Celebrating 60 Years: Honoring Sister Patricia Norton’s Jubilee
With joy and gratitude, we celebrate Sister Patricia (Pat) Norton as she marks her 60th Jubilee—a beautiful testament to a life of Franciscan values and dedication to faith and ministry.
Originally from Mishawaka, Indiana, Sister Pat grew up in a faith-filled community. She attended local Catholic schools before graduating from Mishawaka High School. It was there that she first felt drawn to religious life through the witness of the Franciscan Sisters serving in her parish. After graduating in 1965, she joined their community and began her journey into Franciscan life. Her formation was deeply influenced by Father Sergius Wroblewski, whose passionate embrace of the Franciscan spirit left a lasting impression on her heart.
A pivotal moment came in 1972, when she visited Wheaton, Illinois, and met Sister Virginia Mary Barta, then Provincial Directress. Encouraged by Sister Virginia Mary to consider continuing religious life with the Wheaton Franciscans, Sister Pat felt renewed in her call. That year, she joined the community, professed her first vows in 1973, and made her final vows in 1976. “I believe that God worked through her,” she recalls, “and I am very grateful for this renewed call.”
Her educational journey, which included studies at St. Francis College in Fort Wayne and the University of Notre Dame, helped prepare her for a wide and varied ministry. Over the years, she served faithfully as a teacher at St. Michael Parish in Wheaton and Transfiguration Parish in Wauconda, as Director of Cove Child Care Center, Finance Director at Marian Park Housing, Chaplain at Good Samaritan Hospital, and ultimately as President of Franciscan Ministries, Inc.
Known for her thoughtful presence and steady leadership, Sister Pat has always approached her work with compassion and a deep sense of purpose. Outside of ministry, she enjoys needlework, photography, and reading, hobbies that reflect her reflective and creative nature.
“I would like to be remembered as a good friend, a responsible community member, and as a loving, growing human being.”
As we honor Sister Pat’s 60 years of religious life, we give thanks for the many ways she has shared her gifts with the community and the world.