Sisters Betty and Maple Cordner never imagined that the bonds they formed at St. Mary of Hannah School in Kingsley would change the course of their lives forever. Their story began when teacher, and now family friend, Lisa Medina invited them to attend their first Mass—a simple gesture that opened the door to something much greater.
Discovering Faith and the Eucharist
After moving to the Traverse City area, the girls were enrolled at St. Mary of Hannah Catholic School. Immersed in a community where faith is lived daily, they began to learn the rhythm of prayer and Scripture.
Maple was the first to express interest in becoming Catholic, inspired by Lisa’s gentle guidance and the witness of parish leaders.
Betty was unsure until high school, when she joined OCIA during lunch hour at St. Francis.
After being fully initiated into the Catholic Church, Betty attended a Catholic youth conference at Franciscan University of Steubenville where she profoundly encountered Christ during Eucharistic adoration.
“Adoration completely transformed me,” Betty recalls. “I realized Christ was truly present and that I could have a relationship with him every day.”
Today, Betty, 15, is Catholic, while Maple, 11, continues her formation.
“We’ve just made Maple wait a little longer because she is still so young,” explains their mom, Brenna. “But her heart is ready, and God’s timing is perfect.”
Catholic Schools as a Beacon of Faith
Their journey shows the power of Catholic education. Principal Anne Carlson explains: “One of our greatest evangelization tools is our Catholic schools, where students encounter Christ each day through lessons, sacraments and the witness of people who love as Jesus loved.”
Betty reflects, “I never realized school could feel like a place where God is part of everything we do.” Maple adds, “It’s not just learning facts. It’s learning to live like Jesus.”
From friendship to faith, Betty and Maple’s story reminds us that grace often begins with a simple invitation—and grows through the love and witness found in Catholic schools.
Sisters Betty and Maple Cordner remind us that God’s call often begins with a simple invitation. Their growing love for Christ shines as a witness of faith and hope in Catholic schools.
