1. MONDAY – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – the eighth Day of Christmas – eight maids a-milking - New Year’s Day
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
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.
From the 130th Anniversary Committee
Mark Your Calendars
Sisters are invited to share in our Congregational Anniversary Celebration of 130 years on the Feast of Mother Veronica, Saturday, January 13, 2024. Mass at 4:00 p.m. Dinner and program follow. Please respond to Sister Patricia Farrell at 267.939.9095 or pfarrell3@comcast.net by tomorrow, January 2, 2024. Thank you!
2. TUESDAY –– SS. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen/the ninth Day of Christmas – nine ladies dancing
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates
2024 Directory Update
Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat Center Private Retreat – February 6 to 13, 2024
Dear priests, sisters, brothers, and deacons, Villa Maria by the Sea Retreat Center in Stone Harbor, NJ is offering a silent, private retreat from Tuesday, February 6 through Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Enjoy the beauty of God’s creation in the midst of winter in a peaceful and prayerful environment. To book this retreat, please print and complete the attached registration form and mail it in with your check. The cost for this retreat is $665; a deposit of $50 is due at the time of registration. For additional information view the attached flyer, visit www.VMbytheSea.com <http://www.VMbytheSea.com> , or call 609-964-7700.
Please feel free to forward this to any of your fellow priests, sisters, brothers, and/or deacons.
May God bless you this Advent. Sincerely in Christ, Sister M. Emily Vincent, IHM
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
3. WEDNESDAY – The Most Holy Name of Jesus - the tenth Day of Christmas – ten lords a-leaping
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
2024 Directory Update
Community Update
Update - Neck surgery scheduled for December 19, 2023 for Sister Ellen Lipsett’s brother, Dale, [not the twin] was cancelled on the day of surgery because of poor surgical risk. Surgery is tentatively rescheduled for Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Please hold Dale and his caregivers in your prayers. He cannot stand, walk, talk, swallow, or eat orally [has a PEG tube]. His well-being is totally in the hands of his caregivers and God.
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Please send a copy or the original of any letter or information that you receive to your residence address from the Social Security Administration or any other government office. Thank you. - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
Update on Funeral Arrangements for Msgr. John Murphy
All services at St. Thomas More Church, Allentown, PA
Friday, January 5: Viewing from 3 pm to 7 pm followed by a prayer service.
Saturday, January 6th: Viewing from 9 am to Funeral Mass at 11 am with Bishop Schlert.
The prayer service and funeral mass will be live streamed if you are unable to attend. There will be additional seating in the school gym on Saturday if needed. The mass can be live streamed to the big screen in the gymnasium. Parking will be available in the church lot, the school lot, and across the street at the Hope building and field.
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 Msgr. Daniel McGlynn, 84, retired priest of the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, who died on January 1, 2024. https://thedialog.org/obituaries-2/msgr-daniel-j-mcglynn-retired-priest-of-the-diocese-of-wilmington-dies-at-84/ and https://thedialog.org/obituaries-2/shining-star-msgr-dan-mcglynn-remembered-as-wonderful-man-willing-to-put-himself-out-there/ Arrangements are pending.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
The Most Holy Name of Jesus
St. Paul to the Philippians 2:10-11 writes: “at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
4. THURSDAY - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - the eleventh Day of Christmas – eleven pipers piping
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Severina Slawski
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Updates (3)
From the Relay
Please do not send Relay messages with the words yesterday, today, or tomorrow in them or on the subject line. All messages that are dependent upon dates MUST state the month, day, and year for the surgery, medical or surgical procedure, day of death, funeral information, admission to hospital, release from hospital, date of accident, etc. Otherwise, the message will be posted on the next regular Relay and will not indicate the “when” for the event/occasion. Also, if leaving a phone message, please speak slowly and spell all names, careful to distinguish between p, t, d and m, n as these consonants do not always come across clearly on the phone. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you. – 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:
5. FRIDAY – St. John Neumann/First Friday/the twelfth Day of Christmas – twelve drummers drumming
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Canine Visitors at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
On Wednesday, January 2, 2024, three licensed therapy dogs visited St. Joseph Villa to the delight of the Sisters. Pictured are Muse and Ada. Not pictured is Sebrina. The dogs showed obedience routines as well as some 'fun' moves with their owners.
Left: ADA (the larger dog). Right: MUSE (the smaller dog)
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Please send a copy or the original of any letter or information that you receive to your residence address from the Social Security Administration or any other government office. Thank you. - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
Franciscan Federation of the Sisters and Brothers of the United States
Registration for the next Maryland Listening & Learning Session will be released
on January 8, 2024 at noon Eastern Standard Time.
Space is limited, registration will close on date given in the release or when all slots have been filled—Whichever comes first.
To Register visit the Franciscan Federation website page for Listening & Learning Sessions. Click the register button. The button will not be visible until registration opens.
We look forward to the second of our 6 Listening & Learning Sessions! Peace and all good!
Registration Information for future Sessions
Registration will release 2 months out from each in person and Zoom session.
Future registration release dates:
Franciscan Federation of the Sisters & Brothers in the United States
1554 Paoli Pike #307, West Chester, PA 19380
Franfedoffice@franfed.org 484.757.2111 www.franfed.org
6. SATURDAY - St. André Bassette/ First Saturday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Christelle Czernek
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Sister Christelle’s “official” Feast day is on the “movable” Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, the date of which changes by the Church each year. However, Sister chooses to celebrate her feast day each year on January 6th, the original “fixed” Feast of the Epiphany. This Sunday, January 7th is the Church’s designated celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord this year. Happy “official” Feast day on Sunday, Sister Christelle!
7. SUNDAY – The Epiphany of the Lord
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Christelle Czernek
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
See note from Saturday, January 6, 2024.
8. MONDAY - The Baptism of the Lord
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Project for the Dominican Republic
Dear Sisters, If you would like to donate to the school in Santo Domingo the Christmas Cards you received this year, I am collecting them for the children’s projects at our school in the Dominican Republic. Please cut off the message/signature side and only give me the front of the card with the picture. Thank you for your support for our mission in the D.R.-Sister Jenniffer Acosta Rosario
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
The Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist
The end of the Christmas Season, a much too short season this year. May every grace and blessing companion our Sisters, families, friends, benefactors, associates, former members, and all who have asked us to remember them and their intentions in our prayers. May the spirit of good will toward all continue throughout every day of 2024. May peace reign in our country and in our world. Be well. Be safe.
9. TUESDAY – Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates (3)
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Please send a copy or the original of any letter or information that you receive to your residence address from the Social Security Administration or any other government office. Thank you. - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
10. 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:
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From the Relay
There will be no regular Relay on Monday, January 15, 2024-Federal Holiday in the United States – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The regular Relay will resume on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Please send a copy or the original of any letter or information that you receive to your residence address from the Social Security Administration or any other government office. Thank you. - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
12. FRIDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
2024 Directory Update
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
13. SATURDAY - St. Hilary – Mother Veronica Day
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
If Mother Veronica were living today, she would say to us:
“This is a new world for us, and God is calling us to do things we have not done before.
We must find courage to take risks that we never had to take before, dear Sisters.”
HAPPY MOTHER VERONICA DAY!
14. SUNDAY - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time/World Religion Day (promoting unity and understanding among people of different faiths.)
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Elaine Barbosa Lima
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
15. MONDAY – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Federal Holiday in the U.S.
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
A Thought on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Civil rights Memorial – Montgomery, Alabama
16. TUESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From the Relay
Heavy winds, snow, and downed lines caused an outage of landline phones, Internet, and TV in the Motherhouse for the past 2-1/2 days. All has now been restored. Meanwhile, the 2+day snow has created a Winter Wonderland.
A Moment in Time
Celebrating 130th Anniversary of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
1894 ~ 2024
Our First Brazilian Mission
Missionary Bernardine Sisters from Poland arrived in a small rural village in Brazil called Dom Feliciano in 1929. In the mid 1930’s the superior of that group wrote to Mother Angela in Reading asking for assistance for their mission. Mother Angela sent two Bernardines from Reading to explore the possibilities of sending our sisters there. By the end of 1937 a group of North American Bernardines arrived to begin working with parishioners to establish educational possibilities for children and to do catechesis. Soon the pastor of a parish in a nearby city, Camaquã, invited us to work together with him on improving the lives of the people there.
Our Sisters encountered conditions very different from those in the United States that they found challenging at first but were proven surmountable.
Over the next few years, the number of Sisters, convents, schools, and hospitals increased. Our missions began to thrive, and young Brazilian girls accepted God’s call to join our Congregation.
Many letters were sent to Reading describing the hardships and the successes of these early years and every letter expressed the hope that all was being done for the glory of God through the love of Jesus!
Community Updates
News from Brazil – Sister Acelia Maria Sterz (Provincial Secretary)
Silver Jubilee Celebration
"We look to the Past with gratitude. We live the Present with Passion and move on to the Future, with a gaze full of hope."
On January 4, 2024, the Fundraising Center of the Congregation in Brazil, which pastorally receives the name of Bernardina Franciscan Missionary Fraternity, celebrated its 25th anniversary. We are grateful to the Triune God who has made it possible for us in these 25 years to carry out various activities for the benefit of families in situations of social vulnerability. Hundreds of children and adolescents have benefited through the network of solidarity that it is possible to articulate with the group of benefactors, volunteers, collaborators and sisters who help us to build this history.
We are grateful for all the motivation of Sister Miriam Montenegro, for having been the creator of this sector with our Maintainer-Province, giving herself entirely to this service for 19 years, as coordinator. After her, for 2 years, with all her sense of belonging and creativity, Sister Rita Mafalda Magalhães was promoting this mission. Currently, Sister Samanta Karla de Sousa Carneiro, with a group of Bernardine Sisters, 3 collaborators, 15 volunteers and approximately 900 benefactors, in addition to the public and private support of some institutions, continue to carry this legacy of guaranteeing the Rights of Children and Adolescents.
February 17, 2024, at 4 p.m., at the Bread of the Poor Sanctuary, in Porto Alegre/RS, we will have the Eucharistic Celebration, followed by a dinner, to praise and thank, all the love that has been sown along the way, leaving the garden of many people's lives more fragrant and flowery.
We ask for prayers to continue this pilgrimage, because as Mother Veronica said: "It is for the less cultivated flowers of the Garden of Jesus that my sisters go to work."
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
17. WEDNESDAY – St. Anthony
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Please send a copy or the original of any letter or information that you receive to your residence address from the Social Security Administration or any other government office. Thank you. - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
18. THURSDAY – Prayer for Christian Unity Octave – January 18-25, 2024
Theme: “You shall love the Lord your God… and your neighbor as yourself” (Lk 10:27).
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From Sisters Rose Jameson and Jenniffer Acosta Rosario, TAU Liaisons
Sisters, you may need to surface the handouts from Sister Geraldine Mueller, SSJ from her presentation to us. You may find them to be valuable as you dialogue on Saturday morning, January 20, 2024, and discern the questions on her presentation in your individual TAU groups. We look forward to seeing you in the McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center at 1:15 p.m. on Saturday afternoon either in person or via ZOOM. You may sit anywhere at the numbered tables.
Because of the uncertainty of the weather, if you know you will not be attending the morning meeting with your TAU, notify your TAU Rep no later than early Friday evening. Contact Sister Rose Jameson by Friday noon to register for Zoom. Materials for both the morning and afternoon sessions will be e-mailed to you. You will need to meet with your local fraternity in the morning in order to participate in the afternoon meeting via Zoom. Let’s pray that the Internet remains up. Be warm. Be safe.
16th of the Month Celebrations of 130th Anniversary in Brazil
All the Fraternities of the Immaculate Conception Province in Brazil celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the Congregation, on the 16th of each month during 2024. They use a booklet Service Prayer prepared by some Sisters from the Province. Included here are pictures from Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
“A people without history is a people without memory.”
Immaculate Conception Fraternity – Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil
St Bernardine Fraternity – Regional House – Fortaleza, Ceará – Brazil
Our Lady of Aparecida Fraternity – Curitiba, Paraná - Brazil
Sisters on vacation – Cidreira Beach, RS.
January Birthday Party at Saint Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Left to right: Sisters Anna Indycka, Clare Chabot, Bernette Ball, MSC, and Veronice Plewinski
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
19. FRIDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Please send a copy or the original of any letter or information that you receive to your residence address from the Social Security Administration or any other government office. Thank you. – Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
20. SATURDAY – St. Fabian/St. Sebastian
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
21. SUNDAY - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sisters Inez Molin (Cláudia) and Roberta Agnes McKelvie
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
22. MONDAY – Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
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:
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
23. TUESDAY – St. Vincent/St. Marianne Cope
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
REMINDER
Just a reminder to TAU Reps, if you have not already done so, to submit your TAU’s responses from 1, 2, 3, and 4, as well as, your Evaluation to Sister Rose Jameson’s office. Thank you, kindly.
Community Update
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
24. WEDNESDAY - St. Francis de Sales
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Please send a copy or the original of any letter or information that you receive to your residence address from the Social Security Administration or any other government office. Thank you. - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:
25. THURSDAY – The Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
26. FRIDAY – SS. Timothy and Titus
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Thank you
Dear Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, On behalf of the children and the entire art class in Santo Domingo, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of recyclable Christmas cards. Your contribution has truly made a difference in the lives of these young artists, adding a special touch to their holiday celebrations. The beauty of the recyclable cards not only allowed the children to express their creativity but also conveyed a valuable message about the importance of caring for our planet. Your gesture has not only impacted our lives in the present but has also planted seeds of environmental awareness in young minds. I´m truly grateful for your commitment to the education and well-being of children. Your support has had a significant impact on our community. Once again, thank you for your kindness and generosity. – Sister Jenniffer Acosta Rosario
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Please send a copy or the original of any letter or information that you receive to your residence address from the Social Security Administration or any other government office. Thank you. - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
Institute for Communal Contemplation and Dialogue - Invitation
Sister Nancy Sylvester, IHM, former President of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and founder of the Institute for Communal Contemplation and Dialogue, invites us to Join in Praying for Peace and the End of Violence Throughout Our World, especially in Ukraine by setting aside 15 minutes at noon on Wednesdays [or a time better for you] to pray meditatively for peace and the end of violence throughout the world. The prayer below, although prayed at a vigil for peace in Ukraine, is most appropriate for a prayer for the transformation of all violent conflicts and for our own transformation. https://iccdinstitute.org/
27. SATURDAY - St. Angela Merici
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
28. SUNDAY – Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time/Catholic Schools Week
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sister Francisca Lopes de Oliveira
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Celebrate Catholic Schools Week January 28 to February 3, 2024
Theme: “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community”
29. MONDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update
Many thanks for the cards, good wishes and especially prayers during my time of recuperation after hip surgery. It was the strength of prayer that I did so well. It's good to be home! - Sister Maria Denise Prorock
Health Updates
Many of us have an opportunity to communicate with individuals who have dementia. See the intranet under Newsletters for some suggestions when communicating with those individuals in a compassionate manner. – Sister Shaun Patrice Malone
From the Sustainable Committee at Alvernia University - Invitation
The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters are invited to participate in the activities for Earth Day with Alvernia University on Sunday, April 20, 2024. If any Sister would like to attend a meeting of the Sustainability Committee at Alvernia, to learn more about the work of the committee, activities planned for Earth Day, or attend a planning meeting, contact Sister Rosemary Stets for information.
https://sites.google.com/view/earthdayberks
https://www.facebook.com/EarthDayBerks/
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 deceased Sister Doloria Sitnik’s niece-in-law, Monique Sitnik, who died on Friday, January 26, 2024.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
31. WEDNESDAY - St. John Bosco
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
From the Committee to Celebrate the 130th Anniversary
Very shortly there will appear on our website, under the heading of Prayers, a series of monthly prayer services generated by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Province in Brazil. The themes acknowledge Mother Veronica’s spiritual journey, strengths, and hopes.
Sister Gilbetânia, the Provincial Minister, shared that the Sisters in Brazil will pray together on the 16th of every month in 2024, among other ways of participating in this anniversary. It is the wish of the 130th Anniversary Committee members that you take advantage of this opportunity for our Congregation to bond in prayer. Special thanks to Sister Angela Maria Teixeira de Sousa for the English translations. The prayer services are easily reproduced in the form of a booklet.
Health Update
Friday, February 2, 2024, is Go Red for Women Day, an annual event designed to bring awareness of heart disease in women, which is frequently undiagnosed. See the website of the American Heart Association for more information for this movement. The February Newsletter offers some information on cardiovascular disease. Access it on the intranet by selecting Community Life, then Newsletters. – Sister Shaun Patrice Malone
Join the campaign and wear something red on Friday, February 2, 2024!
From Health Benefits and Government Programs
Please send a copy or the original of any letter or information that you receive to your residence address from the Social Security Administration or any other government office. Thank you. - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
FAREWELL, JANUARY!
WELCOME, FEBRUARY!
