“Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them, my children, as you would honor Christ Himself.”
St. Louise de Marillac
Called to Service: Meet New Associate Marianne Bacon
By Sebastian Isaacs, Communications intern
Pictured with Associate Debbie Garland (right), new Associate Marianne Bacon hopes to carry forward the SC mission through volunteer service.
On Jan. 4, 2026, Marianne Bacon made her commitment as an Associate in Mission of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati during a ceremony at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church in Spring Hill, Florida. Her decision to commit was quickly discerned, however, writing her discernment letter took a bit more time.
“I couldn’t narrow it down,” Marianne says.
Although Marianne had not heard of the Sisters of Charity until she was invited to discern by another member of her parish, Associate Cathy Palmer, her heart has long been following a mission to share her resources with those in need. Her personal mission, accompanied with her desire for peace “for myself and for others,” led her to make her commitment.
As a mother of two daughters and a son, and a former special education teacher, Marianne has devoted her life to offering time and affection to the most vulnerable in our society. After many years raising and teaching children, Marianne now brings her compassionate spirit to the elderly in her community.
Since moving to Florida from Northern Virginia four years ago, Marianne has spent her retirement engaging in volunteer opportunities. She visits homebound residents at an assisted living facility in Spring Hill and leads a Senior Support Committee that collects monthly items for four low-income assisted living communities in the area.
Believing, “When you see a need, you have to address it,” Marianne has continued serving the Spring Hill elderly by organizing a congregation collection at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church, which was met with incredible reception. Over the holidays, she also promoted a Senior Giving Tree at the parish, providing tags for 66 nursing residents, which were all taken and returned within two weeks.
Her committee donated time to help her to gather items and organize their robust collection. When reflecting on their hard work, she believes, “When you have a blessing like that, it’s a good problem. I really enjoy seeing how we give back.”
Since becoming an Associate, Marianne most looks forward to the “peace, acceptance, and kindness” of the Sisters of Charity Community and forming relationships with “Catholic women who are living that life.”
Marianne Bacon (second row, third from left) made her commitment as an Associate in Mission at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church on Jan. 4, 2026.
She has formed a particularly meaningful bond with fellow Associate Mary ‘Maggie’ Krauss. She says, “We try to spend time with God and Mother Mary in the mornings, and we text each other.”
“She encourages me,” Marianne continues. “Seeing these Christian women living their lives reminds me not to get too wrapped up in the world. We’re only here visiting.”
Marianne is making the most of her stay. Aside from volunteering, she considers her biggest hobby to be spending time with friends in a women’s group. She enjoys crafting, kayaking, and hopes to “travel and enjoy what God has here for us.”
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