BAY CITY- A retirement party for Sister Julie Gatza, principal of All Saints Elementary School in Bay City, celebrated her 55 years serving in Catholic education as both a teacher and principal.
Hundreds of current and former students, parents, clergy and religious, and others from throughout the community attended the May 15 event to wish her well. Posters made by each class displayed the students' sentiments, such as "Thank you for taking care of all of us," "When I look at you I think of compassion," and "Thank you for everything you've done, so here is my thanks to you! You are my sunshine, above all my best friends, you always helped me to make the right decisions, so thanks and enjoy your retirement!"
Sister Julie responded to the call to religious life and entered the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati on Sept. 8, 1957. Her last day will be June 30; afterwards she will continue living in Bay City and volunteer in the school and parish.