Relay for April 2019

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
 Relay
April 2019
 1. MONDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
  • for Sister Maria Helena Santana who returned to Mozambique for another two years of mission. May God reward her for her great missionary spirit!
  • for Sister Lusete Morelli who arrived in Mozambique for a month of visitation on behalf of the International Leadership Teams.
  • for Sister Angela Maria Teixeira de Sousa who returned to Reading, PA to resume today her ministry at the Translation Office.
  • for blessings upon the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Province (Brazil) in gratitude for releasing these Sisters to continue the Mission in foreign lands!
  • for all our special intentions and for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers.
  • for our donors whose family members and/or friends are seriously ill.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel 
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the Power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Information for Sisters Making the April 26, 27, 28 Weekend Retreat at St. Joseph Villa
  • All meals for retreatants, presenters, and Villa Sisters will be served in the Villa.
  • No Mass on Saturdays at Villa or Motherhouse.
  • Sunday Mass is 7:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Villa followed by breakfast for retreatants, presenters, and Villa Sisters.
  • Presenters are: Sisters Roberta Agnes McKelvie and Patrice Marie Klausing.
Additional information regarding the Retreat will be posted as it becomes available.

Procedure for requesting Overnight Accommodations at the Motherhouse 
Contact: Sister Shaun Patrice Malone – communitylife@bfranciscan.org 
Indicate the date of arrival, date of departure and the name of the guest(s). If there are special needs, please include that information. Thank you!

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
  • for persons who are undergoing medical or surgical procedures this week.
  • for persons who are undergoing any form of rehab or therapy.
  • for accurate diagnosis for persons seeking treatment options.
  • for persons who are dealing with chronic conditions.
  • for a good experience at rehab for D. Agnes.
 2. TUESDAY – St. Francis of Paola 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 
  •  forour Sisterswho will travel during this month of April. 
From the Assembly Planning Committee 
The Assembly dates are as follows: 
  •  Friday, June 28, 2019- Afternoon arrival, Dinner at 5:00 p.m. followed by an Opening Session. 
  •  Saturday, June 29, 2019- All day sessions. 
  •  Sunday, June 30, 2019- Morning sessions with possible Liturgy at 11:00 a.m. or noon. 
We will continue our 125th Anniversary Theme: "Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, Embrace the Future". Looking forward to everyone's participation. - Sister Paula Nowak, Planning Committee Chairperson 

Franciscan Action Newsletter (FAN) for the Fifth Sunday of Lent 

Three Spiritual Opportunities in the Archdiocese of Detroit in April 2019 

Wisdom from the East: Praying with Icons – Friday through Sunday - April 12-14, 2019- at St. Mary’s Retreat House, Oxford, MI. Directed by Fr. Peter Fennessy, S.J. For more information or to register: call Lisa Stefoff, 734.646.7322, Ann Weingartz, 586.322.1925 or Juanita Lim, 248.548.7345 

Forgiveness: Freeing the Heart – Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Cost $50which include retreat, continental breakfast, and lunch – at Maryville Retreat Center, 18307 Taylor Lake Rd, Holly, MI 48442www.maryvilleretreatcenter.orgSt. Judith Marie Blizzard, CSSF will “explore the importance of forgiveness – forgiving others as well as ourselves – and how the act of forgiveness impacts both our physical and spiritual selves.” 

Meeting Jesus through the Eyes of a Global Community – Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Cost $30.Presenter: Anneliese Sinnott, OP. Mercy Center, 28650 W Eleven Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI. 

Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
  •  forJohn Moritz, Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt’s cousin, who died suddenly on Sunday, March 31, 2019. 
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time: 
  • forSister Joan Eileen Christianwho remains hospitalized. 
  • forSister Domina Oszmianskawho is doing poorly . 
  • forRitawho is suffering another setback in her health. 
  • for complete healing forTom Mageefollowing surgery. 
2. TUESDAY Evening Addition 

Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families: 
  • for our dear Sister Domina Oszmianska who entered eternal life this evening, Tuesday, April 2, 2019, in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 92 and in the 72nd year of her religious life. Arrangements are pending. 

3. WEDNESDAY 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families: 
  • for our dear Sister Domina Oszmianska who entered eternal life yesterday evening, Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at 7:23 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 92 and in the 72nd year of her religious life.Sister’s viewing will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA. Sister’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 5, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA. Dinner will follow at noon at the Motherhouse.( If you will be attending the dinner that follows, please call the Reception Desk at the Motherhouse 484.334.7000 to leave word of the number attending.) 
4. THURSDAY – St. Isidore of Seville 
  • for our Sisters who will travel during this month of April. 
Reminder: Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence [no meat]. 

5. FRIDAY – St. Vincent Ferrer – First Friday

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
  • for our Sisters who will travel during this month of April.
From Sister Marilisa da Silva 
Franciscan Federation Assembly – in St. Louis, Missouri on June 21-24, 2019. 
As the Franciscan Federation celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of the publication of the three volume Franciscan Sources, Sister Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF and Michael Blastic, OFM, Presenters, will be using the lens of these writings and the values of the Third Order Rule an Life to approach contemporary issues.

The inspiration to use the Franciscan Sources and Third Order Rule and Life will be to:
  • Use a contemplative stance to heal the clerical abuse in our Church
  • Consider our values of poverty and humility to face institutional and material loss in our congregations
  • Engage the movement of conversion to confront the divisions of today’s society.
Each Year at the Assembly, a member of a Congregation is honored. This year, the Congregational Leadership Team selected Sister Mary Laurene Browne as the Bernardine Franciscan 2019 Honoree. The honoree exhibits a whole/holy witness to Francis’ message as:
  • A Saint in our family (authentic incarnation of our TOR charism) OR
  • A Founder in Franciscan tradition (initiator of a program or ministry) OR
  • A Prophet in our challenging times (radical witness to justice)
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sister Mary Laurene Browne.

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
  • for Joan and Albert Ondush.
  • for Eleanor Logan’s mother who is battling a serious illness. Eleanor is the former Dean's secretary at Alvernia University.
6. SATURDAY – First Saturday

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

7. Fifth Sunday of Lent

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

8. MONDAY 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

An Invitation – St. Casimir Church, Shenandoah, PA – April 28, 2019 
Congratulations and God’s Blessings upon our Dear Bernardine Sisters as they celebrate their 125 th Anniversary this year! A Mass for the Bernardine Sisters intention will be celebrated in St. Casimir Church, on April 28, 2019 at 10 A.M. To honor the Sisters Special Anniversary, there will be a social and refreshments in the Church Hall, immediately after the Mass. You are all invited! 

The Bernardine Sisters came from Poland to the USA 125 years ago. Five years later, which is 120 years ago, the Sisters were missioned to Shenandoah to minister to the people of St. Casimir Parish and then to the people of St. Stanislaus Parish. The Sisters taught in the schools of both parishes and then at the Father Walter Ciszek Elementary School. 

While in Shenandoah the sisters visited the sick, took care of the Sanctuary of the Churches and assisted the pastors in the care of the people. While all this was being done, over 100 girls and young women went to the Bernardine Sisters Motherhouse in Reading to consider a vocation to this dynamic and vibrant religious community. 

We, the people of Shenandoah, continue to be blessed with the presence of the Bernardine Sisters as they minister to the needs of the people of Shenandoah and assist in the promotion of the cause of canonization for Fr. Walter Ciszek, a native son of St. Casimir Parish. We thank God for the many blessings that have come to us through the work of all the Bernardine Sisters who have been in Shenandoah and continue to be blessed by their presence and ministries. - Msgr. Ronald C. Bocian, Pastor, Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah, PA P.S. If you plan to attend please call Fr. Ciszek Convent 570 462 0877 or 570 590 0435 by Tuesday , April 23, 2019. 

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time: 
  • for improved health for Robert Prorock, Sister Maria Denise Prorock’s brother, as he undergoes testing. 
  • for Teresa Gwiazda, Sister Helen Marie Gwiazda’s sister-in-law, who is on hospice care.
9. TUESDAY 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

From Sister Marilisa da Silva 
Renewal Retreats 
Continuing our Paschal Journey with Mother Veronica and the Pioneers and emerging ourselves in the gift of our charism, another group of Sisters will be meeting in Viamão, RS BR. With the grace of God, I will be directing this retreat for more than 20 Sisters. I am counting on your prayers. Blessed Lent, Happy Easter! 

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time: 
  • for blessings of peace for Helene and John. 
  • for successful surgery for Gerry. 
  • for healing and peace for Theresa. 
10. WEDNESDAY
 
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families: 
  • for 12-year-old Brodie who died Tuesday, April 9, 2019. 
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time: 
  • for Elisa Maria Neto, Sister Marilisa da Silva’s sister, who is undergoing an intensive treatment.
11. THURSDAY – St. Stanislaus

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Prayer request for a successful outcome 
The Mother Veronica Resource Center is one of thirteen literacy centers chosen by the National Literacy Directory (NLD) to participate in an eight-week online cohort to explore current research and best practices to teach adult English language learners. Sister Cara Lucille Garofalo and three of the Center’s instructors will identify a problem of practice and create an innovation to address the problem. The NLD will give a $2,000 stipend to be used to implement and field test the innovation after completion of the course. Chosen organizations can send a representative to present their innovation at the National Center for Family Literacy’s (NCFL) annual conference in November 2019. Please pray for a successful outcome.

From Alvernia University Campus Ministry – Friday, April 26, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. 
As part of Alvernia’s Interfaith Service on Friday, April 26, 2019 at 3:00 p.m., Julianne Wallace, Director of Campus Ministry is extending an invitation to all Bernardine Franciscan Sisters to attend and participate in the Interfaith Service of Prayer and Worship held at Alvernia’s physical education building on campus. This event will honor the commitment of Tom Flynn, our outgoing president, for his efforts to strengthen interfaith dialogue at the university and among religious leaders of other faith traditions in the region. All sisters will have reserved seats in front. Please RSVP to Tracy Hine at tracy.hine@alvernia.edu.

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
  • for a speedy and complete recovery for Pegge Macor, mother-in-law of Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj’s sister, Theresa, who was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, April 9, 2019.
Reminder: Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence [no meat]. 


12. FRIDAY 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time: 
  • for successful surgeries for Dan Osborne and Trina Morrow on Monday, April 15, 2019, and for their speedy and complete recoveries. 
  • for Diane who is seriously ill. 
  • for strength and blessings for Mimi and George and Moni and Dean. 
Reminder: Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence [no meat]. 

13. SATURDAY 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

14. SUNDAY – Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 
  • for all who will travel during this Holy Week/ Easter Season. 
From Sister Marilisa da Silva 
Holy Week, Sacred Time 
Have a Blessed Holy Week! For Francis of Assisi, this was a sacred time to be with Jesus, carrying the cross, fasting and immersing himself completely in intimacy with Jesus! May the gift of our Franciscan Heritage give us the courage to take time off from the busy world to nourish our Spirit with the gifts of JOY and HOPE because Jesus is alive in our very midst! May the Holy Triduum be for each one of us a precious time of quiet both interiorly and exteriorly; a time to renew our vowed covenant with God Who is all Love and all Good! 

From the Relay 
No regular Relay will be posted after Wednesday morning, April 17, 2019, through and including Monday, April 22, 2019. The next Regular Relay will be posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. If an opportunity presents itself, please check in during this time for any community updates. 

15. MONDAY – Monday of Holy Week 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 
  • for our Sisters who will travel during this month of April. 
An Invitation – St. Casimir Church, Shenandoah, PA – April 28, 2019 
Congratulations and God’s Blessings upon our Dear Bernardine Sisters as they celebrate their 125 th Anniversary this year! A Mass for the Bernardine Sisters intention will be celebrated in St. Casimir Church, on April 28, 2019 at 10 A.M. To honor the Sisters Special Anniversary, there will be a social and refreshments in the Church Hall, immediately after the Mass. You are all invited! 

The Bernardine Sisters came from Poland to the USA 125 years ago. Five years later, which is 120 years ago, the Sisters were missioned to Shenandoah to minister to the people of St. Casimir Parish and then to the people of St. Stanislaus Parish. The Sisters taught in the schools of both parishes and then at the Father Walter Ciszek Elementary School. 

While in Shenandoah the sisters visited the sick, took care of the Sanctuary of the Churches and assisted the pastors in the care of the people. While all this was being done, over 100 girls and young women went to the Bernardine Sisters Motherhouse in Reading to consider a vocation to this dynamic and vibrant religious community. 

We, the people of Shenandoah, continue to be blessed with the presence of the Bernardine Sisters as they minister to the needs of the people of Shenandoah and assist in the promotion of the cause of canonization for Fr. Walter Ciszek, a native son of St. Casimir Parish. We thank God for the many blessings that have come to us through the work of all the Bernardine Sisters who have been in Shenandoah and continue to be blessed by their presence and ministries. - Msgr. Ronald C. Bocian, Pastor, Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah, PA 

P.S. If you plan to attend please call Fr. Ciszek Convent 570 462 0877 or 570 590 0435 by Tuesday , April 23, 2019.
 
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time: 
  • for a family who recently lost their 11-month-old baby. 
  • for an Allentown (PA) family who is going through some difficult times. 
  • for healing for Ramona following surgery. 
  • for Janet Jackson, Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt’s sister, who is dealing with challenging new health issues. 
  • for Jeff Harriz whose reoccurring health issues have intensified and become more complicated. 
  • for Kathleen Price for complete healing following the latest health challenges. 
  • for continued blessings for Miles, a baby born 10 weeks early. 
16. TUESDAY – Tuesday of Holy Week 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

A Mother Veronica Moment 
When the deal for the purchase of the estate at Ridgewood was closed, Mother Veronica was pleased that the Sisters would live in a house away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a place where all the sounds of nature surrounded them. At this time, Mother Veronica prayed … 

“I am not a woman versed in the language or culture of the United States; but You, O God, are calling me, challenging me to move forward with utmost faith in your Divine Providence, not only to build a Motherhouse, but also to build a new community here in the United States.” 

From Sister Veronice Plewinski 
Please add the following Feast Days to the Feast Day/Necrology Book: 
Page 21 add Louisiane to April 10 
Page 22 add Lucimara to April 15 
Page 47 add Patricia Alves to August 19 
Page 50 add Gracilete to August 30 
Page 57 add Josefa to October 3 

Congratulations! 
Sister Rose Daniel Colanzi was recognized for her 10 years of dedicated service to the Lourdes Health System at a special Service Celebration held at Lourdes Medical Center in Burlington County, NJ on April 4, 2019. Congratulations Sister Rose! We are proud of your work in the Pastoral Care department at the hospital. 

Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families: 
  • for José Nascimento, a good friend and an associate of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in Brazil, who died Sunday, April 14, 2019, in Senador Pompeu, CE, BR. 
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time: 
  • for successful treatment and for a speedy and complete recovery for Dolores Janis, Sister Immaculé Zdanowicz’s sister, who is in the hospital. 
  • for a full recovery for Sam who is in the hospital. 
  • for Michael for a correct diagnosis and for appropriate and successful treatment. 
17. WEDNESDAY – Wednesday of Holy Week – “Spy Wednesday” 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 
  • for our Sisters who will travel during this month of April. 
From the Relay 
This is the last regular Relay until Tuesday, April 23, 2019. If an opportunity presents itself, please check in during this time for any community updates. 

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time: 
  • for health and blessings for Joel R. 
18. THURSDAY – Holy Thursday 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 
  • for our Sisters who will travel during this month of April. 
Tomorrow, Good Friday, is a day of fast and abstinence. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Directives: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may also be taken, but not to equal a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards. For additional readings, consult www.usccb.org .

19. FRIDAY – Good Friday 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 
  • for our Sisters who will travel during this month of April. 
Reminder: Today is a day of fast and abstinence. 


20. SATURDAY – Holy Saturday – Vigil of Easter 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 
  • for our Sisters who will travel during this month of April. 
History of the Easter Vigil - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_Vigil 

21. Sunday – Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 
  • for our Sisters who will travel during this month of April. 
From Sister Marilisa da Silva 
Happy and Blessed Easter! 
EASTER is the time to recognize the highest expression of LOVE! It is the time to understand, deeply in our minds, that Jesus is alive and we are His face to the world. It is the time to take into our hearts the message of hospitality, solidarity, hope, and joy! In the midst of so much suffering in the world, we need to be messengers of HEALING and PEACE! The emptied tomb is calling us to look forward, to welcome the NEW LIFE, and to expect the seed to grow where it seems to have no hope to grow. HAPPY EASTER! Do not be discouraged. Do not be afraid. He is alive! Christ is Risen! Let us sing our Alleluia! 

International Easter Greetings 
Paschae felix! (Latin) Wesolego Alleluja! (Polish); Happy Easter! (English); Feliz Páscoa! (Portuguese); ¡Felices Pascuas! (Spanish); Bònn fèt pak (Haitian Creole ); Joyeuses Pâques! (French); Frohe Ostern! (German); A' Chàisg sona (Scottish Gaelic); Buona Pasqua! (Italian). Our Sister Mary Laurene Browne shares with us that “Liberia still does not have any of her local languages spoken or used nationally. So Happy Easter with all of its special blessings!” 

22. MONDAY – Monday within the Octave of Easter 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 
  • for our Sisters who will travel during this month of April. 

23. TUESDAY – Tuesday within the Octave of Easter 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

An Invitation – St. Casimir Church, Shenandoah, PA – April 28, 2019 
Congratulations and God’s Blessings upon our Dear Bernardine Sisters as they celebrate their 125 th Anniversary this year! A Mass for the Bernardine Sisters intention will be celebrated in St. Casimir Church, on April 28, 2019 at 10 A.M. To honor the Sisters Special Anniversary, there will be a social and refreshments in the Church Hall, immediately after the Mass. You are all invited! 

The Bernardine Sisters came from Poland to the USA 125 years ago. Five years later, which is 120 years ago, the Sisters were missioned to Shenandoah to minister to the people of St. Casimir Parish and then to the people of St. Stanislaus Parish. The Sisters taught in the schools of both parishes and then at the Father Walter Ciszek Elementary School. 

While in Shenandoah the sisters visited the sick, took care of the Sanctuary of the Churches and assisted the pastors in the care of the people. While all this was being done, over 100 girls and young women went to the Bernardine Sisters Motherhouse in Reading to consider a vocation to this dynamic and vibrant religious community. 

We, the people of Shenandoah, continue to be blessed with the presence of the Bernardine Sisters as they minister to the needs of the people of Shenandoah and assist in the promotion of the cause of canonization for Fr. Walter Ciszek, a native son of St. Casimir Parish. We thank God for the many blessings that have come to us through the work of all the Bernardine Sisters who have been in Shenandoah and continue to be blessed by their presence and ministries. - Msgr. Ronald C. Bocian, Pastor, Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah, PA 

P.S. If you plan to attend please call Fr. Ciszek Convent 570 462 0877 or 570 590 0435 by today, Tuesday , April 23, 2019. 

Alvernia University – Save the Dates 

“Flynn Farewell Events” - Week of Celebration & Gratitude, April 24-26, 2019 
  • Celebration of Our Founders - Founders Day and “Francis Factor” Lecture - “Pope Francis & The Inclusive Catholic University” - Sr. Margaret Carney, OSF, STD - Wednesday, April 24, 2019, MCC - 4:00 p.m. 
  • Celebration of Scholarship - Faculty Achievement & Excellence - Thursday, April 25, 2019 – Symposium - 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. 
  • Celebration of Donors - Cyril O’Donoghue and Blackie O’Connell - Authentic Irish Music - Thursday, April 25, 2019 - Francis Hall Theatre - 7:30 p.m. - Donor Reception before concert from 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. - Francis Hall Atrium 
  • Celebration of Interfaith Dialogue - Interfaith Prayer Service and Fellowship Gathering - Friday, April 26, 2019, Physical Education Center - 3:00 p.m. 
Other Events 
  • Thank You Faculty and Staff - Campus Picnic/PLEX tours - Angelica Park - May 17, 2019 (Time to be determined) 
  • Flynn Gala - May 30, 2019 at Doubletree 
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time: 
  • for healing and speedy recovery for Tim, Linda Ludgate’s grandson who had emergency surgery yesterday, Monday, April 22, 2019. 
  • for Theresa who is seriously ill. 
24. WEDNESDAY – Wednesday within the Octave of Easter 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 

From Sister Marilisa da Silva 
Sister Rose Jameson – Time OFF 
Sisters, as some of you have already noticed, Sister Rose Jameson has been and will continue to be away from her Office and Residence until August 2019. In respect for the time that she needs at this point in her life, we ask that you do not contact Sister with any e-mails or phone calls. The Council and I during our meeting yesterday, Tuesday, April 23, 2019, have rescheduled the Tasks and Responsibilities. I want to share some of them with you. The other ones will come soon. 

Councilor Liaison for Convents – including Individual Sisters: 
  • Dwelling Place, Reading PA: Sr. Madonna Marie Harvath 
  • Mother Veronica Convent, Reading PA: SS. Marilisa da Silva and Madonna Marie Harvath 
  • Mary’s Manor Convent, Farmington Hills MI: Sr. Marilisa 
  • Our Lady of the Rosary Convent, Farmington Hills MI: Sr. Marilisa 
  • Sacred Heart Convent, Reading PA 
    • Our Lady of the Angels: Sr. Tereza das Dôres Lima 
    • St. Bernardine: Sr. Tereza 
    • St. Francis: Sr. Tereza 
    • St. Joseph: Sr. Tereza 
  • S. Carol Anne Heitgen: Sr. Madonna 
  • S. Jane Frances Dutkiewicz: Sr. Marilisa 
  • S. Joan Marie Roosa: Sr. Rosemary Stets 
  • S. Sandra Lyons: Sr. Rosemary Stets 
  • S. Therese San Miguel: Sr. Marilisa 
I will post other tasks and responsibilities in future Relays. In the meantime, I am open to answer any questions you may have.  May God bless all of you and let us continue to pray for each other! 

Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families: 
  • for the Reverend Walter J. Downs, MSC, 87, resident at Manor Care Center, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, who died on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. The first of two calling hour times took place yesterday, Tuesday, April 23, 2019, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and the second of two calling hour times will take place today, Wednesday, April 24, 2019, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, 410 West Center Street, Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 18064. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow today at 11:00 a.m. in Church. Burial will be held after Mass in Holy Family Cemetery, Nazareth. http://obits.lehighvalleylive.com/obituaries/etpa/obituary.aspx?n=msc-walter-downs&pid=192619064&fhid=9601 
Happy Administrative Professionals Day! 

25. THURSDAY – Thursday within the Octave of Easter

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

A Note from Sister Roberta Agnes McKelvie 
Dear Sisters, in a spirit of trust and confidence in our Franciscan sisterhood, I would like to share some significant personal information. As you know, last month I was in the hospital for a few days. Since then numerous tests have been done, and a diagnosis has finally been completed: I will be receiving treatment for a rare form of chronic leukemia over the coming weeks. The treatment is able to be done orally, not requiring infusion therapy, and for that I am grateful. This is just the next part of my very interesting life’s journey. Please keep me in your prayers.

26. FRIDAY – Friday within the Octave of Easter

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
  • Happy Birthday, Sister Marilisa! May health and blessings be yours today and every day!
  • for many blessings upon our Sisters who are participating in the Weekend Retreat at St. Joseph Villa.
  • for our Sisters who will travel during this month of April.
From the Assembly Planning Committee 
The Assembly dates are as follows:
  • Friday, June 28, 2019 - Afternoon arrival, Dinner at 5:00 p.m. followed by an Opening Session.
  • Saturday, June 29, 2019 - All day sessions.
  • Sunday, June 30, 2019 - Morning sessions with possible Liturgy at 11:00 a.m. or noon.
We will continue our 125th Anniversary Theme: "Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, Embrace the Future". Looking forward to everyone's participation. - Sister Paula Nowak, Planning Committee Chairperson

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
  • for Bill’s mother.
  • for health and blessings for Chris.
27. SATURDAY – Saturday within the Octave of Easter

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
  • for our Sisters who will travel during this month of April.
28. SUNDAY – Second Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy Sunday

Prayers are requested  for the needs of our congregation.
  • for our Sisters who will travel during this month of April.
29. MONDAY – St. Catherine of Siena

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
  • for our Sisters who will travel during this month of April.
  •  for safe travel for Sister Samantha Karla de Sousa Carneiro as she leaves the United States today to return to Brazil. Her presence will be missed. We wish her every grace and blessing as she continues to be all and do all “in the Name of Jesus.”
An Invitation from Holy Spirit Parish, Stamford, CT 
The Sisters of Heart of Mary Convent and our Associates are celebrating our 125th Anniversary as Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in Holy Spirit Parish, Stamford, CT. Msgr. Kevin Royal, the pastor is very welcoming, happy and grateful that we will be celebrating with all the parishioners on Sunday, May 19, 2019, the day before the community and the Church celebrate the feast of Saint Bernardine of Siena.

In our celebration, we will focus on Community as a whole and on all our Sisters who were principals and teachers at Holy Spirit School. The parishioners have fond memories of the Sisters who were missioned here, and would be delighted to see our sisters again. Pat Torchen makes “Sister Manuelita” cookies for every event at Church. The Bernardines are well loved and not forgotten. All Sisters who would like to join in the celebration are welcome. Please respond to Sister Joanne Helen Grejdus at: jgredjus2@gmail.com or 203-322-5920. Those who would like to attend and need accommodations are welcome to stay overnight. We have room for 10 Sisters, and would love to have you come and share with us. 

Details: Sunday, May 19 , 2019 , 11:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Spirit Church, 403 Scofieldtown Road Stamford, CT 06903. Reception following Mass with a brunch, video, and poster-boards with information about our Foundress, our history and growth in U.S.; about St. Francis, Saint Bernardine, and our Missions.

30. TUESDAY – St. Pius V 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation. 
  • for our Sisters who will travel during this month of April. 
Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) announces new President and Chief Executive Officer 
Sister Mary Haddad, a Sister of Mercy of the South Central Community, has been named the new CHA President and Chief Executive Officer. The Catholic Health association of the United States is the national leadership organization of the Catholic health ministry, representing the largest nonprofit provider of health care services in the nation. See: https://www.chausa.org/newsroom/news-releases/2019/04/29/sr.-mary-haddad-rsm-named-president-and-chief-executive-officer-of-the-catholic-health-association-of-the-united-states   

Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families: 
  • for Floretta School, Bill School’s mother, who died yesterday, Monday, April 29, 2019. 
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time: 
  • for Edna M. for successful surgery today. 
  • for successful surgery and full recovery for Robert. 
  • for a complete recovery for Carol Boulanger. 
  • for healing for Carla who has been diagnosed with a serious illness. 
  • for housing and employment for Sue Lang. 
  • for employment decisions for Phil B. 
Good-bye April! 
We thank God for the blessings that April brought into our lives, the crosses we faced, and the companions on our journey who walked beside us through it all. We anticipate the many good things that the new month ahead holds in store. For all things great and small, we are grateful.

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