CHICAGO—Rockford native, religious sister and runner Sister Stephanie Baliga, FSE, is calling athletes in the Rockford Diocese to both register and run fast to support the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels (OLA). 

 

The mission, run by the Franciscans of the Eucharist, is partly funded by proceeds raised from the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. And even though this year’s marathon was just a month ago on Oct. 8, initial registration for the marathon on Oct. 13, 2024, is already coming up on Nov. 16.  

 

The mission provides hope to the poor on the west side of Chicago through food pantries supporting 3,000 families a month, afterschool programs, seniors programs, community meals and more. 

 

To support the work of the mission, each Team OLA runner will raise a minimum of $1,250 in exchange for guaranteed entry into the marathon. This minimum increases to $1750 after Nov. 16. 

 

Team members will be treated to many benefits besides the race entry: lodging at the Mission, pre-race Mass and dinner,  team T-shirts, and a complimentary subscription to the Hallow app “so you can pray while you run.” 

 

Sister Stephanie is open to writing training plans for team runners, and her 2:53 marathon time, as featured in Runner’s World magazine, speaks to her expertise. 

 

Each team member will also be paired with a member of the sisters’ prayer team.  

 

Find more details at  missionola.com/marathon.html, and e-mail or call Sister Stephanie at olamission@gmail.com or 773-486-8431 with questions or to sign up.