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Relay for June 2019

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

Relay

June 2019

1. SATURDAY – St. Justin – First Saturday

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

for all our special intentions and for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers.
for many graces and blessings upon our Sisters who are making their annual retreat during the summer months.
for relaxing and restorative vacations for our sisters during the summer months.
for safe travel for our Sisters during the summer months.

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.

Common for the Dying

Franciscan Morning and Evening Prayer

Please consider praying every now and again during times of private prayer the Common for the Dying for our Sisters when in critical condition, for family members, relatives, friends and those listed on the Relay in critical condition.

Morning Prayer pp. 1281 …. Hymns that accompany Morning Prayer include: #151 “Take Me Home”; #152 “Without Seeing You”; and #153 “Songs of the Angels.”
Evening Prayer pp. 1284…. Hymns that accompany Evening Prayer include: #98 “Only This I Want”; #97 Center of My Life”; #99 “Dwelling Place”

For both Morning and Evening Prayers, hymn # 159 “On Eagle’s Wings” is also a good choice as Psalm 91, the Psalm prayed daily by Mother Veronica, is included in both the Morning and Evening Prayer in the Common for the Dying.

From the Office of Communications

Reminder: Response forms for the U.S. Assembly are due today, June 1, 2019. All Sisters [excluding retired sisters at St. Joseph Villa] are required to return the response form. Send to Sister Ellen Lipsett OSF, 450 Saint Bernardine St., Reading, PA 19607-1737.

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 our donors, their family members and/or friends who are seriously ill.
for those who live with chronic illnesses.

2. SUNDAY – Seventh Sunday of Easter in some Arch(Dioceses)/Ascension in Other Arch(Dioceses)

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

3. MONDAY – St. Charles Lwanga and Companions

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

for Sisters Marilisa da Silva and Barbara Winnals for safe return today from Farmington Hills, Michigan.
for safe travel for our Sisters during the summer months.
for many graces and blessings for Sisters making their annual retreat during this month of June.
for relaxing and restorative vacations for our sisters during the summer months.

Health and Wellness

It is great to welcome summer and the travel opportunities it offers to many of us. Safety on the roads becomes a challenge with inclement weather and distracted drivers. Health issues also present a challenge for some drivers, especially as we age. Periodically, it is good for all of us to assess our driving skills in the interest of safety for ourselves and for others. This month’s newsletter, titled "Check Your Driving Skills," offers some ways to determine if we may need to modify our driving habits. Have a safe and refreshing summer! - Sister Shaun Patrice Malone

From the Assembly Planning Committee

On the “members only” area of our website there is a link to the consensus document from the last gathering. Please read this in preparation for the U.S. Assembly this month. (12 pages)

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 Liturgy at noon followed by Lunch.

Please bring a quiet activity to help balance your energy if your table finishes before the other tables are finished.

As we “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, and Embrace the Future” our discussions will help us realize how we can organize ourselves more effectively in order to serve the people of God in the future. Looking forward to everyone’s participation. – Sister Paula Marie Nowak, Planning Committee Chairperson

From the Office of Communications

Reminder: Response forms for the U.S. Assembly were due June 1, 2019. All Sisters [excluding retired sisters at St. Joseph Villa] are required to return the response form. Send to Sister Ellen Lipsett OSF, 450 Saint Bernardine St., Reading, PA 19607-1737.

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 for Fr. Joe Piekarski.
for our donors, their family members and/or friends who are seriously ill.

4. TUESDAY

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 a successful procedure today for Sister Maria Denise Prorock.
for God's blessings on the 70th wedding anniversary of Emil and Shirley Wieleba, the parents of Sister Karen Anne Wieleba.

5. WEDNESDAY – St. Boniface

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Retreat opportunity

Women religious retreats

We are inviting women religious to come on retreat here at Notre Dame Retreat House in the heart of the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York. There are a few spots left in this year’s offerings - two spots left for July 7-12, 2019 retreat and nine spots left for August 11-16, 2019 retreat! We have two very engaging and prayerful presenters offering themes that will ignite a passion to serve Christ with courage and joy!

We thank you for your ministry and pray you will consider joining us this summer. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Blessings, Nancy A. Lynch, Office Manager and Retreat Team, Notre Dame Retreat House, 585-394-5700 or e-mail to: ndlynch@rochester.rr.com

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 Steve Barczykowski, a Korean Prisoner of War (POW), who died on June 4, 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 healing, peace and comfort for May, Joan and Carol Gilhuly and Family.
for peace for Mike and fullness of health for Anne Hughes as they wait test results.

6. THURSDAY – St. Norbert

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 a return to health for Gloria Michelson, Sister Shaun Marie Fattal’s aunt.
for Denise Donnely for relief from intense pain.

7. FRIDAY – First Friday

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Welcome to Sister Mary Laurene Browne who arrived in Reading, PA yesterday from Liberia to attend events in the U.S.
for safe travel for our Sisters during the summer months.
for many graces and blessings for Sisters making their annual retreat during this month of June.
for relaxing and restorative vacations for our sisters during the summer months.

From Sister Marilisa da Silva

Meetings in Farmington Hills, Michigan

It was a powerful sharing and informational time for Sister Barbara Winnals and me last weekend when we met with the Sisters in Farmington Hills, MI. For more than two (2) years we have been studying with a Committee of Sisters and, lately, with the Umbrella Ad Hoc Committee, the real situation of the Farmington Hills Complex. Besides the Residences of the Sisters--Mary’s Manor and Our Lady of the Rosary Convents--there are two other buildings on the property and a lagoon, a total of about 11.94 acres. The Congregational Leadership Team with Sister Barbara Winnals, SSJ (our Finance Director) dialogued with the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters and with two professionals from Plante Moran [a business advisory firm/institutional consulting firm] who were in attendance to provide feedback on what was asked from them. After much conversation and after bringing the recommendations back to the Congregational Leadership Team, the resolution was made to pause for 2 to 4 years until we make any major decisions . The Umbrella Committee already has recommendations for the U.S. Assembly that ties in with the recommendations from this weekend. An enormous thank you to the Sisters and to all who have been working so hard to move the planning forward. May God continue to bless our Congregation as we Trust in Divine Providence as did Mother Veronica and those who came after her.

Directory Update

Sister Martires Maria Cavalli – delete Sister’s name from Fraternidade Madre Verônica, Caxias do Sul, p. 43; add Sister’s name in São José, Dom Feliciano, p. 45 - effective June 5, 2019.

From the Relay

Some reminders – Please:

Send your message so that it arrives before the posting date or by 9:00 a.m. on the day of posting. Refer to the bottom of p. 2 of the 2019 Residence Directory. Please do not send Relay messages to ellenlipsett@bfranciscan.org as Sister Ellen is not always the person doing the Relay and that person has no access to that e-mail account.
Avoid using terms today, tomorrow, on Friday, etc.; instead, give the date for the surgery, procedure, or death as month/day/year. If a procedure or surgery is postponed or cancelled, please alert the Relay so the message in queue can be deleted or moved to the new date.
A Sister who wishes her name posted on the Relay when she is having a procedure, surgery, or has moved to a different residence must convey that information in one of the following ways: The Sister herself or her local minister or team leader, or her councilor, or the Congregational Minister informs the Relay. A message from any other source will not be honored. Hearsay will not result in a message on the Relay.
Intentions sent labeled as “special intention” are included in “…for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers.” which is printed in the beginning of each month’s Relay. Intentions are not listed individually.
Lastly, if possible, format your messages in Times New Roman 12, black. No underlining, no italics, no bolding. Relay personnel will do the formatting.

Thank you for YOU, for who you are and for what you do to make our congregation one that lives and does all “in the Name of Jesus.” May we continue to be in Prayer Ministry every day of our lives!

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 Luzimar Batista, 68, Sister Gilbetânia Ferreira de Andrade’s aunt, who died on June 5, 2019 in Barbalha, 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 Barbara, Sister Helen Marie Gwiazda 's sister, who was in a car accident on Thursday.

8. SATURDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

9. SUNDAY – Pentecost Sunday

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

10. MONDAY – Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From Sister Marilisa da Silva

125th Anniversary

After much consideration, the Congregational Leadership Team has made the decision to have only one afternoon of Celebration which will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019, as had already been scheduled and will not have an additional September 8, 2019 Open House as some had proposed. Sisters have been asked to be members of different Committees and the Invitation will go out to the Sisters and other Invitees with options for participation. The overall schedule at present is:

October 19, 2019:

1:30 p.m. Motherhouse Visit to the Heritage Center and Tour through the Public Areas
4:30 p.m. Eucharistic Liturgy
5:30 p.m. Dinner and Program

Note : The place for Liturgy and Dinner will be announced after responses to the Invitation are received. Additional information will be forthcoming!

Congregational Leadership Team

Sisters Madonna Marie Harvath and Tereza das Dôres Lima are attending a Workshop at Misericordia University, Dallas, PA from June 6 to 12, 2019. The Institute of Law and Religious Life offers different content every year for Leadership of Congregations. This year’s focus is on Canonical and Legal Issues for Initial Formation as Profession : Incorporation, Civil Implications of Admissions for Individuals and the Institute, Vows, Confidentiality and Privacy, Common Life, Conflicts on Ministries and Formation . The Faculty includes Deborah M. Cerullo, SSND, JD, JCL; Sharon Holland, IHM, JCD; Lynn Jarrell, OSU, MA, JCD and Daniel Ward, OSB, JD, JCL, MA.

From the Assembly Planning Committee

On the “members only” area of our website there is a link to the consensus document from the last gathering. Please read this in preparation for the U.S. Assembly this month. (12 pages)

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 Liturgy at noon followed by Lunch.

Please bring a quiet activity to help balance your energy if your table finishes before the other tables are finished.

As we “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, and Embrace the Future” our discussions will help us realize how we can organize ourselves more effectively in order to serve the people of God in the future. Looking forward to everyone’s participation. – Sister Paula Marie Nowak, Planning Committee Chairperson

A Request from a Former Bernardine Sister

Rae Ann Ohlinger (our former Sister Marie Thomas) asks our prayers. Her illness has returned and she is eligible for a trial medication. The problem is that the trial is at a hospital in New York and she is currently living in PA. Her prayer request is that a volunteer or volunteers would be available to drive her to New York.

A Request from the Office of Communications

Please watch the mail for a 6” x 9” brown envelope [mailed Friday, June 7, 2019] that contains the 4 forms submitted annually to Sister Ellen Lipsett at the Office of Communications. The due date for three of those forms is July 31, 2019 and the final form is due on September 6, 2019. If possible, please try to complete the July forms and bring them with you to the Assembly at the end of this month. Your desktop will be so much more visible with these papers completed and submitted. Summer is one of the busiest seasons in the Office of Communications and your thoughtfulness would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance. – Sister Ellen Lipsett

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 Sister Jandira Alliatti who is in the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital Mãe de Deus in Porto Alegre, RS BR.
for Clara Spotts, Sister Doris Burkot’s sister, who is hospitalized.
for Dolores Janis, Sister Immaculé Zdanowicz’ sister, for successful multiple serious surgeries tomorrow, Tuesday, June 11, 2019 and for a complete restoration of health.
for a speedy and complete recovery for Timothy Egan, Sister Miriam Jude Remar’s nephew, who was injured in a serious car accident .
for Sister Regina Adams, OSBM for successful surgery and complete recovery.
for blessings of health for Joseph Lubinsky and David Lubinsky.
for healing for Terri Grierson (Saginaw, MI) who has been diagnosed with a serious illness.
for Liz P. for complete recovery from surgery and for relief from pain.

11. TUESDAY – St. Barnabas

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Pope Francis Prayer Intention Video for June 2019 –The Priests’ Way of Life

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-06/pope-francis-prayer-intention-june-2019.html

Retreat at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA – June 16-22, 2019

The retreat begins with a 4:00 p.m. Opening Conference followed by Dinner on Sunday, June 16, 2019. Please plan your timely arrival. For any other details, please call Sister Mary Joseph Tirpak 610-777-5556 or email maryjoseph@bfranciscan.org.

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 Dolores Janis, Sister Immaculé Zdanowicz’ sister, whose multiple serious surgeries originally scheduled for today are being rescheduled.

12. WEDNESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From Sister Marilisa da Silva

Saint Joseph Villa – Sister Guests

When you visit our Sisters at Saint Joseph Villa, you will meet our new resident Sister Pietra Aumer, C.P.S., a sister from the Precious Blood Community in Shillington, PA whom we welcomed into our midst as a Villa resident a few days ago and with whom we can share our Franciscan hospitality. Sister Pietra is in Room #245 and seems already adjusted to the local community. Vicky Mitchell (Administrator), Sisters. Mary Joseph Tirpak and Ann Marie Coll (Local Leadership) and Sister Claude Marie Jablonski and all Staff Members have been tireless, compassionate and generous through the gift of themselves to serve and to witness Jesus’ love.

Very soon you will hear that we will be welcoming Sisters from another Community that is asking us to open our doors to their sisters. These Sisters will be evaluated and it is our desire that each one be enrolled in the Senior Life Program, which will increase the income to the Institution.

At this present moment, I ask you to keep all these things in your heart as the Virgin Mary knew to do so well! I will share more information with you during the Assembly!

Retreat at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA – June 16-22, 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 healing and full recovery for Francis Barrow.
for employment for Sue Land, Vincent Colarossi, and Logan Velkey.

13. THURSDAY – St. Anthony of Padua

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Retreat at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA – June 16-22, 2019

The retreat begins with a 4:00 p.m. Opening Conference followed by Dinner on Sunday, June 16, 2019. Please plan your timely arrival. For any other details, please call Sister Mary Joseph Tirpak 610-777-5556 or email maryjoseph@bfranciscan.org.

13. THURSDAY – Afternoon update [posted at 1:37 p.m.]

From Sister Marilisa da Silva, OSF

URGENT update message

We, those of us who live in Reading and in the Berks County area of Pennsylvania, read in today’s Reading Eagle Newspaper [the local paper] and heard announced on the radio that the Sacred Heart Villa retirement home in Muhlenberg Township owned by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart is closing. In this article that I hope you can open https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/sacred-heart-villa-retirement-home-in-muhlenberg-township-closing there are two statements that we need to consider:

First, in this Facility, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart who own the Institution cannot afford to maintain it, and they are making all efforts to help relocate the residents, including their own Sisters.

Second, some of their Sisters will be relocated to another Religious Institution.

Sisters, I want to clarify that we are in constant contact with the Leadership of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, and neither they nor we were expecting that the Social Media would spread this notice before July 30, 2019 . I really was waiting for the June Assembly to explain more about a partnership whereby we would welcome a few Sisters – probably 8 or 10--to Saint Joseph Villa. We had scheduled a Support Meeting among the two Congregational Leadership Teams with Sister Mary Joseph and Vicky Mitchell from Saint Joseph Villa for July 19, 2019. This news accelerates our process. Sister Mary Joseph and Vicky will be visiting the potential Sister Guests and will be doing the assessment. We do have space in our own Facility and, as good Shepherds, we honor our Franciscan gift of hospitality with compassionate hearts. The Sisters who would come will be enrolled in Senior Life (PACE in other States) and their Community will give a monthly monetary gift to the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. The Leadership Team of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart will take full responsibility for taking care of personal and family needs of their Sisters. In our meeting in July, we will have prepared final Guidelines for giving them a home to live.

I want to remind once again, for the blessings we have and for the opportunities to be women of the Gospel in action , that we have the opportunity, not far away from us but right here in our own backyard, to do just that!

Thoughts for our reflection: What does it mean to provide shelter to others? What does it means to count our blessings? What does it mean to treat others as we would like to be treated?

14. FRIDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

for Sister Tereza das Dôres Lima who will be traveling today to Brazil – for safe travel and for many graces and blessings during her time spent with our Sisters and with her family while in Brazil.

From Sister Marilisa da Silva, OSF

Important Message

We, those of us who live in Reading and in the Berks County area of Pennsylvania, read in the June 13, 2019 edition of the Reading Eagle Newspaper [the local paper] and also heard announced on the radio that the Sacred Heart Villa retirement home in Muhlenberg Township owned by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart is closing. In this article that I hope you can open https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/sacred-heart-villa-retirement-home-in-muhlenberg-township-closing there are two statements that we need to consider:

First, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart who own the Institution cannot afford to maintain it, and, consequently, they are making every effort to help relocate the residents—both lay and their own Sisters.

Second, some of their Sisters will be relocated to another Religious Institution.

Sisters, I want to clarify that we are in constant contact with the Leadership of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, and neither they nor we were expecting that the Social Media would spread this information before July 30, 2019. I really was waiting for the June Assembly to explain more about a partnership whereby we would welcome a few Sisters – probably 8 or 10--to Saint Joseph Villa. We had scheduled a Support Meeting among the two Congregational Leadership Teams with Sister Mary Joseph and Vicky Mitchell from Saint Joseph Villa for July 19, 2019. This news accelerates our process. Sister Mary Joseph and Vicky will be visiting the potential Sister Guests and will be doing the assessment. We do have space in our own Facility and, as good Shepherds, we honor our Franciscan gift of hospitality with compassionate hearts. The Sisters who would come will be enrolled in Senior Life (PACE in other States) and their Community will give a monthly monetary gift to the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. The Leadership Team of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart will take full responsibility for taking care of personal and family needs of their Sisters. For our meeting in July, we will have prepared final Guidelines for providing for them a home in which to live.

I want to remind all once again that we have the opportunity to give thanks for all the blessings we enjoy and to cherish the opportunity presented to us as women of the Gospel to reach out to others who are not far away from us but right here in our own backyard.

Thoughts for our reflection: What does it mean to provide shelter for others? What does it means to count our blessings? What does it mean to treat others as we would like them to treat us?

From the Assembly Planning Committee

On the “members only” area of our website there is a link to the consensus document from the last gathering. Please read this in preparation for the U.S. Assembly this month. (12 pages)

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 Liturgy at noon followed by Lunch.

Please bring a quiet activity to help balance your energy if your table finishes before the other tables are finished.

15. SATURDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

16. SUNDAY – The Most Holy Trinity – Father’s Day

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

for graces and blessings upon the Sisters making the June 16-22, 2019 retreat at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA.

A Mother Veronica Moment

Shocking news came when Father Malusecki, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Reading, announced that he had to close the school for a year so that a church could be built over the school building. The sisters would be without financial sustenance during that time. In this crisis, Mother Veronica was relying on God’s power.

“Though, of ourselves, we can do nothing, we will rely with a firm hope in the power of God … the will of God is our only support. We must trust, trust, trust.”

17. MONDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

for the repose of the soul of Sister Therezinha de Jesus F. Montezuma who died in Viamão, RS BR.
for the repose of the soul of Adrian who would have celebrated his 15th birthday today and his grieving mother, Eliza, that she find comfort and may receive relief from her 6 years of suffering.

From Sr. Marilisa da Silva, OSF

Sharing News

• US Assembly

The time is fast approaching for the US Assembly where we can build fraternal bonds among us to energize ourselves to continue the mission in the name of Jesus.

• October 19, 2019

The 125th Anniversary of our congregation will be celebrated on October 19, 2019. Please correct the time for the Eucharistic Celebration, which is 4:00 p.m. and not 4:30 p.m. as stated on June 10, 2019.

There will be a Renewal Retreat in Fortaleza, CE, BR. for the youngest group of Sisters, which I was able to assist in with videos and existing documents. Sisters Tereza das Dôres Lima and Gilbetânia de Andrade will be there to facilitate the retreat.

• Sister Guests in the Saint Joseph Villa

Let us hold the plan for welcoming the Sister residents to Saint Joseph Villa because the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart have a possible potential buyer for their building who would continue the Mission of the Sacred Heart Villa. This happened after the newspaper article was published in the Reading Eagle on Thursday, June 13, 2019.

• Budgets for 2019-2020

After the Congregational Leadership Meeting, we asked Sr. Barbara Winnals to write a letter to Sisters in three different Local Fraternities to look at their budgets in order to revise and reduce their budgets if possible . I want to thank all of the Sisters who received the letter and who revised their budgets. Likewise, I am grateful to all the Sisters who reduced their expenses.

• Umbrella Committee

The Umbrella Committee will report during the Assembly on what they have done and where we are. The participants at the Assembly will have time to give their input

• Alvernia University and Congregational Leadership

After the Alvernia University Board of Trustees meeting, the Congregational Leadership Team met with the President Elect, John Loyack, for a luncheon business meeting. We will be conducting more meetings with him to review and discuss the Sponsorship Covenant as well as discuss other collaborative ways between Alvernia University and the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters.

• Councilors

Sr. Tereza das Dôres Lima left for Brazil on June 14, 2019 and she will return in the beginning of August 2019. The Local Areas of the Motherhouse, who have Sr. Tereza as their Councilor, please refer to Sr. Madonna Marie Harvath. The convents outside of the Motherhouse, who have Sr. Tereza as Councilor, please refer to Sr. Rosemary Stets.

From the Assembly Planning Committee

On the “members only” area of our website there is a link to the consensus document from the last gathering. Please read this in preparation for the U.S. Assembly this month. (12 pages)

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 Liturgy at noon followed by Lunch.

Please bring a quiet activity to help balance your energy if your table finishes before the other tables are finished.

18. TUESDAY

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 Mary Gispert and Vito Papagno.
for good health for Anna Marie Brennan.
for a friend for prayers for a successful surgical procedure on Wednesday and recovery.

19. WEDNESDAY – St. Romuald

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

for the soul of Yamira Aponte, the mother of Yamilet, a former student of Sacred Heart School in Puerto Rico, that God may comfort and grant peace to Yamilet and her grieving family.

Funeral Notice From the Diocese of Allentown - The Reverend James G. Prior, C.M.Pastor Emeritus, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Roseto, Pennsylvania, died peacefully on Saturday, 15 June 2019, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was 91 years of age . Funeral Mass: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Vincentian Community Chapel, 500 East Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, 20 June 2019, at 10:30 a.m. Calling Hours: Will be held at Saint Vincent’s Seminary, 500 East Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, on Wednesday, 19 June 2019, 3:00-5:00 p.m., 7:00-9:00 p.m., and Thursday, 20 June 2019, 9:00-10:00 a.m. Interment: Will be Thursday, 20 June 2019, at 2:00 PM, in the Vincentian Community Cemetery, Princeton, New Jersey. Bishop Schlert will offer Mass for Father Prior at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 560 North Sixth Street, Bangor, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, 29 June 2019, at 5:00 p.m . Fraternal expressions of sympathy may be sent to: The Reverend Thomas W. Prior, C.M. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Rectory 560 North Sixth Street Bangor, Pennsylvania 18013-1752

From Sister Marilisa da Silva, OSF

Franciscan Federation Assembly

The Franciscan Federation Assembly will be held 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, Sr. 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 Sue Eason for a successful surgery (19) and recovery.
for Frank and Rita as they celebrate their 62 Wedding Anniversary.
for Janet for a successful outcome of a legal situation.
for blessings on all those who will marry this weekend.
for Katherine M. who is recovering from an injury.
for Tim who is dealing with medical issues.

20. THURSDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

for Roger G. who is hospitalized following surgery and a return to good health.

21. FRIDAY – St. Aloysius Gonzaga/Beginning of Summer in Northern Hemisphere

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From the Assembly Planning Committee

On the “members only” area of our website there is a link to the consensus document from the last gathering. Please read this in preparation for the U.S. Assembly this month. (12 pages)

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 Liturgy at noon followed by Lunch.

Please bring a quiet activity to help balance your energy if your table finishes before the other tables are finished.

22. SATURDAY – St. Paulinus of Nola/SS. John Fisher and Thomas More

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

23. SUNDAY – The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

24. MONDAY – The Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From the Assembly Planning Committee

On the “members only” area of our website there is a link to the consensus document from the last gathering. Please read this in preparation for the U.S. Assembly this month. (12 pages)

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 Liturgy at noon followed by Lunch.

Please bring a quiet activity to help balance your energy if your table finishes before the other tables are finished.

As we “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, and Embrace the Future” our discussions will help us realize how we can organize ourselves more effectively in order to serve the people of God in the future. Looking forward to everyone’s participation. – Sister Paula Marie Nowak, Planning Committee Chairperson

Assembly Room Accommodations

Good morning Sisters. When you arrive for the Assembly, please come to Sacred Heart Convent to register and receive keys/directions to the location where you will be staying. In making room assignments, we took into consideration the health needs of participants and also the willingness of those open to sharing a room with another sister.

Sisters staying in the Motherhouse:

Bernard Marie Magill

Cecilia Bondy

Colleen Marie Magill

Ellen Marie Burke

Francis Canice Reinhardt

Francesca Thérèse Bozzo

Gemma Legel

John Ann Proach

Lynn Michele Hartigan

Maria Rose Zielinski

Marie Cacciatore

Marie Gayda

Mary Elena Sabalausky

Miriam MacKillop

Patricia Luss

Shaun Marie Fattal

Sisters staying at Alvernia University, Pacelli Hall:

Anna Mae Milus

David Ann Niski

Deborah Ann Surgot

Helen Marie Gwiazda

Helen Therese Bodziak

Joan Marie Roosa

Josandra Ciucci

Karen Ann Wieleba

Marietta Andrzejewska

Rose Daniel Colanzi

Therese San Miguel

Sisters staying at Our Lady of Grace Convent:

Carol Ann Nawracaj

Sandra Lyons

Sisters staying at Mother Veronica Convent:

Ann Therese deGuise

Jean Therese Baumann

Mary Elizabeth Klier

Sisters staying at Holy Rosary Convent:

Antoinette Keiser

Patricia Lynn Farrell

Phyllis Duncan

Welcome and enjoy your stay! - Sister Shaun Patrice Malone, 610-301-3834, communitylife@bfranciscan.org

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 the Spirit’s grace and inspiration for the Sisters of Saint Joseph during this week of chapter.
for Kim who will take her nursing boards today.
for a family who needs to relocate so that the parents can find new jobs.
for successful surgery for Bryan and for a full recovery.

25. TUESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From the Office of Communications

A box for early returned Annual Forms E, B and D will be on the counter in the McGlinn Conference Room during the Assembly this weekend. Please do not separate your forms. Paperclips will be available. Thank you in advance to those of you who are able to make your returns early. Completed Forms E and B are required of all Sisters and are due no later than July 31, 2019. Form D, also due no later than July 31, 2019, is required only of those Sisters to whom the form applies. Form C, due no later than September 6, 2019, is required of all Sisters.

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 Sister Lynn Rachelle Pazgan (Pascoe) for a successful surgery tomorrow, Wednesday, June 26, 2019 , and for a speedy and complete recovery.
for Elaine who is dying. She is a former student of the Bernardine Sisters from Conshohocken.
for grace and courage for Doug who is dying and for comfort and strength for his parents.
for Scott for the graces needed to continue his healing ministry.

26. WEDNESDAY

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 Sister Lynn Rachelle Pazgan (Pascoe) who had surgery yesterday, June 25, 2019, and is recuperating in Reading Hospital-Tower Health, West Reading, PA.
for Sister Andrea Michalczyk who is in Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center [a.k.a. St. Joseph Hospital], Bern Township/Reading, PA.
for successful surgeries tomorrow for Dolores Janis, Sister Immaculé Zdanowicz’ sister.
for health for Steve Peyton.

27. THURSDAY – St. Cyril of Alexandria

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

for safe travel to Reading, PA for Sisters attending the U.S. Assembly June 28-30, 2019.

From Sister Marilisa da Silva

We extend gratitude to our sisters at the Villa of Our Lady Retreat House in Mount Pocono, PA for hosting two sisters from Viet Nam this summer. Sister Thoa (a Dominican Sister) and Sister Tam (a Sister of Our Crucified Savior) are studying theology at Boston College during the academic year, but will be living with our sisters in the Poconos for a few weeks, helping to serve the retreats, and sharing community life with the sisters during their summer break.

Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:

A Memorial Mass for Sister Marietta Andrzejewska’s mother Stella, who died in Poland in May, will be celebrated at St. Casimir’s Parish church in Shenandoah today, Thursday, June 27, 2019. Church doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the Mass will begin at 6:30 p.m. Sister Marietta returned to the U.S. on June 24, 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 Jim Pickett for safe and successful surgery tomorrow, Friday, June 28, 2019.
for the health and well being of Diane Galetti.
for Shannon K., an AU alum, for physical healing and pain relief from his surgery.
for blessings for a lifetime of Love in one another for Isabella and Nichols.

28. FRIDAY – The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

for safe travel to Reading, PA for Sisters attending the U.S. Assembly June 28-30, 2019.
for openness to the Holy Spirit during the U.S. Assembly opening tonight.

The “What’s Happening” section on the Bernardine Franciscan Website has been updated.

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 Dolores Janis, Sister Immaculé Zdanowicz’ sister, who survived yesterday’s surgeries in critical condition, but died this morning. Arrangements are pending.
for Gerardo de Andrade, Sister Conceição de Andrade’s brother, who died on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, in Fortaleza, 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 a complete and speedy recovery for Sister Maria James Riedel who underwent emergency surgery last evening, Thursday, June 27, 2019, at Reading Hospital-Tower Health, West Reading, PA.
for all our special intentions and for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers.
for our donors, their family members and/or friends who are seriously ill.
for those who live with chronic illnesses.

29. SATURDAY – SS. Peter and Paul

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

for openness to the graces of the Holy Spirit during the U.S. Assembly today.

30. SUNDAY – Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

for openness to the Holy Spirit during the final moments of the U.S. Assembly today.
for safe travel from Reading, PA for Sisters who attended the U.S. Assembly June 28-30, 2019.

We bid Good-bye to June – a month filled with Busy Bee preparations for and travel to/from the U.S. Assembly and its preparatory meetings, for the graces obtained during annual retreats, for workplace challenges, and, perhaps, home visits and vacations. We look forward to July with it summer activities that, hopefully, will include some time for relaxation from the ordinary routine of daily life as well as activities to recharge our energies to continue to be all and do all in the Name of Jesus!

Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis
An International Congregation of Religious Women