old pulpit which is displayed in the theater

The old Rectory and the church being built during a snowstorm, 1920

Franciscan Capuchins and other priests gathered for dinner

More photos hanging on walls, and an old pew, on display

More from the old Saint Francis

A plaque with the motto of the school, "FORWARD"

Here are more photos from the collection of photos I took while visiting McMenimans recently. Some photos may be a little distorted, as I had to take them at an angle, to avoid the glare of the glass, but they are visible nonetheless. Please click on each photo to get a larger resolution.

A mural done after the school moved to NE 27th Street.

Students of Saint Francis, possibly in the 1960s

The health spa and pool at McMenimans

Knights of Columbus members, Bishop and priests on a snowy day.

The Old Saint Francis School

A metal sculpture outside McMenamins

Transformation, adaptation and clever interior decorating! That’s what happens when an old school gives way to a newer school, built here in Bend and opened in 2000, as part of my parish. The old school, which opened in 1936 and closed in 2000 was sold to a corporation that transformed it into a hotel, restaurant, movie theatre, spa and an all-around historic attraction, which finally got my attention to discover a little bit of its history. 

So a few days ago, I went around the entire complex when I thought everyone was still sleeping at 6 AM, and started taking some photos of the stencilling and sculptures on the outside of the complex. Lo and behold, at 6:15 AM, one of the employees spotted me and after introducing myself as the pastor of Saint Francis, she gave me the grand tour of what is now McMenamins. 

Bishop Francis Leipzig during a visit to the school

Lots of old photos are hanging on the walls of the corridors that used to be the home of students, now rooms for guests visiting Bend. The school was the dream of Father Luke Sheehan who came to Bend in 1910 and eventually built the church, the school, a hospital and a convent. All this during the Great Depression, but the school which started with 145 students, soared to over 300 and more classrooms had to be built in 1953 and 1960. Later on a gym, a parish center and meetings rooms were built. The classes were taught by the Sisters of the Holy Names from Marylhurst University campus south of Portland.

A photo from the 1970s, girls with one of their teachers

Artifacts from old St Francis, including an original water fountain

More photos to come - also check www.fatherjulian.blogspot.com August 1 entry

More Balloons over Bend

Colorful helium-filled balloons filled the skies over Bend on Saturday morning July 19. Here are a few balloons on a beautiful morning turned spectacular, to the admiration of sightseers, visitors, residents, but especially photographers. For those who were still asleep when these balloons hovered over your sleepy heads, enjoy these photos, taken by an early-riser photographer. More photos are visible at www.fatherjulian.blogspot.com

Name-Tag Sunday

Information about the sonogram machine was presented.

On the 5th Sunday of each month, the parish organizes Name-Tag Sunday where parishioners introduce themselves to each other while wearing a name-tag to make it easier to know who's who. An interesting display of ministries was also held in the Community Center where parishioners could see, inquire and ask questions to various representatives about the groups in the parish. These are some photos of the event which included information about the Catholic Daughters of America, the Knights of Columbus, the School, Vacation Bible School and others.

More photos from the Vacation Bible School

The middle school students taking a bow for their hard work

These are some more photos from this past week's Vacation Bible School, which took place in our parish. Photos show various scenes from the children doing various activities, middle school children doing some skits, and group photos at the end of this successful week.

Vacation Bible School

A group photo with teachers and leaders

Our annual Vacation Bible School is being held in our parish this week, with close to 100 children attending. The theme is "Through the Old Testament in the footsteps of Jesus," and various young people are helping out in the organizational aspect of this week. Yesterday I took a few group photos of the group, which you can see here (click on each photo to enlarge.) Thanks also to Jill Wimer, Janet Schwarz and many other dedicated teachers, leaders and parents who dedicate their time to make this Vacation Bible School such a huge success.

All the children grouped together

The registration table

Waiting for the activities to start

Our youth presenting a skit on creation

Confirmation

Confirmation Class of 2014 with Bishop Liam Cary (click on photo to enlarge)

June 1st was the day when a large group of candidates were confirmed by Bishop Liam Cary. The celebration was held in the new church and this is a group photo of all the candidates with their Bishop. Congratulations. And thanks to Janet Schwarz and all the teachers who worked so hard throughout the year, as well as all those in the Faith Formation program of our parish.

St Francis School Graduates

Here are photos of the 2014 St Francis School graduates, who received their diplomas during a Mass on June 8. Congratulations to all, and good luck in your future endeavors in High School.

Hail to our High School Graduates

St Francis parish High School graduates (click to enlarge)

On Sunday June 8, the annual Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated in the Historic Church by Fr Leo Weckerle, during which all of the Catholic graduates participated in the special Mass in their honor. Students were from Summit High School, Mountain View High School as well as bend High School. We wish them all the best as they venture into their new future, hoping they will always remember St Francis parish and their Lord Jesus, who will guide them in their future endeavors, and hopefully many successes.

School Auction a success

"River Scene" went for $500

"Pier at Sunset" went for $230

"Ranch in Oregon" went for $200

The School Auction held yesterday was a huge success, and my paintings went for $230, $200, $300 and $500 respectively, bringing in a total of $1230. My gratitude to all those who bid on them and have my paintings now hanging in their homes. A very  generous and enthusiastic crowd of parents and friends attended the annual event. Special thanks to Rene and Craig May who chaired the event.

"New England in Fall" went for $300