NEWNAN--Sister Bridget Ann Henderson, BVM, celebrated the 50th anniversary of her entry into religious life Sept. 18 at St. George Church.

Sister Henderson renewed her vows of poverty, chastity and obedience during a special Mass celebrated by Archbishop John F. Donoghue and concelebrated by Father Leo Herbert, pastor of St. George Church, and Father Jerome Chavarria, CSsR, parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Church, Griffin. Deacons Ben Gross and John Myers assisted.

Over 300 people attended the Mass and reception.

Family played an important role in the celebration. The readings were proclaimed by Joseph William Parks IV and Mary Patton Parks, grand-nephew and grand-niece of Sister Henderson. The gifts were brought to the altar by Mary Zerblis, Sister Henderson's sister, her niece, Bernie, and her husband, Dr. Joseph Parks III. They also donated the flowers for the liturgy.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Sister Mary Augusta Gaus, SSJ, who worked and lived with Sister Henderson for 17 years in the Diocese of Phoenix, gave Sister Henderson a book of letters and tributes from Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien, clergy, Religious and friends whose lives have been touched by Sister Henderson's work.

Father Herbert presented Sister Henderson with a papal blessing as well as a framed print of St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians. Sister Henderson also received a framed painting of Our Blessed Lady surrounded by children which was made by local artist Shauna Koepke.

Sister Henderson was born Sept. 17, 1928 in Chicago. Both of her parents died before she was 11. Her older sister Mary became her legal guardian. Sister Henderson attended Our Lady Help of Christians School and Immaculata High School. Both schools were staffed by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

After graduation Sister Henderson entered the BVM community Sept. 8, 1946 and was professed March 19, 1949. Sister Henderson made her perpetual vows Aug. 15, 1954 at the Mount Carmel Motherhouse in Dubuque, Iowa.

Throughout her career Sister Henderson has been involved in the ministry of education. She has taught at schools in California, Illinois and Phoenix. In addition to her teaching responsibilities she was principal of Our Lady of Lourdes School in Tujunga, Calif., and vice principal of St. Agnes School in Mesa, Ariz. She worked in the department of education for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1964. After completing her doctorate from Arizona State University in 1973 she was named superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Phoenix. She was the first woman to receive the Bishop's Medal from Bishop O'Brien and was the recipient of one of the diocesan ministry awards presented at the 25th anniversary of the diocese in December 1994.

In 1983 Sister Henderson came to All Saints Church in Mesa, Ariz., where she served until 1995 as the religious education coordinator. During her years of service at All Saints she assisted with sacramental preparation and the coordination of religious education activities.

In July 1995 Sister Henderson left the Phoenix Diocese to come to Newnan to take care of her older sister, who once had taken care of her. She is currently the director of religious education at St. George Church.