Relay for September 2024

 2. MONDAY – Labor Day in the U.S.

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

• for safe travel during the Labor Day weekend.

For quotes, see: https://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/dignity-of-work.html

Happy Labor Day!

3. TUESDAY – St. Gregory the Great

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From Sister John Ann Proach, Congregational Minister

• Reminder: Ministry Data 2024-2025 Form and Education Update 2023-2024 Form are both due by Saturday, September 7, 2024, to Sister John Ann Proach, Congregational Minister, 450 Saint Bernardine St, Reading PA 19607-1737. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

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 Maria Tellone. [website]

Prayers for Special Needs of family members, friends, associates, benefactors, and all who ask us to hold their needs in our prayers:

• for Kathleen for successful surgery today and for a speedy, complete recovery.
• for Al Lubinsky for a successful procedure today and for blessings of good health.
• for a safe out of state move for a young man.
• for a safe pregnancy for Elizabeth.
• for Scotty who is seriously ill.
• for Daniel vikash Chandra from Fiji. [website]
• for healing for Joanne. [website]
• for Liz. [website]
• for Felix [website]

4. WEDNESDAY

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 Rose Daniel Colanzi and Verônica Freire Lima

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

 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 Michael Zemacke, 74, Sister Rose Jameson's cousin, who died on August 31, 2024. Arrangements are pending. Funeral is private.

From Community Life

Dear Sisters, endings and beginnings are part of our life and they present new challenges and opportunities. As we come to an end of summer and welcome fall, it seems a good time for some reflection as we move into the changing season. Instead of a newsletter this month, I would encourage you to reflect on the dimensions of wellness, found on the intranet under community life.  Select Wellness Inventory, and you will find the various Dimensions of Wellness. They can also be found in your house copy of Seasons of Faith and Joy. Best wishes for happiness and joy in your new beginnings. - Sister Shaun Patrice Malone

From the Relay

Daily Relay posting times may vary on occasion. Thank you for your patient waiting. Know that we enjoy visiting you every day through technology to give you a peek into the happenings and activities of the Congregation!!

Tuesday, September 4, 2024 – Progress Photos

Newly Roofed Buildings proclaiming: “Don’t we look petty!”

5. THURSDAY - International Day of Charity (UN)

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

September 4, 2024

Front of the Administration Building

6. FRIDAY – First Friday

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update

• Sister Maria Rose Zielinski returned to St. Joseph Villa from Penn State St. Joseph Medical Center late yesterday afternoon, Thursday, September 5, 2024.

News from Saint Joseph Villa

Last week the Villa “went to the Kangaroos”. This week the Villa “went to the dogs”!

On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, we had 8 Therapy Dogs visit the Villa. Three of the dogs were new to us. The owners told a little about their dog and some did tricks for us. The Therapy Dogs will come back in November.

August 6, 2024

Motherhouse facing Lot C (Main Entrance Lot)

Climbing up to the sky to top off the elevator exterior wall.

Photo taken September 6, 2024, at 10:01 a.m.

A fantastic view atop the elevator exterior wall...On a clear day one can see forever!

Photo taken on September 6, 2024, at 10:02 a.m.

Labor Day Picnic at the Motherhouse

Kenny, of Aladdin Food Service, grills the meat outside on the Dining Room Patio of the Motherhouse

Yummy for the tummy!



Prayers for Special Needs of family members, friends, associates, benefactors, and all who ask us to hold their needs in our prayers:

• for Dr. Solomon A. Joseph and family. [website]

7. SATURDAY – First Saturday/Brazil Independence Day/ Dia da Independência

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

The Independence Day of Brazil, Dia da Independência, commonly called Sete de Setembro, (7 September)Dia da Pátria (Day of the Fatherland) is a national holiday observed annually in Brazil. The date celebrates Brazil's Declaration of Independence from the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves on 7 September 1822. Wikipedia

Happy Brazil Independence Day!

8. SUNDAY – Twenty-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 Madonna Marie Harvath and Martires Maria Cavalli

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

BFS Archives

The yearly annals for 2023—2024 are due September 30, 2024. You may mail them by USPS or email to the BFS Archives BFArchives@bfranciscan.org Each local house, including individuals who live alone, should send these annals. It is very important to preserve the history of the life and works of our Sisters. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. - Sister Rose Colette Rowe, Archivist

Prayers for Special Needs of family members, friends, associates, benefactors, and all who ask us to hold their needs in our prayers:

• for health and blessings for Thiago Targino dos Santos. [website]

9. MONDAY - St. Peter Claver

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 healing for Daranee Teapthong on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. [website]
• for healing for Marcia.
• for health and blessings for Betsy Totaro who suffers with multiple health issues.
• for healing for Brian Antonietta Bryson Alfreida. [website] 
• for Mary Lawrence Mirela and Christian who are facing a difficult situation. [website]

10. TUESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.



September 9, 2024

Atop the Attic of the Motherhouse

11. WEDNESDAY

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 Luiza Peliçoli

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Community Updates – Deceased Family Members – US (1)

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 Sandra Kilsby, Sister Rose Jameson's cousin, who died in New York. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be private.

Community Updates – Deceased Family Members – BR (2)

Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters’ Family Members and for the comfort and consolation of our Sisters and their families:

 May the Lord give us peace!

We communicate that the Lord has called to eternal life two mothers who are very dear to their families and to all of us.

1. September 10, 2024 – at 6 pm, the sister-in-law of Sisters Madalena and Francisca Gayeski, Mrs. Ana Marta Koakoski Gayeski, died in Santo Antônio do Palma, RS, at the age of 89.
2. , 2024 – at 5 a.m., the mother of our Sister Severina Slawski, Mrs. Marta Puchalski Slawski, died in Dom Feliciano, RS, at the age of 99.

May our good Lord welcome them into his home and reward them for all that they have accomplished over all these years. Let us pray for them and for their families.

We also ask for strength and a lot of faith for our Sisters: Magdalene, Frances and Severina.

Our embrace of solidarity.  – Sister Acelia Maria Sterz, Provincial Secretary

September 11, 2024

Working atop the Motherhouse Attic

Roofer aboard the crane gets a sky-high lift!

Photo taken at 8:52 a.m.

Crane operator and Crane take a moment to pause between lifts—an Ah-h-h-h moment!

Photo taken at 8:52 a.m.

From Communications/Relay

Reminder: Personal Data 2024-2025 Form and Retreats, Workshops (Spiritual, Professional), Conventions, Seminars, Courses, In-Service Day, etc. 2023-2024 Form are due by Monday, September 30, 2024, 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 and strength for Kathy and Patrick.
• for Sofia and her mom Christina. [website]

 12. THURSDAY - The Most Holy Name of 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

Rosemary Stets, Stella Ann Tumanow and Valderez Maria Silva dos Santos

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

FROM SISTER JOHN ANN PROACH (CONGREGATIONAL MINISTER)

The telephone system in the Motherhouse-Administration Building Complex is in the process of being updated. However, since Friday, September 6, 2024, outside callers using the direct dial phone numbers to contact persons/offices inside the buildings have gone directly to what appears to be voice mail asking the caller to leave a message.

 There is no indication that you have called. There is no message recorded.

PLEASE CALL THE PERSON’S CELL PHONE.

The use of 4-digit calling inside these buildings is not affected.

Community Update – Thank you

A heartfelt thank you to each and every Sister who sent cards, offered prayers and sympathy on the death of my brother Joe Ciucci. He will be missed. The link to his obituary follows. – Sister Josandra Ciucci  

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/joseph-ciucci-obituary?id=56222672

September 11, 2024

Atop the Attic of the Motherhouse

Hopping right along atop the attic roof. Foot looks awfully close to the edge. Oh my goodness!!!!

Photo taken on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 2:25 p.m.

September 11, 2024

Atop the Attic of the Motherhouse

Straddling the ridge of the roof. Essential items more than just the shingles!

 It takes a village of supplies to shingle a roof!

Photo taken on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 9:36 a.m. from Our Lady of the Angels 303

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 survival and healing for Lukas who was born 6 weeks early and weighs 4 lbs. (His twin did not survive) and comfort for his parents
• for courage and support for Ashleigh Gehret.
• for Teri-Lyn Sharpe. [website]

13. FRIDAY – St. John Chrysostom

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update (1) – BFS Family Member

• Prayers for Joseph Krutsick, Sister Dorothy Marie Poremba’s nephew, who is hospitalized.

September 12, 2024

Sights at the end of the day – Motherhouse

Roofer (upper left, bent over atop attic roof of the Motherhouse) is still hard at work.

Photo taken on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 6:19 p.m.

from Lot “B”[Water cooler side of the Motherhouse]

Clean up at the end of a workday – Rear of Parking Lot “B.” St. Francis and the Wolf Statue

 is visible in the left background above the ladder atop the truck. Picture has been lightened.

 Photo taken Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 6:20 p.m.

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 special blessings for Alan.

13. FRIDAY-Afternoon Addition

Community Update - Brazil – Death of BFS’ Family Members

Dear Sisters,

May the Lord bless us and give us peace !

Today we announce two deaths in Ceará, dear people of our Sisters. And we invite you to pray for all your family members, so that they may have comfort and hope in this moment of pain and longing. And we also thank the life that these people had when they were with their families and friends,

1.     September 11, 2024 – Luciana Pereira de Mesquita, sister of Sister Vera Lúcia Pereira de Mesquita, died at the Hospital of Tauá, Ceará.

2.     Day 1 September 2 , 2024 – José Eduardo da Silva, uncle of Sister Antônia da Silva Pimenta, died in the city of Senador Pompeu, Ceará.

May our good Father welcome them into heaven and give them eternal rest and perpetual light. 

Our feelings of solidarity and our fraternal embrace. – Sister Acelia Maria Sterz (Provincial Secretary)

14. SATURDAY – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

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 Paula Marie Nowak

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

15. SUNDAY - Twenty-fourth Sunday in ordinary time/Catechetical Sunday

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 Dolorice Domin and Vera Lucia Pereira de Mesquita

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

16. MONDAY – SS. Cornelius and Cyprian

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

A Moment in Time

Celebrating 130th Anniversary of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

1894 ~ 2024

Bernardine Franciscan Associates

Associates from Reading and Shenandoah gather for the Day of Prayer

in Reading, PA in October 2023

The Associate Movement was one of the fastest growing movements in the North American Roman Catholic Church after the Vatican Council II. The movement is rooted in the spirit of Vatican II and the Church’s evolving understanding of the universal call to holiness and the mission of the laity.

In September of 1987, an Associate Committee was formed with members of the three provinces: Sisters JoAnn Ciampa (Our Lady of the Rosary), Michael Eileen Sninsky (Sacred Heart), Vincent de Paul Malecki (Heart of Mary) with Sister Maria Bartos, General Council Liaison, to continue the research begun by the Vocation Team on the feasibility of beginning an Associate program in our congregation.

The Associate Committee presented their study at the General Chapter in 1988 which was approved with the task of developing the Bernardine Franciscan Associates. In January 1991, Sister Mary Sninsky (Sister Michael Eileen) was named the Director of the Associates of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. The Associate Office was set up in the Campus Ministry section of Bernardine Hall on the Alvernia College Campus.

An Associate Board with a Sister from each of the former provinces with the addition of two Sister members, and a lay woman, was created to facilitate the development of procedures and the process for initiating Associates in Faith and Associates in Prayer. The ongoing development of the program continued with the Board while the Director made visits to each of our local communities to share information on the program and to encourage the Sisters to invite women and men to share in the charism and mission of our Congregation as a Bernardine Franciscan Associate.

The Associate program underwent changes through the years with the replacement of directors of the Associates because of ministry and commitments. Those who served as the director of the Associates during the years included Jennifer Glass, Sister Rosemary Stets, Sister Lynn Rachelle Pascoe, Sister Jean Jacobchik, and Sister Joanne Mary Kotwicki. Since 2019, Sister Mary Sninsky began serving as the Director of the Bernardine Franciscan Associates.

The all-encompassing goals for the Bernardine Franciscan Associates since the program’s confirmation at the General Chapter of 1988 are threefold: the mutuality of relationship of the Sisters and the Associates and the relationship of the Associates with the Sisters; the commitment of the Sisters and the Associates to live the Gospel of St. Francis, St. Clare and Mother Veronica and for the Sisters and Associates to share in living the charism and the mission of the Congregation.

Eight Faith Sharing communities were formed to gather with an Associate companion (leader and co-leader) who facilitates the group in the monthly meetings of prayer, reflection, and fellowship. Seasonal prayers and reflections, Congregational information, Church documents and global concerns provided by the Associate Office on the Bernardine Franciscan Associates’ website to assist Associates in their ongoing spiritual growth personally and communally. The Associate companions come together in a bi-monthly ZOOM meeting facilitated by the Director to share the happenings within their respective Faith groups, to offer new insights and suggestions and to be a support to each other on this faith journey.

There are new members who continue to respond to God’s call to live and share in the charism and mission of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters as an Associate; conversely, there is a significant decline in the number of Associates and faith sharing communities due to age, infirmity, death, relocation, and the closing of some of the local convents where we no longer are visible in the parish communities.

Our God is a God of new beginnings evident in creation, in our bodies, in life with new days, seasons and years. And so it is that we are invited as a Congregation to be open to new possibilities of experiencing God in new ways and new places to make visible the gift of our charism to the Church and to share our mission.

Community Update

• Prayers for healing for Thomas Gudz, Sister Immaculene Gudz’ brother, who is hospitalized.

BFS Formation News – U.S.

Abbey Fest held at the Norbertine’s Daylesford Abbey, Paoli, PA on Sunday, September 14, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. with various speakers, Congregational Vocation Displays, Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Philadelphia (PA) at 4:30 p.m. and the closing of the day with Adoration at 9:15 p.m.

Enlargement of the BFS Congregation Display at Abbey Fest

Concert at St. Joseph Villa

Bernardine Sisters and Concert Guests were treated to a bit of Heaven during the Vocal-Piano-accompanied Concert at St. Joseph Villa on Sunday afternoon, September 15, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. that merited superlative reviews by the attendees.

Vocalist, Abigail Zuckert, did our Villa Maria School (Stamford, Connecticut) proud. A student for grades 5 through 8, she moved on to attend Wooster and Cheshire Academy for high school and then to graduate Muhlenberg College earning a degree in music. Currently she is a music teacher at Community Music School for voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele. Her vocal performance, that included excerpts from Italian and German opera and Broadway theater music, transformed the Library of the Villa into a theater reminiscent of the beautiful sounds of heaven.

Piano Accompanist, Vincent Trovata, Staff Accompanist for the Muhlenberg College Music Department and teacher of piano studied piano with Anthony di Bonaventura at Boston University and holds a degree in Composition. His outstanding resume include extensive theatrical experience—a European tour of My Fair Lady with Richard Chamberlain, arranging and accompanying Free Fall, a one-woman show starring Sandy Duncan, and contributing arrangements and accompaniment for the Noel Coward birthday celebration at Carnegie Hall.

Seated: Sister Phyllis Marie Soja (former Receptionist at Villa Maria School)

Standing: Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj (former Principal/Executive Director /Director of Mission Advancement & Alumni Relations at VMS) and Abigail Zuckert (former student at VMS and featured Vocalist at Concert) 



Left to right: Sister Joanne Mary Kotwicki (our BFS Liturgist, Organist, and Choral Director),Vincent Trovato (Concert Accompanist),  Sister Madonna Marie Harvath (Assistant Local Minister at SJV)

Sister Joanne Mary Kotwicki and Abigail Zuckert

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 approval for help for Alan G. who is disabled. [website]
• for Penny R. for peace and comfort. [website]
• for Eva for protection against bullying in the workplace. [website]

17. TUESDAY - The Stigmata of St. Francis

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 La Verne Grippe and Roberta Ann Leskey

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Community Update

• Prayers for Sister Ann Marie Coll for successful surgery tomorrow, Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Penn State St. Joseph Medical Center (St. Joseph Hospital).

From the Relay

The Motherhouse Complex landline phone system is in the process of transitioning to a digital, Internet-based system as landline phones will no longer be supported. Meanwhile, since Friday, September 6, 2024, there have been issues with the Internet going down causing no phones, no Internet, no e-mail. Yesterday’s transmission of Constant Contact and the website was blocked for some time because of the Internet going down; thus, the Relay and web site were posted later than usual. In these current times, until further notice, if you have a really, really important message for posting, please try to e-mail. If the Internet is up, it may possibly arrive, but if the Internet is down, it will not be delivered to the Relay until the Internet goes back up. If you want prayers for surgeries, procedures, serious issues during this time, try to e-mail days ahead and give the date [month and day] for the event.  Posting will be done as able. There are no guarantees of meeting a day after reception timeline [If you e-mail today, the Internet might be down tomorrow and your message will not be able to be read or posted]. Thank you for your understanding and consideration. Remember that in the beginning of the month we promise to hold in prayer our own and all the intentions of those requesting our prayers. Prayers have no timeline. They are an eternal “present.” Be assured your intention is being held in prayer because each BFS has promised to do so without even having to know the intention.

Secondly, if you dial the landline phone number for any Sister’s office [including the Relay, Leadership, or a Sister’s room, you will get a woman’s voice saying, [Sister “so and so”] is unavailable. Please leave a message.” Don’t bother to leave a message as it will not be recorded by the current phone system and there will be no indication that you called! If it is essential to communicate a Congregational or a family emergency with leadership or with a Sister, please call that Sister’s cell phone [2024 Directory]. If a Sister does not currently have a cell phone, call the cell phone number of a Sister who does have a cell phone and ask her to either deliver the message or allow the Sister being called to use your cell phone to return the call. The main desk is experiencing the same problem. Do not call from outside the building using the direct dial number. By the way, sometimes even cell phones don’t work. Isn’t technology grand! Savor the silence! In our world, it is truly at a premium.

All offices, rooms, and the main desk are accessible inside the Motherhouse and Administration Building using the 4-digit numbers.

From September 17 through September 29, portions of the LCWR RTA Resolution to Action will be posted. Watch for the “To Hope and Act with Creation” Logo and Heading.

Tuesday 9/17 - We join with our worldwide ecumenical family in prayer and action to protect our common home during the annual Season of Creation, September 1–October 4. FFNPT stands for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The Laudato Si` Movement based in Rome strongly encourages North Americans to take action during the Season of Creation. Learn more about the FFNPT at https://fossilfueltreaty.org/ 

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Roof area above attic dormer window at the front of the Motherhouse

Photo taken at 9:42 a.m. this morning

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 Pat Haran, Patricia Fessler’s mother, who died on Thursday, September 12, 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:

• for Don Johnson (a friend of Sister Maria Paul Bartos’ brother, John Bartos) so that Don’s spirits will be uplifted as he is dealing with a very serious illness. 

18. WEDNESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update – Death of a BFS’ 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 Steve Rall, 81, Sister Gemma Legel's brother-in-law, who died Wednesday morning, September 17, 2024, at 3:00 a.m. surrounded by his loving wife, Carol, and their three adult children, Christopher, Jeremy, and Katy.

Community Updates (2)

Monday, September 30, 2024,is a very busy day for the return of many different forms. Please review the Reminders below and return all forms to their designated person by Monday, September 30, 2024.

From Communications/Relay

Reminder: Form E: Personal Data 2024-2025 and Form C: Retreats, Workshops (Spiritual, Professional), Conventions, Seminars, Courses, In-Service Day, etc. 2023-2024 are due by Monday, September 30, 2024, to Sister Ellen Lipsett, OSF - 450 Saint Bernardine St, Reading PA 19607-1737.

BFS Archives

The yearly annals for 2023—2024 are due by Monday, September 30, 2024 to Sister Rose Colette Rowe (Archivist) either by USPS or email to BFArchives@bfranciscan.org Each local house, including individuals who live alone, should send these annals. It is very important to preserve the history of the life and works of our Sisters. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

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 Julie who is having major surgery today.
• for Sister Margaret Carney, a former University Board Member and dear friend of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, who will have laparoscopic surgery tomorrow, September 19, 2024.
• for recovery from multiple health issues for Karen and for successful surgery for her husband, John.
• Jihan L. [website]
• for Gariss and Family. [website]

19. THURSDAY - St. Januaria 

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Request from the Chapter Implementation Committee

Please bring your journal to the assembly meeting on Saturday, September 21, 2025. The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM. Thank you! - Co-Chairs: Sisters Carol Ann Nawracaj and Cecilia Bondy

Community Update – BFS Family Member

• for healing for David Okoniewski, nephew of Sister de Lourdes Okoniewski.

20. FRIDAY - SS. Andrew Kim Tae-Gon and Paul Chong Ha-Sang and Companions

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

• for safe travel to the Saturday, September 21, 2024 Chapter Implementation Assembly that begins at 9:30 a.m. (ET) in Reading, PA and for blessings upon those assembled live or participating via zoom.

Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s)

who celebrate feast days/birthdays today

Sister Jenniffer Acosta Rosario

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Community Update – BFS Family Member - Brazil

Peace and Good!

We invite all the Sisters to pray for Felipe, Sister Jacinta Maria Brill’s nephew, who suffered an accident and is very ill in the ICU, at the Nossa Senhora das Graças Hospital, in Canoas. We hope that God will help him and that the Lord's will be done. The whole family is suffering very much from this whole situation. They need strength, faith and a much hope.We believe in the power of prayer. With the blessings of our good God and our embrace. – Sister Acelia Maria Sterz (Provincial Secretary)

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 Glowacki.

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 continued prayers for Bill who is undergoing treatment and for his caregiver Annette.

21. SATURDAY - St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

 “Solidarity requires that in our prayer and in our political engagement, those who are weak vulnerable, and most in need receive preferential concern.” Faithful Citizenship

23. MONDAY - St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Chapter Implementation Committee Assembly

Saturday, September 21, 2024

McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center, Reading, PA

3-D Display of our Chapter Logo

Dr. Elizabeth Revell (Makaya’s mother),

and presenters Makaya Revell, Adriana Zambrano (Programs Coordinator at Aldea),

Bridget Cambria (Co-Founder and Executive Director of Aldea)

with Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj (Co-Chair of the BFS Chapter Implementation Committee).

The concept of Aldea (“Village”) is a community living together and caring for each other’s needs. In that spirit, the mission of Aldea is to provide a holistic approach to meeting the multi-faceted needs of our immigrant community members, including through legal services and access to social, educational and health-related services.

Franciscan Justice Circle-Invitation

Sisters Grace Keane, Gemma Legel, Carol Ann Nawracaj, Maria James Riedel, and I plus Nora Pfeiffer of the Franciscan Action Network invite you to consider joining us in setting up a Reading Franciscan Justice Circle. It is a way to get better educated about social and ecological justice issues we're addressing with our participation in Chapter Implementation gatherings and learn ways and choose a cause or causes to advocate, as Franciscans, either as a group or individual. Others in the Reading area may join the group. We hope to meet again soon in the McGlinn Conference Center. Once a date is agreed upon, I will post the invitation to the meeting. Thank you, Sister Cara Lucille Garofalo

Updates From St. Joseph Villa

• Sister Rosalita Roberts, DHM (Daughters of the Heart of Mary), moved to St. Joseph Villa, Bernardine Hall room 264. on Friday, September 13, 2024.
• Sister Sheila Tague, MSC relocated from Bernardine Hall 264 to St. Elizabeth Hall room 258.

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 Brenda Lee Roman for successful surgery tomorrow, Tuesday, September 24, 2024, and for complete recovery. 
• for good health and blessings for Martin, Kathleen, Maddie, Michael, Beth, Sammy, Lorrie, Mark and Chris.
• for Chuck H. [website]
• for Kurt and Carol. [website]
• for Jamie McKeogh.

24. TUESDAY

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 de Marie Sawicki

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Pray for the needs of:

• Kelley W. [website]

25. WEDNESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From Communications/Relay

Reminder: Form E: Personal Data 2024-2025 and Form C: Retreats, Workshops (Spiritual, Professional), Conventions, Seminars, Courses, In-Service Day, etc. 2023-2024 are due by Monday, September 30, 2024 to Sister Ellen Lipsett, OSF - 450 Saint Bernardine St, Reading PA 19607-1737.

From Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)

The Leadership Team has endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Learn more about it at The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative at fossilfueltreaty.org The Leadership Conference of Women Religious ( LCWR) and many congregations have signed on. Brazil and the Dominican Republic have endorsed the Treaty. 

“In imitation of the Good Samaritan, we seek to be neighbor to all.” - Faithful Citizenship

From Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation

Sunday, September 29, 2024, is the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. This year’s theme is "God Walks with His people.“ God not only walks with His People but also within them, in the sense that he identifies himself with men and women on their journey through history, particularly with the least, the poor and the marginalized.”

Click Here for Pope Francis' Message

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 King who is critically ill.
• for Anne Cichon as she begins to deal with her very recent diagnosis. 
• for good health for Jonathan’s dad Joseph and healing for Jonathan’s mother Bernadette. [website]

26. THURSDAY - SS. Cosmas and Damian

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update – Thank you

"Thank you for the comforting expressions of sympathy at the loss of my dear brother-in-law, Steve Rall. Please continue to keep in prayer his widow, my sister Carol, as she deals with the aftermath alone." Sister Gemma Legel

Reading Franciscan Justice Circle-Announcement and Invitation

Dear Sisters, We are holding our second Reading Franciscan Justice Circle meeting Sunday afternoon, September 29, 2024, in the McGlinn Conference Center from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. All are welcome to come learn about Franciscan Justice Circles and what they are and do. Some people will be joining us via Zoom. Thank you, Sister Cara Lucille Garofalo

From Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)

Local News from US Representative Chrissy Houlahan

“Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! (Sept. 15-Oct. 13) I(Chrissy) am proud to celebrate our vibrant Hispanic community in Berks and Chester Counties. On Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting Reading-based author Lizette Epps and congratulating her on her new book, Our Voices: Little Stories Through a Latina Lens. Epps shares diverse stories about Latina and Hispanic individuals across the United States in the book, and it has received multiple awards, including Best Young Adult Nonfiction at the 2024 International Latino Book Awards”!

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 Martin for testing today to produce a correct diagnosis, for appropriate and successful treatment, and for courage for his wife to deal with her husband’s illness.
• for Brenda Lee Roman who is not doing well after the surgery she had on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
• In thanksgiving for Bill's good news about a possible new treatment as he continues with his present treatments.

27. FRIDAY – St. Vincent de Paul

 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 Valdair Unices Morelli and Vincent de Paul Malecki

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

VOTING LOCATION UPDATE for Reading’s 18th WARD, 3rd PRECINCT –

PERMANENT LOCATION CHANGE TO CALVARY COMMUNITY CENTER at 201 NOBLE STREET [3-5 minutes from our Motherhouse campus by car] -Reading Eagle-published Thursday, September 26, 204 at 12:15 p.m. Directions posted throughout the Motherhouse.

From Justic, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)

Quote to Ponder for the Weekend

“The real contemplative takes the whole world in and shelters it, reveres it, and protects it with a body made of the steely substance of a justice that springs from love.”

 —Joan Chittister, Illuminated Life: Monastic Wisdom for Seekers of Light. Orbis Books.

From the Relay – Relay Etiquette Requests

When e-mailing messages, please:

• Do not use fancy type fonts. If possible, use Times New Roman 12.
• Do not bold or italicize. Relay will do formatting compatible with CC and website
• Do not underline anything. Underlining is used only for Internet links in both Constant Contact and the Members only area of our website. 
• Do not use paragraph justification. Use left side only. Using justification produces a broken presentation on Constant Contact.
• Remember to give the date for medical/surgical procedures or event as month, day, year, not yesterday, today, or tomorrow.
• When sending pictures, you select and e-mail as attachments, no more than the best 4 from the many you may have taken and provide identification for each. Put a name to the visible faces, please. Give the name of the event, date, place, and a short description of the event. Relay will make final selection. Avoid pictures showing the backs of the attendees at a presentation or meeting. Focus on Bernardine Sisters and presenters.
• Do not send long messages, please shorten before sending. Major points only, please. If you are trying to call attention to something that you found on the Internet, send the link and let it do the talking. Again, posting is at the discretion of the Relay. Copyrighted articles may not always grant reproduction rights.

Please keep in mind that the Members Only area of the website is just that—for Members Only. Please do not “save” the password if you are visiting family or friends and hopping on to their computer and are not using a non-BFS computer because you are then granting access to the Members Only area to non-members. Members Only means just that Members Only. People requesting our prayers are asking us, not others. They may not wish their name or prayer request made public outside our Congregation. Please do not forward our CC or website items to non-BFS. Please honor their trust in us. Their employment could be compromised.

If using the computers in our Library, please do not save the password to the Members Only Area of that computer as non-BFS have access to its use. The PW is not hard to remember. Commit it to memory! Enter it every time you access the Members Only area.



Lastly, a reminder. A message you wish to be posted today must be received at relay@bfranciscan.org before or by 9:00 a.m. so that the Master Document can be created. Once the Relay is being transferred to CC or the website, addition will not be made. The message will be posted on the next regular Relay [critical or dying/deceased Sister, an exception].

28. SATURDAY – St. Wenceslaus/St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Franciscan Action Network

Guided Rosary on Caring for Creation (franciscanaction.org)

29. SUNDAY – Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time/World Day of Migrants and Refugees

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 Lynn Michele Hartigan, Michael Ann Rugalla and Michele Grodzinski

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

 “Refugees and immigrants who are coming to the United States are like our ancestors who came to achieve the American dream and find a better life. The American dream is what drives people from across the world to come to this land, a land of opportunity. This dream is what our nation was founded on, and it’s this dream that immigrants and refugees want to be a part of, just like our grandparents and great-grandparents.” Network

What are the Nine Choirs of Angels?

https://catholicexchange.com/what-are-the-nine-choirs-of-angels

29. SUNDAY – Addition – Death of BFS

Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sister and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:

• for our dear Sister Ann Marie Coll who entered eternal life yesterday evening, Saturday, September 28, 2024, in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 80 and in the 62nd year of her religious life. Arrangements are pending.

30. MONDAY - St. Jerome

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update – Death of BFS

Prayers are requested for the departed soul of our dear Sister and for the comfort and consolation of her family and friends:



• for our dear Sister Ann Marie Coll who entered eternal life Saturday evening, September 28, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 80 and in the 62nd year of her religious life. Viewing: Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa. Mass: Monday, October 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Reading, PA. Burial: Bernardine Franciscan Sisters’ Cemetery, Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA.

“Theological and philosophical reflections on the situation of humanity and the world can sound tiresome and abstract, unless they are grounded in a fresh analysis of our present situation, which is in many ways unprecedented in the history of humanity.” Laudato Si’, 17

 
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 Judge Linda K.M. Ludgate, 82, a graduate of Alvernia University and a strong supporter of the Bernardine Sisters, who died on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Visitation tomorrow, Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 237 Franklin St., Reading, PA followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment in the Chapel of St. George at Gethsemane Cemetery. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/judge-k-m-ludgate-obituary?id=56412089
•  for Gloria S., sister of Theodore Robinson (Theodore was a student in first class taught by Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt).

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 22-year-old Alex J., who was recently diagnosed with a possible terminal illness.
• for 9-year-old Nicholas who received a diagnosis of a terminal illness and for strength for him and his family.
• for all our special intentions and for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers.

VOTING LOCATION UPDATE for Reading’s 18th WARD, 3rd PRECINCT –

PERMANENT LOCATION CHANGE TO CALVARY COMMUNITY CENTER at 201 NOBLE STREET [3-5 minutes from our Motherhouse campus by car] -Reading Eagle-published Thursday, September 26, 204 at 12:15 p.m. Directions posted throughout the Motherhouse.

Calvary Community Center [front view]

FAREWELL, SEPTEMBER!

WELCOME, OCTOBER!