St. Francis Academy Texas
Alumnae Portal
news FOR & about graduates of the
st. francis academy in san antonio, texas
St. Francis Academy was established by our Sisters in 1960 as an all-girls high school serving San Antonio, Texas, and surrounding communities. The school closed in 2002, but its alumnae remain passionately connected to their alma mater through St. Francis Academy Alumnae Association.
Sisters’ Move North Brings San Antonio Ministry to End
After more than five decades of ministry in San Antonio, Texas, Sisters Jo Goolish and Yolanda Escamilla have returned to Pittsburgh, where they will continue to help with our community’s needs. The move is bittersweet, as it marks the end of our Sisters’ work in San Antonio, which began in the 1950s. Sister Jo served primarily as a teacher there since 1972, including with our former St. Francis Academy and, later, with St. Gerard Catholic High School.
After her teaching days, Sister Yolanda spent nearly 25 years with Living Days Adult Daycare Center. Our SFA alumnae remain appreciative of the education and support they received at the Academy. A group of them helped Sisters Jo and Yolanda to pack up their home for the move and also treated them to a farewell luncheon.
Several Skylarks hosted Sisters Yolanda Escamilla and Jo Goolish for a farewell luncheon on May 10, 2024, at Seasons 52 grill and wine bar. After decades of ministry in San Antonio, Sister Jo and Yolanda are “retiring” to Pittsburgh this summer, where they will take part in community service and explore new ministry projects. Pictured are (left to right): Melba Botello, Mary Molina, Sister Yolanda, Sister Jo, Patricia Miss, Belinda Garcia, Patty Murnin and Dora Luna.
SFA Alums Support St. Gerard
During its June 2017 meeting at the Nichas Comida Americana Restaurant, St. Francis Academy Alumnae Association in San Antonio, Texas, presented a check for $500 to Sister Jo Goolish (center) to be used for students in need at St. Gerard Catholic High School where she teaches. Through its officers, the alumnae association reaches out to alumnae of all years and raises money to help the educational needs of students in Catholic schools today. Pictured with Sister Jo are (from left) Debbie Gallo Galvan (parliamentarian), Patsy Casiano Moss (treasurer), Belinda Garcia (president) and Ida Molina Rodriguez (vice president).
Class of 1965 50th Reunion
Saturday, May 30, 2015, was a historic moment for the alumnae of St. Francis Academy in San Antonio, Texas. The Class of 1965 — the first to attend the academy for all four years — celebrated their 50th class reunion.
Typical of the SFA students, the celebrations included as many alumnae who were able to attend, as well as our Sisters who ministered at the Academy. The class of ’65 invited Sister Elaine Hromulak, their teacher; Sister Jeanne Marie Ulica, the last principal before the Academy closed in 2002; and Sister Jo Goolish, who taught there for many years, to be present with them at Mission San Francisco de la Espada for a special Liturgy celebrated by Father Nick Baxter, OFM, who was chaplain of SFA.
Each class member received a pink rose during the Liturgy. In the picture, Sister Jo is holding a vase of white roses representing the classmates who are deceased. Immediately following the Mass all were invited to a brunch held at the Menger Hotel near the Alamo.
The following day more than 40 alumnae joined the class of ’65 for a luncheon at La Margarita Restaurant in downtown San Antonio. It was a joyous occasion and a time for reconnecting for many of the alumnae.
Yellow Rose of Texas
While she was in Texas in December 2016, a special honor was bestowed upon Sister Frances Marie Duncan during a gathering at the Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery in San Antonio. St. Francis Academy alumnae, friends and associates officially crowned her as a “Yellow Rose of Texas” and gifted her appropriately with a lovely corsage of yellow roses.
Fundraiser Dance
St. Francis Academy Alumni Association hosted a fundraiser dance in September 2016 in the former St. Francis Academy gymnasium. Here, Sister Jo Goolish shares memories with SFA alums Sylvia Huizar, Bea Zepeda Alvarado, Mary Esther Palafox Escobedo and Elva Alonzo.
Alumnae Gathering
Sister Jo Goolish took this photo when she attended the December 2016 general meeting of the St. Francis Academy Alumnae Association at the Texas Land and Cattle Restaurant in San Antonio. The group contributed financial support for students in need at St. Gerard Catholic High School, where Sister Jo teaches art.