Mother Mary Frances Balas, second Superior, lived and worked with Mother Mary Lange from the beginning. The two women conducted a free school for colored children in their own home.

Marie Magdalen Balas was with Elizabeth Lange when Father Joubert suggested Elizabeth join him in founding a teaching religious order of women. One of the first four Sisters who made promises in the little house at 610 George Street, Sister Frances, succeeded Mother Lange as Superior. All through the years, Mother Mary would find in Mother Frances a loyal friend, devoted co-worker, trusted confidant. A loved member of the religious community, Mother Frances was beloved by the children, too. The little ones would gather around her lovingly, looking for her smiles and caress. During Mother Frances' term the community was affiliated to the Oblates of Rome, and the word Oblate (from the Latin meaning dedicated to a certain work) became part of their title.

After Mother Frances' three years in office, Sister Mary Lange was re-elected. Shortly after, the Superior of St. Mary's Seminary asked for two Sisters to oversee the domestics in the Seminary building. Mother Frances, along with Sister Rose, two of the founders of the community, in humility with grace, assumed this duty. In 1845, Mother Frances died at the Seminary. Her body was brought back to the Convent for burial.