SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Sisters of St. Francis are celebrating their 150th anniversary with a yearlong celebration. Saturday, sisters and parishioners joined together for the inaugural event at St. Anthony's Chapel in Syracuse.

Over the course of the next year, they will be holding several events to honor the work the parish has done locally and internationally.

Since the 1860s the sisters of St. Francis have provided support for children, the needy and the disabled throughout Central New York.

"Everyone is saying they can't believe 150 years has passed because we have seen so many changes in the church and in society, but through it all the sisters have worked together to service all those who are in need,” said Sister Patricia Burkard, Sisters of St. Francis.

The theme of the yearlong celebration is "Praise and Gratitude."