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BERNARDINE FRANCISCAN SISTERS
Weekly Relay
December 2024
1. SUNDAY – First Sunday of Advent
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.
Advent Hymn (Watching, Waiting, Longing) – Rick Lee James
2. MONDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates (2)
Community Update
From Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj – November 29, 2024 Disaster
My niece hosted Thanksgiving dinner and we were thankful to God for all His blessings, prayed together, read part of President Biden's proclamation, picked our Secret Santa, and watched the Giants game. However, we went from expressing gratitude on Thursday, to asking God for the strength and guidance on “how do we get through this?” on Friday. My sister, Terri, and brother-in-law, Peter, lost their house and everything in it due to a fire.
Friday afternoon, Terri and I had gone to Avalon, an assisted living facility, to pray the rosary with some of the residents there. Peter was a few houses down visiting a friend. Their tenant, Renee, was home and smelled smoke so she called Peter. When he got home, there were flames, so he got the dogs out and had Renee call 911 Thankfully, no one was injured
Because they live in the country, there are no fire hydrants in the area, and the firefighters had to bring in water with tankers As you will see in the photos below, everything was destroyed. The neighbors, fire company, Saint Joe's parishioners, etc. have been outstanding in helping with everything from lodging, meals, advice, prayers, support, etc.
Terri has been amazing saying that even though she doesn't know the reason, God has a reason for all of this.
Dining room and door leading to deck
Wet bar leading to kitchen that was recently renovated
The guest bedroom where I stay when visiting
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:
3. TUESDAY - St. Francis Xavier
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
A Mother Veronica Moment
On December 3, 1843, frail, almost 1-month-old Emily Eleanor Grzedowska, our Mother Veronica, was baptized at 4:00 p.m. in St. Andrew’s Church. Today is the 181st anniversary of her Baptism. - (Source: Under the Shadow of the Almighty written by our Sister Cantalicia Snarska, pp. 2-3]
Saturday, December 7, 2024, TAU at 9:30 a.m. Meeting Areas for morning session:
4. WEDNESDAY – St. John Damascene
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates (3)
From Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation – Sister Grace Keane
Advent with Laudato Si` Movement is an invitation to check out the following links
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:
5. THURSDAY
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 Lira Magalhães (Betty)
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
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:
St. Nicholas Visit
If putting your shoe(s) outside your door is a custom you observe, tonight is the night!
Jolly Old St. Nicholas [with lyrics]
Twas the Night Before Christmas
6. FRIDAY – St. Nicholas/First Friday
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 Lenodia Melz
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update
From Sister Gilbetânia Ferreira de Andrade, Immaculate Conception Province Minister
Congratulations, Sister Lucimara Martins da Silva
“Sister Lucimara Martins da Silva presented her Final Paper from Theology Course yesterday, December 5, 2024, and her graduation will be held on December 18, 2024, in Fortaleza.
Let us praise the Lord for the excellent work 'Cum Laude' of our Sister". (Sister Gilbetania)
Dissertation title:
The protagonism of indigenous women in the Amazon in light of the testimony of the Samaritan woman in John 4:1-42
Undergraduate student: Sister Lucimara Martins da Silva
Advisor: Prof. Dr. Tania Couto Maia
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:
19 Little-Remembered Facts about St. Nicholas
19 Little-Remembered Facts About St. Nicholas| National Catholic Register (ncregister.com)
7. SATURDAY – St. Ambrose
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
8. SUNDAY – Second Sunday of Advent
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 Immaculé Zdanowicz, Immaculene Gudz, Marie Gayda, and Sandra Lyons
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Reminder: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is observed this year on Monday, December 9, 2024, because the Second Sunday of Advent takes precedence and applies to all Catholic dioceses in the United States.
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary will also be observed on Monday, December 9, 2024, in Brazil, the Dominican Republic. Liberia, and Mozambique.
Renewal of Vows tomorrow, December 9, 2024. Article 6, p. 74, of our Directives says: We reaffirm our vowed commitment privately each day and communally on May 20, the feast of St. Bernardine of Siena; on October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi; and on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Additional days may be chosen according to cultural and/or local significance. Our Vow Formula can be found in Article 7, pp. 33-34 of our Constitutions.
9. MONDAY – Observance of The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patronal Feast day of the United States of America and Brazil
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Updates
Both Sisters returned to St. Joseph Villa and wish to thank everyone for their prayers.
Prayer Requests for:
Immaculate Mary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaquwkfPwJU
Immaculate Mary (Lourdes Hymn) [7:34 - September 19, 2021] – No indication of place. Full congregation, choir, large number of clergy, Knights of Columbus… a beautiful presentation. Can anyone recognize any of the clergy? The Church?
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
10. TUESDAY – Our Lady of Loreto
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update (1)
Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Our Lady of Loreto
https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/our-lady-of-loreto
11. WEDNESDAY – St. Damasus I
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Sacred Heart School Children Visit St. Joseph Villa
The 1st grade and Kindergarten children from Sacred Heart school sang and shared cookies with the Sisters at St. Joseph Villa
on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. All agreed the Children were delightful!
Front left to upper right: Sisters Francis Canice Reinhardt, Margaret Taufer, CPS, and Andrea Michalczyk.
Names of children unknown.
From the Relay
Sisters, We are encountering sporadic Internet connectivity resulting in the varied time of posting each day. It’s catch as catch can. I’m sending out today’s Relay early while Internet is available. I apologize to anyone who hoped to make the 9:00 a.m. deadline only to discover today’s early posting. – Sister Ellen Lipsett
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:
12. THURSDAY – Our Lady of Guadalupe
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 Jane Frances Dutkiewicz
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update
Prayers are requested for Sister Charlene Dalrymple who was admitted to Reading Hospital Tower Health on Tuesday, December 11, 2024.
News From Alvernia University
First Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 8, 2024, was a great success.
Attendees had the opportunity to tell Santa their wishes, even the Sisters.
Oh my goodness! What did Sister Marietta Andrzejewska ask of Santa!!!!
Our Lady of Guadalupe
In 1531, the Blessed Mother appeared four times to St. Juan Diego asking for a church to be built in her honor. The last time she appeared to St. Juan Diego, on December 12, 1531, she arranged roses in his tilma, which he then took to the bishop. When he opened his cloak, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was miraculously present on the tilma. We therefore celebrate the Feast day of Our Lady under the title of Guadalupe on December 12. It is preceded on December 9 by the Feast of St. Juan Diego, who was canonized in 2002 by Pope St. John Paul II. [Source: EWTN]
Hymn to Our Lady of Guadalupe [with lyrics]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhR2VCxurvw
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:
13. FRIDAY – St. Lucy
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 Cara Lucille Garofalo
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Community Update
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:
14. SATURDAY – St. John of the Cross
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
15. SUNDAY - Third Sunday of Advent /Gaudete Sunday
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation
Gaudete Sunday
The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday because Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” and “Rejoice” is the first word in the entrance antiphon for today's Mass taken from Philippians 4:4,5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!” [Internet]
Rose-colored vestments are worn on Gaudete Sunday (the third Sunday of Advent) because the color rose symbolizes a moment of joy and anticipation within the otherwise penitential season of Advent, representing the approaching celebration of Christmas; "Gaudete" means "Rejoice" in Latin, signifying the shift towards a more joyful tone as the birth of Jesus draws near. [Internet]
Rose may be used, where it is the practice, on Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent) and on Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent)….If parish lacks rose vestments then the usual violet is used. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/rosecolored-vestments-on-gaudete-sunday-4852
16. MONDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Community Update
Vocation Ministry
Below are some photos of the balloon activity. Every balloon had a different word printed on it: prayer, classes, finals, social life, sports, etc. The seniors had to keep them up in the air without letting them fall on the ground. When asked afterwards what the purpose of the activity was, they quickly responded that it is difficult to keep juggling all the activities in their lives.
Sister Carol Ann Nawracak [with microphone] and Sister Marietta Andrzejewska [with the balloon group].
From Peace, Justice, and Integrity of Creation – Sister Grace Keane
Migrant Mondays
12/14/2024 - 30 million are already climate refugees
Remember to participate in Advent 2024 with the Laudato Si` Movement.
Advent with Laudato Si` Movement is an invitation to check out the following links
Ecological conversion - Laudato Si' Movement
Sustainability - Laudato Si' Movement
Where is your treasure? - Laudato Si' Movement
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 / or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
17. TUESDAY
“O” Antiphons
From December 17 to 23, the church observes the ancient custom of praying each day one of the seven “O” Antiphons, so called because each one addresses the God who comes in Christ with a different biblical title, beginning with the invocation “O.” In Latin, the first letters of the titles, read in reverse order, form the acrostic “Ero cras” which translates to “I will be with you tomorrow.” These texts trace back to 7th century Europe. Translations of the Antiphons are taken from Living with Christ [hereafter abbreviated LWC] - December 2024. There are several different translations for these antiphons depending upon the source. https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/what-are-the.html
O Sapientia (Wisdom)
“O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge.” (LWC, p.129)
Happy 88th Birthday, Pope Francis! (born December 17, 1936).
Francis, seen at left with his brother Oscar, was born on December 17, 1936.
He was the eldest child of Mario and Regina Bergoglio, Italian immigrants in Argentina. Family Photo
Community Updates (2)
2024 Directory Update
Sister Le Roy Prymak – p. 22 – Sacred Heart Convent New e-mail address: leroyq545@gmail.com (1st letter is a lowercase “L” and “q” is a lowercase “Q”)
Prayers are requested for the following sick and / or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
18. WEDNESDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
O Adonai (Lord)
“O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power.”(LWC, p.134)
Community Update
Visit to a Community in Mozambique
There was a Christmas celebration with cookies and juice. We only had 2 mugs. We prayed the Rosary and talked about the meaning of Christmas. There were 62 children and a coordination team present. That same night, a hurricane blew the roof off the chapel where we were staying, in the Mocorroco region. I invite everyone to pray for the people of Mozambique." - Sister Lenódia Melz
From Community Life
Holiday greetings! Two newsletters have recently been posted to the intranet under Community Life. Creating a Successful Retirement offers suggestions for those who are retired or planning to retire in a few months Coping with Holiday Stress offers some ways to reduce the stress many experience as they prepare to celebrate the coming holidays. Advent blessings and a Merry Christmas to all! – Sister Shaun Patrice Malone
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
Celebrating the Contributions and Opportunities of Migration
International Migrants Day is December 18. This day gives us a special opportunity to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of millions of migrants around the world. It's also a day for us to highlight the increasingly complex environment in which migration occurs. Conflicts, climate-related disasters and economic pressures continue to drive millions of people from their homes in search of safety or simply opportunity. More info is available at https://www.un.org/en/observances/migrants-day
From Justice, Peace, and integrity of Creation – Sister Grace Keane
You may be interested in viewing either of the offerings from Georgetown University at a convenient time or some may like to watch them together in January. Sign Up when you are at the Motherhouse. For more information, contact Sister Grace Keane. 313-415-8554, jpic@bfranciscan.org
What Do We Do Now? Catholic Responsibilities, Opportunities After the Election and Synod
For more on this event, visit: https://bit.ly/3OR6Gzp For more on the Georgetown Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life: https://catholicsocialthought.georgetown.edu For CST's YouTube Playlist: https://bit.ly/3nNil4h X/Twitter: twitter.com/gucstpubliclife Instagram: instagram.com/gucstpubliclife Facebook: facebook.com ...
Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and Latino Priorities: Hearing the Cry of Earth and the Poor
For more on this event, visit: https://bit.ly/LatinoEcoJusticeGU For more on the Georgetown Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life: https://catholicsocialthought.georgetown.edu For CST's YouTube Playlist: https://bit.ly/3nNil4h X/Twitter: twitter.com/gucstpubliclife Instagram: instagram.com/gucstpubliclife Facebook: facebook.com ...
19. THURSDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse)
"O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay.” (LWC, p.137)
Community Update – Death of an MSC Sister in Residence at St. Joseph Villa
Prayers for the repose of the soul of Sister Marie Janesch, MSC who died yesterday evening, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at St. Joseph Villa. Arrangements are pending. Our deepest sympathy to the members of Sister Marie’s Congregation.
Singers from Sacred Heart Parish entertain Sisters at St. Joseph Villa
Tuesday evening, December 17, 2024, a group of singers from Sacred Heart Parish came to entertain the Sisters.
Gabriella and daughter giving Sister Jacinta Respondowska a candy cane
and observed by the Sisters in attendance.
Singers from Sacred Heart Parish entertain the Sisters
On December 18, 2024, Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj spoke to the freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors at Notre Dame High School in Easton, Pennsylvania. She shared her vocation story and encouraged the students to discover and share their gifts and talents whether they choose the single, married, priesthood or religious life. In the afternoon, Sister performed a magic show for all the seniors in the gym. She used her magic frame to materialize the school logo of a Crusader and ended her performance with three boxes of flowers with flashcards reading: "Who will serve? How about you?" Sister received a round of applause and a standing ovation from all the students and faculty.
Response from a Teacher from Notre Dame High School
Thank you so much for coming, Sr. Carol!! What a blessing to have you join us and lead our students closer to Christ through your witness of consecrated life and the joy you bring! Thank you again, and many blessings for a grace-filled Christmas and New Year! Hope to see you back soon. :)
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
20. FRIDAY
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
O Clavis David (Key of David)
"O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness.” (LWC, p.142)
From the Relay – Holiday Schedule
The last regular Relay before Christmas will be posted on Monday morning, December 23, 2024, and will include any messages in queue for December 24th through January 1st. The Relay Office will close at noon. The regular Relay will resume in full on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Note: Emergency Congregation messages only will be posted during this time. BLESSED CHRISTMAS! Joyous New Year! Be well! Be safe. If traveling, safe going and coming. If time allows, check back to see if there are any Congregation Messages.
Prayers are requested for the following sick and / or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, , and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:
21. SATURDAY – St. Peter Canisius
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
O Oriens (Dayspring/Radiant Dawn/Sunrise)
O Sunrise, splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness: come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
Winter begins in the Northern Hemisphere and
Summer begins in the Southern Hemisphere today.
22. SUNDAY - Fourth Sunday of Advent
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
O Rex Gentium (King of the Nations)
O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one: come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay.
Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s)
who celebrate feast days/birthdays today
Sisters Antônia da Silva Pimenta and Rejane Conceição Carvalho
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
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
23. MONDAY – St. John of Kanty
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
O Emmanuel (God-with-us)
"O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their Savior: come and save us, O Lord our God."
Community Updates (2)
2024 Directory Update
From the Relay – Holiday Schedule
This morning’s Relay is the last regular Relay until Thursday, January 2, 2025. However, if you have Internet access during the holidays, please check back to see if there are any emergency community updates.
Jubilee Year 2025
The theme of the 2025 Jubilee is hope, as proclaimed in Pope Francis' Bull of Indiction, “Spes non confundit. Hope does not disappoint”.
The 2025 Jubilee will officially open tomorrow, December 24, 2024 at 7pm, with the rite of Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter by the Holy Father, who will then preside over the celebration of the Night Mass of the Lord's Birth inside the Basilica.
The Jubilee 2025 is a special holy year in Rome and the Vatican City, and across Italy, starting at Christmas 2024 and ending at Epiphany, January 6, 2026. A Jubilee year is a time for celebration and sees millions of pilgrims visiting Rome seeking spiritual renewal and a stronger connection to their faith.Nov 5, 2024
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:
Amy Grant – Emmanuel, God With Us (Lyric Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGbGBVcQdew
24. TUESDAY –Vigil of Christmas / Christmas Eve
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 Helena Marinho de Melo
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
Jubilee Year 2025
The theme of the 2025 Jubilee is hope, as proclaimed in Pope Francis' Bull of Indiction, “Spes non confundit. Hope does not disappoint”.
The 2025 Jubilee officially opens tonight, December 24, 2024 at 7pm, with the rite of Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter by the Holy Father, who will then preside over the celebration of the Night Mass of the Lord's Birth inside the Basilica.
The Jubilee 2025 is a special holy year in Rome and the Vatican City, and across Italy, starting at Christmas 2024 and ending at Epiphany, January 6, 2026. A Jubilee year is a time for celebration and sees millions of pilgrims visiting Rome seeking spiritual renewal and a stronger connection to their faith.Nov 5, 2024
Night of Silence / Silent Night - Gonzaga University Choirs (with Lyrics) (4:31 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcXfM-wc30c
“An Account of a Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore / “’Twas the Night before Christmas” (3:50 minutes) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hilcNtDjr8c
25. WEDNESDAY – The Nativity of the Lord / Christmas Day - the First Day of Christmas – a partridge in a pear tree
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
The Best Christmas Song I've Ever Heard. It Will Give You Chills. - YouTube
Relaxing Christmas Music | 3 Hours | Calm, Relax | Instrumental Music - YouTube
(3 hours)
26. THURSDAY – St. Stephen - the Second Day of Christmas – two turtledoves
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
27. FRIDAY – St. John, Apostle and Evangelist - the Third Day of Christmas – three French hens
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 John Ann Proach and Marie Janeen Obara
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
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
28. SATURDAY – The Holy Innocents - the Fourth Day of Christmas – four calling birds
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 Samanta Karla de Sousa Carneiro
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
29. SUNDAY - The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph - the Fifth Day of Christmas – five golden rings
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 Alacia Catharina Lenhart and David Ann Niski
Mass will be offered for your special intentions.
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
30. MONDAY - the Sixth Day of Christmas – six geese a-laying
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
31. TUESDAY –- St. Sylvester I - the Seventh Day of Christmas – seven swans a-swimming - New Year’s Eve
Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.
Obituaries of Our Sisters from 2013 to 2023
Sisters, if you wish to visit in memory with some of the Sisters who were dear to you but have gone home to God, obituaries of our deceased Sisters [in reverse chronological order from 2023 to 2013] from Sister Charlotte Marie Koterba, age 95, who died on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 to Sister Matilda Gargula, age 102, who died on Monday, July 3, 2013 can be found on the Kopicki-Bradley Funeral Home link that follows.
https://www.legacy.com/funeral-homes/pennsylvania/west-reading/kopicki-bradley-funeral-home/fh-28407 It is truly a walk down Memory Lane.
Prayers in thanksgiving and also for the needs of our congregation.
A Special Thought to Close the Year 2024
Tonight at midnight, we tuck into our memories all of the special moments of 2024 as we welcome in with trust in Divine Providence all the ordinary and extraordinary moments to come in 2025. As members of the Congregation of Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, let us close this year considering the words of Henri Nouwen: “Community is first and foremost a gift of the Holy Spirit, not built upon mutual compatibility, shared affection, or common interests but upon having received the same divine breath, having been given a heart set aflame by the same divine fire, and having been embraced by the same divine love.” May we be a blessing to one another as, recommitting ourselves to Contemplation, Conversion, Hospitality, and Fraternal Living, we journey together each day during 2025 together creating transformation! Happy New Year’s Eve!
Auld Lang Syne - Dougie MacLean version (With Lyrics and English Translation) (5:04)
GOODBYE 2024! WELCOME 2025!
