Downtown parishes, like the Church of the Assumption in St. Paul and St. Olaf in Minneapolis have a special ministry as those who need the basics; food, clothing
Sr. Rosanne Fox, CSJ, was the designated hitter for this important ministry at St. Olaf and she took it to heart. Rosie as she was affectionately known, grew up on a farm in southwestern Minnesota located in Renville County, north of Franklin in Brandon
Whip-smart and resourceful she was educated by the Sisters of St. Joseph in Bird Island, Minn. and graduated at 16. She entered the convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph of
In 1974 she received the DIANA Award from Epsilon Sigma Alpha
In her St. Olaf ministry to those in need Rosie used her incredible energy and her network, as she called on many former students and contacts to bring together the resources necessary to provide help.
She was a successful
“It was rare that Sr. Rosanne could not help somebody who came to her in need. She would marshal the necessary people she knew, and ask them to help her out. She would not take no for an answer. She always asked with a smile on her face but determination in her voice. Because she persisted with grace, people responded to her, the need was met and people
Along with the CSJ’s and
It is difficult to say who benefited the most from these relationships.
Together with
She also created a home-like atmosphere at St. Olaf where the matching of supplies to needs was done, which fed the spirit of those who were helped. Her ministry, most importantly provided hope that there were better days ahead and her indomitable spirit convinced everyone that it was true.
Family and friends gathered in early August at St. Olaf church to honor her passing on May 15, and to participate in the dedication of the Samaritan Ministry at St. Olaf church in Sr. Rosanne Fox ’s name. The plaque that will be placed in the Samaritan Hall reads:
SISTER ROSANNE FOX, CSJ PASTORAL MINISTER 1972-2006
Sister Rosanne Samaritan Hall This hall is dedicated in honor of Sr. Rosanne Fox, CSJ, who served on the pastoral staff at St. Olaf from 1972- 2006. Her wise leadership and compassion for those in need established the now decades-long legacy of Samaritan Ministry in this parish.
Like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29ff), Sr. Rosanne
Dedicated July 29, 2018, Feast of St. Olaf
In her own words, Rosie said, “There are so many more things we should be doing to help raise the social consciousness of people, to make them aware of injustices of the poor.” The torch has been passed and the challenge has been thrown down for all of us to honor Rosie’s spirit as we remember the light she cast and the shadows she dispelled from so many lives.