Relay for March 2025

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 Dr. Charles W. Lowney who recently died. He was a dear friend and a benefactor of our Sisters who ministered at Hyde Park, Massachusetts.

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 Tom for successful surgery on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
• for: Mary Rosso Chown as she recovers from surgery.
• for God’s blessings and good health for Richard and his family.
• for healing and less pain for Rich.
• for job security for Kavitha G. [website]
• for physical and mental healing for Deepak. [website]

4. TUESDAY – St. Casimir

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Celebrating January and February Birthdays at St. Joseph Villa

Center front: Sister Bernette, MSC. Back, left to right: Sister Mary, MSC, Sister Josepha, Sister Charlene, Sister Maureen, MSC, and Sister Joan Eileen.

Reminder:

Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, is Ash Wednesday, a day of both fast and abstinence.

A Note of Gratitude

Father Tom Thorne, former chaplain at Villa Maria in Stamford, Connecticut, sent a text that he is cancer free. He is so grateful for all the Sisters' prayers.

Catholic Sisters Week

March 8 through March 14, 2025

The Mission and Ministry of Alvernia University is teaming with the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters for Catholic Sisters Week

 Sisters

Monday, March 10^, 2025 – 2:00-3:00 p.m. - Sister Trivia - AU Campus Commons Living Room with Snacks and Prizes

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 – 8:30 a.m. - Breakfast with the Sisters - Motherhouse Dining Room

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. - Bingo with the Sisters at St. Joseph Villa

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 – 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. - Lenten Retreat at Motherhouse - Food will be provided.

Thursday, March 13, 2025 – 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Selfies with the Sisters at AU Student Center

Thursday, March 13, 2025 – 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. - Magic Show and Family Feud - Sisters vs Staff – AU Francis Hall Theater - Free Pizza.

Friday, March 14, 2025 – 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. - Hangout with the Sisters - McGlinn Conference Center 



5. WEDNESDAY – ASH WEDNESDAY – Fast and Abstinence

Community Update - Request

Message from Sister Deborah Ann Surgot

Registration for March 15, 2025 Education Day Meeting

Please let me know if you plan to attend in person or by zoom. Thank you.

Email: Communications@bfranciscan.org Phone: 610-207-0987.

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 safe delivery of Julia’s baby.
• for a safe pregnancy and delivery for baby Bonasso, child of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bonasso. Michael is a Brother Rice Alum (Michigan).
• for successful treatment for Kip Lipton whose illness has returned after 19 years of good health.

10. MONDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update – Deceased Family Member

Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our Sister’s Family Member and for the comfort and consolation of our Sister and her family:

• for Dorothy Chesla, Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky’s sister, who died on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Arrangements are pending.

News from Immaculate Conception Province

From the Pen of a Poet

Sister Zenobia, twelve years you’ve given,

Sister Maria Helena, eight years driven.

In Mozambique, your love shone bright,

Now Brazil awaits your guiding light.

Grateful for your selfless care,

We send our blessings through the air.

May your new missions be blessed and true,

Our hearts remain with both of you.

Sister Zenóbia Melz

Sister Maria Helena Santana

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 Bette Green who died recently.

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 Arthur for a successful procedure today.
• for Anna Marie for a successful procedure this week.
• for John to accept his physical illnesses and for his wife Angie who is his caregiver.
• for healing for: Sylvia, Carol, and Kevin who have some major health issues at this time.
• for Courtney who has been unable to conceive that she and her husband be blessed with a child.
• for Katherine who is aging and very ill.
• for strength and courage for Rose during her illness.
• that a young couple may conceive a healthy baby.
• for a healthy birth for Christine’s son. [website]

11. TUESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update – Deceased Family Member

Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our Sister’s Family Member and for the comfort and consolation of our Sister and her family:

• for Dorothy Chesla, Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky’s sister, who died on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Viewing on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Hardesty Funeral, PA, 851 Annapolis Road, Gambrills, MD 21054. Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Fields Catholic Church 1070 Cecil Avenue South; Millersville, MD 21108; 410-923-7060.
• https://www.hardestyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Dorothy-Chesla?obId=38311215#/obituaryInfo

From the Finance Office

A reminder that all car surveys are due in the Finance Office by April 19^th. Thank you to all who have already returned theirs.

From Sister Mary Sninsky - Director for the Bernardine Franciscan Associates

Associates News – Saginaw, Michigan

During a recent monthly gathering of the Bernardine Franciscan Associates in Saginaw, Michigan, led by Pari Sitarski and Sister Mary Elizabeth Klier (virtually), Melanie Beyers and Marge Jerome received the TAU cross signifying the beginning of their journey as associates.

We welcome Melanie and Marge as they begin their study of the charism and mission of the Congregation, and they choose to live the Franciscan values while responding to the needs of the times through prayer, community and service. After their period of discernment, they will receive the associate pin symbolizing the charism and mission of the Congregation.

Alvernia University sponsors Sister Trivia in commemoration of Sisters Week

On Monday, March 10, 2025, using their cell phones and a program called Kahoot, attendees responded to multiple-choice questions like: Who was the first president of Alvernia University? What was the first use of Francis Hall? What Bernardine Franciscan Sister teaches math at the University? The responses were automatically calculated and the winners won Wawa gift certificates. Beverages and snacks were provided.

Background, center: Screen with questions

Front row: left to right: Sister Joan Marie Roosa, Sister Rosemary Stets, Sister Joelle Mrozoski, Sister Karen Anne Wieleba.

Far right: Sister Paula Marie Nowak

Back row at table, left: Sister Marie Cacciatore. Back table, far right: Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj

Far left: Sister Marie Cacciatore. Far right, front: Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj

Far right, front: Sister Marietta Andrzjewska

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 Anna Marie for a successful procedure today.
• for healing and blessings of good health for Pat Paukstis.
• for Laura Gingrich’s daughter who is expecting. Laura is the Women's field hockey coach at AU.
• for the parents of Laura Gingrich who are both dealing with a serious illness.
• for a correct diagnosis for Amanda Bezner and an earlier date appointment with a recommended specialist.
• Franny and Gloria Mat express their gratitude for your prayers and request continued prayer for their recovery.



12. WEDNESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation

Bernardine Bonanza Results

As we reflect on the tremendous success of this year's Bernardine Bonanza, my heart is filled with profound gratitude for each of you who contributed your time, talents, and prayers to make this event truly extraordinary. To those who added personal touches to our sponsorship letters, prepared our mailings, baked delicious treats, and served in various roles before and during the event—your hands were the instruments of God's goodness that made everything possible.

I am overjoyed to share that through your collective efforts and the amazing generosity of our supporters, Bernardine Bonanza 2025 raised over $600,000!

Here's how the blessings unfolded:

• Sponsors: $469,000
• Disney Raffle: $15,000
• Mission Madness: $10,700
• Ticket Sales: $35,200 (attendees plus donations)
• Live Auction: $24,800
• Fund a Need: $60,000 (new windows for Villa )

Each dollar raised is a testament to the love and respect our donors hold for the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters and our mission. As we celebrate this achievement, let us remember that while the funds are important, equally precious is the relationships we've strengthened. Truly, as our event motto reminds us, God's Goodness continues to flow through all we do. -  

Sister Maria Paul Bartos and the Bonanza Committee

Alvernia University Sponsors Two Events

to Commemorate National Catholic Sisters Week

Alvernia University Staff host Breakfast for Sisters

On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, fifty-four Alvernia University staff hosted the Sisters for breakfast in the dining room of the Motherhouse to honor and show their gratitude to the Bernardine Franciscans. The staff got to know the Sisters and the Sisters got to know the staff and their services at Alvernia.

Front table, seated second from left: Sister Angela Maria Teixeira de Sousa.

Seated, right front: Sister Tereza das Dôres Lima. Standing: Sister Marie Cacciatore

Seated, front left: Sister Rosemary Stets and to her left Sister Marietta Andrzejewska.

Seated second from right: Sister Joanne Mary Kotwicki

Seated at front table: Sisters Mary Sninsky and Danielle Marie Kubelsky

Alvernia University sponsors Bingo at St. Joseph Villa on Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Commemoration of National Catholic Sisters Week

About 17 to 19 students were expected to show up for the Bingo. Examining the photos, there may have been s many as 25 to 30 Alvernia students.

All eyes are on the screen to check the latest “call”

Left to right: Sister Phyllis Soja, Sister Marietta Andrzejewska, Sister Michelle Grodzinski  and Sister Stella Ann Tumanow

Left front: Sister Joanne Slanga. Second from left: Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj

Left front: Sister Christen Shukwit. To Sister Christen’s left: her sister Pieta Shukwit.

Right front: Sister Dolorice Domin

Second from right: Sister Claude Marie Jablonski

Second from left: Sister Therese San Miguel (wearing visor).

End of table: Sister Mary Generosa Paszk. Front right: Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt.

Seated second from left: Sister de Marie Sawicki. Seated end of table: Sister Charlene Dalrymple.

Behind Sister Charlene: Sister Patricia Lynn Farrell

Pictured: Some of the Bingo prizes -- warm woolly socks, lip balm, back scratchers, etc.  ….

From Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) – Sister Grace Keane

Sister Dorothy Stang, the first North American Martyr for the Environment, will be remembered in a Zoom Presentation on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM or 7:00 PM. The 2:00 PM viewing is in the Lower-Level Lounge by the Piano and the 7:00 PM viewing is in the McGlinn Center. There is a signup by the Motherhouse mailboxes along with a QR code for anyone to watch at their convenience.

Consider joining a group of U.S. Bishops who will be leading a nine-day Lenten prayer service for migrants and immigrants. This Novena is sponsored by the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and will start on March 14th and end on March 22^nd - 1:00 PM Eastern. 15 minutes. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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 Livia for successful surgery on March 20, 2025.
• for healing for Richard.
• for a young mother who is in a coma due to a brain aneurism and for her family.
• for Tina de Guzman. [website]

13. THURSDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update

• Prayers for healing for Glenn, Sister Le Roy Prymak’s nephew, who is being treated following a work accident.

News for Sisters who have ever lived or ministered at St. Titus in East Norriton, PA

Sisters who were once missioned at St. Titus in East Norriton will be happy to know that the school and convent and much of the property have been sold to

Martin Saints is a Catholic school rooted in the classical intellectual tradition of Catholic Education.

To learn more about Martin Saints, visit https://www.martinsaintsclassical.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 Linda for a speedy and complete recovery following a fall.

14. FRIDAY - Abstinence

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Commemoration of National Sisters Week at Alvernia University

Selfies with the Sisters – Thursday, March 13, 2025 - 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

After a delicious pizza dinner and time for sharing in the atrium of Francis Hall, the students and Sisters enjoyed a magic performance in the theatre by our inhouse magician, Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj.

Family Feud – Thursday, March 13, 2025 - 5-7 p.m.

To conclude the fun evening, Alvernia's "Steve Harvey" hosted a Family Feud between the Sisters and staff. The questions and points were based on the responses from Alvernia University students. For example: What is the student’s favorite place to study on campus? Who is the most popular/favorite professor at Alvernia? 

17. – MONDAY - St. Patrick/St. Patrick’s Day

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 Aneve Teresinha Urbani (Josélia), Patrice Marie Klausing,

Patricia Ann Czarnota, Patricia Lynn Farrell

and Shaun Patrice Malone

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Community Updates(3)

• Sister Jane Frances Dutkiewicz is a resident of the St. Joseph Villa effective Friday, March 14, 2025. Sister is in room 227, St. Clare Hall. Phone 610.777.5556 extension 227. Delete Sister’s name and Motherhouse phone number from p. 22 of the 2024 Residence Directory and transfer her name to St. Joseph Villa, p. 26.
• for George Klausing, Sister Patrice Marie Klausing’s cousin, who is having facial mobility problems (stroke ruled out). George is deaf, and the face as well as the hands are used to communicate in sign language.
• for Jenny Coker, Sister Patrice Marie Klausing’s niece, that her upcoming surgery will be successful and resolve her complex medical issues.

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 Carolyn Primeau who is having surgery.
• for peace and courage for Holly as she continues her journey in hospice and for strength for Paul and their children. 

Irish Blessing Prayer

May good luck be with you wherever you go, and your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.

May your days be many and your troubles be few, May all God's blessings descend upon you,

 May peace be within you, May your heart be strong, May you find what you're seeking wherever you roam.

Did you know that St. Patrick’s birth name was Maewyn Succat?

3 MINUTES WITH ​ST. PATRICK

18. TUESDAY – St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update – Additional Information

Sister Jane Frances Dutkiewicz is a resident of the St. Joseph Villa effective Friday, March 14, 2025. Sister is in room 227, St. Clare Hall. Phone 610.777.5556 extension 227. Delete Sister’s name and Motherhouse phone number from p. 22 of the 2024 Residence Directory and transfer her name to St. Joseph Villa, p. 26. Sister will retain her cell phone 313.410.1768 and also her e-mail address: jane.dutkiewicz@icloud.com



St. Patrick Visits the Motherhouse

Yesterday, Monday, March 17, 2025, St. Patrick (an Alvernia Alum) visited the Motherhouse during lunch, distributed cards, and invited the attendees to snap a photo. So many brave snake handling women!

Standing: St. Patrick and Sister Marietta Andrzejewska during the lunchtime visit at the Motherhouse

with seated left to right around the table: Sisters Rosemary Stets, Jeanne Marie Budd, Mary Hozeny,

Le Roy Prymak, and Dorothy Marie Poremba.

Ireland is known for its rich heritage, magnificent landscapes, rugged terrain, and friendly and warm people. This birthplace of the Game of Thrones has much to offer to all travellers [sic.], from gorgeous, diverse landscapes, Irish pubs, and the sport of rugby to castles, the world's best coffee, and beer.May 8, 2024 [Internet]

From the Relay

We continue to experience Internet interruptions in the Motherhouse/Annex/Administration Buildings; thus, the irregular Relay posting times. Messages to the Relay sometimes are delayed and, therefore, may not be posted on the anticipated arrival day. Thank you for your understanding.

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 Larry for successful surgery tomorrow, March 19, 2025, and for complete recovery and return to good health.

19. WEDNESDAY – St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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 Jo Louise Magdalinski, Joseph Marie Magdalinski,

Josepha Piorkowski, and Mary Joseph Tirpak

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Community Update

• Please pray for a return to good health for Sister Jean Jacobchik who was admitted to Reading Hospital Tower Health on Monday evening, March 17, 2025.

From Sister Rose Jameson, Congregational Councilor

Tau Meeting Room Assignments for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025

• Tau 1  Our Lady of the Rosary
• Tau 2  Divine Child/Motherhouse
              Motherhouse Lower Lounge
• Tau 3  Library
• Tau 4  Small McGlinn Meeting Room
• Tau 5  Dining Room
• Tau 6  Adm Building Staff Room
• Tau 7  McGlinn Conference Center
• Tau 8  Dining Room
• Tau 9  Newport News

Alvernia University has re-established their Senior College program. 

lf you are in the area, you are welcome to join them in the McGlinn Center for the next 8 Tuesday mornings.

Yesterday, March 18, 2025, they explored Flannery O'Connor. Topics and registration may be found on the Alvernia website.

20. THURSDAY – First Day of Spring in the North/Autumn in the South

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

2024 Directory Update – page 28

Sister Bernard Marie Magill

• Delete H, W, and FAX numbers and e-mail address
• Keep the address: Newport News VA 23602-4484 6 Ridgewood Parkway  Apt A
• Add: Cell Phone - (484) 916-1629 (Android Phone). No Landline Phone.
• Add e-mail address: BernardMagill26@gmail.com

Community Update

Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our Sister’s Family Member and for the comfort and consolation of our Sister and her family:

• for Robert Powell, Sister Maria Denise Prorock's cousin, who died suddenly.

Prayer Requests

Please hold in prayer:

• Josh who is deaf and lost his job due to the “DEIA” purge. [website]
• Leah who just survived a serious illness and has now lost her federal job. [website]
• People who have lost their jobs due to the recent “downsizings” and/or “closures.”
• Home owners and Renters whose recent job eliminations are threatening their ability to stay current on mortgage payments/rental fees, utilities, food, health care, adult and children’s special needs, etc.
• People whose Social Security and/or Government Assistance Programs are in jeopardy.
• Businesses impacted by tariffs.
• Consumers impacted by price increases on basic commodities.
• People impacted by recent Acts of Nature, Climate change.



21. FRIDAY - Abstinence

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Diocese of Allentown – Office for Divine Worship

Memorandum– March 17, 2025

Rev. Keith A. Mathur – Distribution of the Precious Blood

distributionofthepreciousblood2025update.pdf - Google Drive

From Sister Rose Jameson, Congregational Councilor

TAU Meeting Room Assignments - for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025

• Tau 1  Our Lady of the Rosary
• Tau 2  Divine Child/Motherhouse
              Motherhouse Lower Lounge
• Tau 3  Library
• Tau 4  Small McGlinn Meeting Room
• Tau 5  Dining Room
• Tau 6  Adm Building Staff Room
• Tau 7  McGlinn Conference Center
• Tau 8  Dining Room
• Tau 9  Newport News

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 peaceful repose of Leah, dear friend of Dr. Kim Lemon AU.

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 blessings for Jean and Harry.

22. SATURDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

23. SUNDAY – Third Sunday of Lent

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

24. MONDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

2024 Directory Update

• Sister Jo Louise Magdalinski – Pottsville, PA, p. 16 – Delete Sister’s cell phone number. Replace with new cell number 570.405.1041, effective immediately.

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 Dawn who is on hospice.

25. TUESDAY – The Annunciation 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

Sisters Marie Cacciatore and Mary Sninsky

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

From the Office of Communications – Sister Deborah Ann Surgot

Please register for March 29 TAU education day and for April 5 CIC-U.S. Assembly.

Registration due date for both meetings was March 24, 2025.

Please email communications@bfranciscan.org

or call Sister Deborah Ann’s cell phone: 610-207-0987.

From Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) – Sister Grace Keane

The Joliet Franciscan Sisters' Anti-Racism Committee is offering a four-part series on Sharing Cultures. May we have a deeper appreciation of people of all cultures so we more fully grasp how each person can live to her/his full potential and all of us can live well together.

The McGlinn Center is reserved from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the following four (4) dates.

Tuesday, March 25, Wednesday, May 28, Wednesday, April 30 , Wednesday, June 25

If you choose to watch from a different location email tpmarciani@gmail.com with your name, email address, and phone number. The same zoom link will be used for all 4 sessions.

A Flyer and a sign-up are on the counter by the Motherhouse Mailboxes and Administrative Offices. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Sister Grace Keane at 313.415.8554.

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 strength and peace for those caring for family members with terminal cancer.
• for J who is suffering from chronic heart, back and legs issues. Also, for A, who suffered a heart attack and a brain hemorrhage.

26. WEDNESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update

• Please hold in prayer Sister Marie Janeen Obara who has been in the hospital since Monday, March 24, 2025. 

From Sister Rose Jameson, Congregational Councilor

TAU Meeting Room Assignments for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025

• Tau 1  Our Lady of the Rosary
• Tau 2  Divine Child/Motherhouse
              Motherhouse Lower Lounge
• Tau 3  Library
• Tau 4  Small McGlinn Meeting Room
• Tau 5  Dining Room
• Tau 6  Adm Building Staff Room
• Tau 7  McGlinn Conference Center
• Tau 8  Dining Room
• Tau 9  Newport News

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 Joan’s father Joseph who died this week after 68 years of marriage to her mother, and for comfort for her sorrowful mother. Joan is a Physical Therapist.

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 Teresa for healing and complete recovery.
• for health and blessings for Larysa.
• for healing for Michael Lenner.
• for healing for Kelly Saylor, Joyce Fasula and Arthur Liston.
• for Stephen Jones for security in his Federal Job and for all Federal Employees who are uncertain of the security of their employment.

 

27. THURSDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update

Thank you

I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of support during this time. Your reaching out brought comfort and solace to my heart. You gave me strength and a sense of resting in God’s peace through the assurance of prayer. May our God of Hope bless you and give you peace. Prayerfully grateful, 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:

• for Dewey.
• for Frances and Joan.

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 Jonathan’s dad Joseph that he be found free of his illness. [website]
• for Kevin.[website]
• for Greg to pass his personal Trainer Certification and get a job. [website]

28. FRIDAY - Abstinence

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update – Deceased Family Member

Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our Sister’s Family Member and for the comfort and consolation of our Sister and her family:

1. for eternal rest for João Luiz Duarte, Sister Elisangela Pereira Machado’s brother-in-law, who died Thursday afternoon, March 27, 2025 in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil due to an accident that occurred on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Prayers have been requested for the family, especially for Sister Elisângela’s sister who has been struggling for many years with a serious illness.

Community Updates – Sisters visiting Sick Family Members outside the United States

Note: To contact Sisters who live/visit outside the United States, use text or e-mail. To phone, you must have WhatsApp downloaded on your phone or the person you call will have to pay for the call. Consider watching the Relay for updates.

• Sister Angela Teixeira de Sousa went to Brazil to be with her family at this time of pain and suffering as her father, Sebastião de Sousa, is passing his last days of life, in critical condition. Sister Angela arrived in Fortaleza, CE at noon on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, and went to the Hospital which is in the city of Itapipoca, CE. She will be staying with our Sisters who live next door to the Hospital. The family hopes that the father, very soon, will be out of Intensive Critical Care and transferred to a room where the family can be with him during these last days. Sister Angela sends her love, thanks for the prayers, and for this blessed opportunity to be near her father.

• Please continue to hold in prayer Sister Anna Indycka who is in Poland to care for her mother, Agnes Indycka. Sister Anna thanks you for your prayers.

Community Updates  - Bernardine Franciscan Sisters ill in Hospitals

Please continue to pray for improved health and wellness for the following Sisters:

• Sister Jean Jacobchik who is in Reading Hospital Tower Health, West Reading, PA since March 17, 2025.
• Sister Marie Janeen Obara who is in Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center, Reading, PA since March 24, 2025.

From Sister Rose Jameson, Congregational Councilor

TAU Meeting Room Assignments - for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025

• Tau 1  Our Lady of the Rosary
• Tau 2  Divine Child/Motherhouse
              Motherhouse Lower Lounge
• Tau 3  Library
• Tau 4  Small McGlinn Meeting Room
• Tau 5  Dining Room
• Tau 6  Adm Building Staff Room
• Tau 7  McGlinn Conference Center
• Tau 8  Dining Room
• Tau 9  Newport News

29. SATURDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

30. SUNDAY – Fourth Sunday of Lent/Laetare Sunday (Rose colored vestments)

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

In the Roman Catholic Church, pink (or technically rose) vestments are worn on Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent. This Sunday is also known as "Rejoice Sunday" and is a time to celebrate the joy of the approaching Easter within the Lenten season. The rose color symbolizes a softening of the penitential tone of Lent and a glimpse of the joy of Easter. [Internet]

31. MONDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Updates (2) – Bernardine Sisters

• Sister Vincent de Paul Malecki was admitted for a 2-4 week stay at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Reading, PA.
• Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt was admitted to Reading Hospital Tower Health, West Reading, PA.

We Have a Star – Listen to Sister Rosemary Stets on the RSS Podcast

Rosemary Stets — Franciscanism 101 | Podcast Episode on RSS.com

Projects in Progress

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Motherhouse, Reading, PA

 Wiring

Bill and Alex wiring on the hallway outside the Sacristy and Chapel

Corridor outside the Small Conference Room by the McGlinn Conference Center

Chapel Repair and Painting

Johnny, David and Jeff

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 Peter Hyman Sr. and Peter Hyman Jr. [website]

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 blessing for Helen Segvich, mother of Brother Mike Segvich, former principal of Brother Rice HS and for successful treatment for Brother's sister-in-law, Carmella, who has recently been diagnosed with a serious illness.
• for a successful surgery for Paul.
• for improved health for Rick Lavoie’s daughter Megg.
• for a safe delivery for Kate and her baby.
• for a safe and successful surgery for Matt Dersa on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
• for all family members of Mufide Rende. [website]
• for strength and wisdom for the Juarez family. [website]
• for support for Daniel Guzman and his family. [website]
• for health for a 10-year-old with cancer.
• for Duncan Loeper's decision on college (pray that he chooses Alvernia!). [website]

FAREWELL, MARCH!

WELCOME, APRIL!