Relay for November 2023

1. WEDNESDAY – All Saints’ Day

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

• for our Sisters who will celebrate a birthday or feast day during the month of November. Many graces and blessings for you are precious to God and to us, your Sisters!
• for all our special intentions and for those who ask us to remember them and their special intentions in our prayers.

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.

Community Updates (2)

• Sister Josita Karnish returned to St. Joseph Villa on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Thank you to everyone for your prayers.
• Sister Anna Mae Milus was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Please keep her in your prayers.

Celebration of Halloween on October 31, 2023

at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA

Celebration of October Birthdays on October 31, 2023

at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA

Happy Birthday to two Sisters who celebrated birthdays in October. Front: Sister Christelle Czernek (age 104).

Back, left: Sister Francis Christine Zackowski.

Pictured on far right is Sister Josandra Ciucci (Local Minister).

From Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj, Vocation/Aspirant Director

National Vocation Awareness Week 2023

National Vocation Awareness Week will be November 5-11, 2023. Take advantage of this week to celebrate and promote religious life and the calling to discipleship. It is an annual week-long celebration dedicated to promoting vocations to religious life through prayer, invitation, and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are discerning.

On Saturday, November 4, 2023, Sister Paula Marie Nowak and I are participating in a day of reflection and retreat at the Redeemer Valley Farm and Transformation Center in Huntingdon Valley, PA. The event is open to a college and post-college students and will include presentations, reflection time, Eucharistic Adoration, and a vigil Mass.

November 9-12, 2023, Sisters Paula Marie Nowak, Sandra Lyons, Tereza das Dôres Lima and I will be in Chicago for the Religious Formation Conference. The theme, Thrive, will focus on approaches, best practices and resources that empower women and men religious and those who serve them in formation.

Last summer, I attended the Fiat Days at Lehigh University. 27 young women interested in religious life participated in the event, July 16-20, 2023. On Saturday, November 18, 2023, we are hosting a reunion for these high school girls at the McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center. Because of the National Eucharistic Renewal, we are focusing on the Holy Eucharist and there will be an opportunity for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Please pray for these events and the young women discerning a religious vocation. 

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 Magda, David, and their children.
• for all persons who are undergoing diagnostic medical or surgical procedures during the month of November and for appropriate and successful treatment.
• for Julie McCandless who is seriously ill.

Happy All Saints’ Day!

All Souls' indulgence

According to the Enchiridion of Indulgences, an indulgence applicable only to the souls in purgatory (commonly called the poor souls) is granted to the faithful who devoutly visit on All souls Day a church or chapel and pray the Our Father and the Credo or the Lauds or Vespers of the Office of the Dead and the eternal rest prayer for the dead.

 The indulgence can be gained from noon of All Saints' Day on as well as a plenary indulgence is each day from the first to the eighth of November; a partial indulgence is granted on other days of the year.

2. THURSDAY – All Souls’ Day

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From the Relay

2024 Directories for Michigan and Allentown were mailed on Monday, October 30, 2023. Please e-mail Sister Ellen at relay@bfranciscan.org when they arrive.

2024 Directory Updates

• Sister Mary Joseph Tirpak – p. 23 – Delete Clare 1209. Replace with OL of Mt Carmel 2224. Delete 484.509.4058. Replace with 484.509.4033. Effective November 1, 2023.
• Sister Clare Chabot – p. 26. Delete cell phone. No replacement. Add 484.705.4934 (room phone).

All Souls' indulgence

According to the Enchiridion of Indulgences, an indulgence applicable only to the souls in purgatory (commonly called the poor souls) is granted to the faithful who devoutly visit on All souls Day a church or chapel and pray the Our Father and the Credo or the Lauds or Vespers of the Office of the Dead and the eternal rest prayer for the dead.

The indulgence can be gained from noon of All Saints' Day on as well as a plenary indulgence is each day from the first to the eighth of November; a partial indulgence is granted on other days of the year. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Souls%27_Day

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 finances to save houses for Bruce K. and Sandra P.

3. FRIDAY – St. Martin de Porres

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:

• for a healthy and safe delivery for Baby Grimm.
• for the health of Jerry Holleran. 

From the Relay

When trying to contact the Relay to include a message, please e-mail your message to relay@bfranciscan.org [See bottom of p. 2 of the 2024 Residence Directory for additional information]. Messages received through any other online portal will not be considered as authentic and will not be posted.

3. FRIDAY – Afternoon additions

Community updates (2)

Pray for:

• Sister Deborah Ann Surgot who is hospitalized in Reading Hospital Tower Health undergoing testing and observation.
• a speedy and complete recovery for Lee Ainsley, Sister Maria James Riedel’s niece, who had surgery this morning.

2024 Directory Update (1)

• Sister Maria James Riedel-p.27. Delete published e-mail address. Change to maria6547riedel@gmail.com [Notice the period between the 6547 and riedel is being deleted].

4. SATURDAY – St. Charles Borromeo/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

Sisters Carol Ann Nawracaj, Carol Anne Heitgen, and Charlene Dalrymple

Mass will be offered for your special intentions. 

5. SUNDAY – Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time/National Vocation Awareness Week

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

A Mother Veronica Moment

Emily Eleanor Grzedowska, our Mother Veronica, was born on November 5, 1843 at 2468 New Linden Street in Warsaw, Poland to 32-year-old Matthew and 42-year-old Apollonia (Chodakowska) Grzedowska. Today is the 180th Anniversary of her birth.

We are as of 2:00 a.m. this morning on Standard Time

A thought for the day. If Standard Time, which we have now entered today, is not your thing, even though you gained 1 extra hour of sleep by turning your clocks back 1 hour last night before retiring, console yourself with the knowledge that Daylight Saving Time is scheduled to return on March 10, 2024. Until then, hibernate a bit, recoup your energy so that you can return refreshed, bright-eyed-and bushy-tailed, ready for all the Spring and Summer activities next March….A little forward looking: Ash Wednesday is on February 14, 2024—Valentine’s Day—easy to remember—and Easter is Sunday, March 31, 2024!  

6. MONDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Updates

• Please pray for Sister Anna Mae Milus who is critically ill.
• Sister La Verne Grippe returned to St. Joseph Villa on Saturday, November 4, 2023. She thanks everyone for their prayers.
• Sister Deborah Ann Surgot returned to the Motherhouse late afternoon on Friday, November 3, 2023 and thanks all for their prayers.

Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today

Sisters Maria da Costa Kuisner and Martha Montero

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

National Vocation Awareness Week

Lots of exciting projects happening at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs (Sister Francesca Thérèse Bozzo’s ministry) for National Vocations Awareness Week:

• Sunday, November 5th, we began the Traveling Chalice at the parish. A different family every week will take the chalice home and pray for vocations daily. They will return it the following week and hand it off to another family.

• Monday, November 6th, we are beginning the Traveling Crucifix at our school and faith formation. It will travel from classroom to classroom and the students will pray for vocations. I will be going around to the classrooms presenting the crucifix and the vocation prayers

• Tuesday, November 7th, a newly ordained Jesuit and graduate of our school will celebrate the All School Mass and speak with the students afterwards about vocations and share his story.

• Tuesday, November 14th, a temporary professed Franciscan Sister of the Renewal and a graduate from our school will join us for the All School Mass and then spend the entire day at the school sharing her story and talking about vocations with our students. She will visit the faith formation students Monday evening.

From Formation-Vocations/Aspirants/ and Postulants

On November 4, 2023, Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj and Sister Paula Marie Nowak participated in the Young Adult Retreat at the Redeemer Valley Farm and Transformation Center in Huntingdon Valley, PA. Sister Carol Ann gave a presentation entitled "Holding Things in Balance."

National Religious Vocation Conference

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 Maryann Dubell Russo.

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.
• for Dave B.
• for Wayne who is seriously ill.
• for Humanity and Peace in all war-torn countries.

7. TUESDAY/Election Day in the U.S.

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update

• My niece, Lee, had surgery on Friday. She returned home on Saturday evening and is recovering slowly. I know she would be happy if the Sisters would remember her in their prayers. – Sister Maria James Riedel

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 Evan Young a young husband and father who is in critical condition.
• for a family in crisis and in need of prayer - Anthony, Erika, and Angelina.
• for Kimberly Stacknick.

8. WEDNESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:

• for Harry Wilcox who is on hospice.
  

9. THURSDAY – The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Climate Change Panel

On November 7, 2023, at the Alvernia University PLEX, Sisters Rosemary Stets, Carol Ann Nawracaj and Paula Marie Nowak joined Nicholas Nicoletti (Associate Professor) and a panel of Alvernia University students who further discussed and shared their ideas as possible courses of action to Devi Lockwood’s “1,001 Voices on Climate Change.” 

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 safe delivery tomorrow morning, Friday, November 10, 2023, for Alli Blair Snyder and her daughter. Alli is an employee at Alvernia University and is the daughter of Sharon Blair.
• for Jim Starbuck for a successful surgery on Monday, November 13, 2023, and for complete recovery.
• for healing for Jonathan’s dad Joseph.
• for a gentleman being treated for a serious illness.
• for healing for Joan Douglas and Edna M.
• for Jim Stacknick.
• for Ashley. 

10. FRIDAY – St. Leo the Great

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 Richard Gooderham for successful treatment of a recurring condition.

11. SATURDAY – St. Martin of Tours/Veterans Day in the U.S./Armistice Day WWI

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 Maria de Nazarét Fortuna (Estela)

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

12. SUNDAY – Thirty-second 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

Sister Maria Erocy Fadini da Silva (Giovanna)

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

13. MONDAY – St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update – Death of a Sister

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

• Our dear Sister Anna Mae Milus entered eternal life yesterday Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 5:55 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 78 and in the 61^st year of her religious life. Viewing tomorrow, Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Villa. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Villa Chapel followed by burial in the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters’ Cemetery, Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA.
  

14. TUESDAY

Today we offer our prayers and good works for our dear Sister(s) who celebrate feast days/birthdays today

Sister Maria Helena Santana

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

From Sister John Ann Proach, Congregational Minister

Reminder to each Sister: If you have already returned your (5) page Level of Care Assessment, thank you! If you have not yet completed and returned the Assessment Forms, please submit them to reach my desk by Friday, November 17, 2023. Consult my November 6, 2023 letter.

Community Update – Death of an immediate 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:

• Waldemar Respondowski, 94, Sister Jacinta Respondowska’s brother, died Sunday, November 12, 2023, in Marianna, Florida. https://www.mariannachapelfh.com/obituary/Waldmar-Respondowski

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 Antonio Vicente’s grandmother Mariana Teresa.

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:

• for Sue Mumley for successful surgery and healing.
• for John , Grażyna, and Jane.

15. WEDNESDAY – St. Albert the Great

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 Dorothy Sepkowski

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

From the McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center

Upcoming Retreat Event

Bringing Forth Christ: Five Feasts of the Child Jesus - an Advent Afternoon Retreat

Sunday, December 3, 2023 – 1-4 pm

Explore the Five Feasts of the Child Jesus by Saint Bonaventure and the associated grace. Recognize your call as a Christian to bring forth Christ into our hurting world. Do something special for yourself this Advent on December 3^rd!

• Place:  McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center
• 460 St. Bernardine St., Reading, PA 19607 (adjacent to Alvernia University)
• Cost: $30/person – light refreshments included
• Presenter:  Sister Patrice Marie Klausing, OSF
• Contact: Sister Shaun Kathleen Wilson, OSF at: 484-334-6807 or mcglinncc@bfranciscan.org

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 Deanna Gasper, the mother of Denise Gasper, a former teacher at St. Casimir’s in Shenandoah and a longstanding benefactor. Deanna’s funeral is Friday, November 17 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick Church in Pottsville.
• for Adam Charneski who had a tragic death.
• for Ron Shury, Saginaw (Michigan), who died unexpectedly last Sunday.

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 Debbie for a good outcome for her procedure today.
• for healing for Joan Douglas who is in serious condition.
• for continued healing for Layla and for Tana.
• for strength and courage for Mona and Sam.
• for healing for Linda.
• for healing and strength for Andrea.

16. THURSDAY – St. Margaret of Scotland/St. Gertrude

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update

• Sister Vincent de Paul Malecki returned to St. Joseph Villa on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. She wishes to thank everyone for all their prayers.

A MOMENT IN TIME

Celebrating 130^th Anniversary of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

1894 ~ 2024

Radiating the Mystery of God’s Love

There are moments in time in the history of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters where we recognize God’s love and goodness in people and in events unfolding and pause to give thanks to the Giver of all gifts. It is with humble hearts that we celebrate in gratitude the awesome gifting from our God. We pray that we may radiate with joy, the unfolding of the mystery of God’s love in our daily lives.

God’s goodness was so evident in the early life of the congregation with the generosity of people who gave their services to the sisters. A great friend and benefactor was Very Reverend George Bornemann, pastor of St. Paul’s in Reading, a man of great vision, keen social interests. His great apostolic soul discerned the future possibilities for the spread of God’s kingdom through the community.

Monsignor Bornemann was Mother Veronica’s chief advisor and fatherly protector during all those years. In August 24, 1905, he gifted the sisters with a ten-acre parcel of land. On the first of September of the same year, Mother Veronica bought five adjoining acres from the owners, Monsignor Bornemann and Mr. Owen, paying the purchase value of $1500.00 in cash. It was on this plot that Mother Veronica had Sacred Heart Convent built. The convent was planned according to the suggestions of Mother Veronica and Mother Frances, but the supervision of the building was carried out by Monsignor Bornemann. Mother Veronica placed her complete trust in his fatherly protection and Monsignor Bornemann served her faithfully. The dedication ceremony of the convent was carried out on the feast of Saint Clare on August 12, 1907 by Monsignor Bornemann to whom the community owed so much.

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:

• for a successful procedure for Charlotte, granddaughter of Donna Trombley, former teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas in Saginaw, Michigan.

17. FRIDAY – St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update (1)

 Three new MSC Sisters moved into St. Joseph Villa on Thursday, November 9, 2023:

• Sister Theresa Molchanow, MSC
• Sister Lorraine Molchanow, MSC
• Sister Barbara Daniels, MSC

We welcome these Sisters to their new home and wish them health, happiness, and every grace and blessing.

From the Chapter Implementation Co-Chairs, Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj and Sister Cecilia Bondy



Results of Action Plans

Thank you to all Sisters who responded to the survey with the September Assembly Action Plans. The results were collated and are included here. Our next step will be to put Sisters who have similar interests in contact with each other.

 Collation of Data

Assembly Action Plans from September 16, 2023

 Congregational:

 Please check one or both. As members of the Franciscan Family, we:

•  50    Encourage all actions that support care of the earth and its people.
•  38    Partner with Franciscan Action Network.

Local:

Please check what you will do to carry out our commitment to nurture life – care of the earth and care of the poor:

•  19    Plant trees/gardens.
•  40    Eliminate use of products that are harmful to our environment.
•  65    Recycle, reuse, reduce.
•  12    Partner with groups working to minimize environmental challenges.
•  18    Partner with groups working to mitigate social injustices.
•  16    Partner with groups working to promote life.
•  22    Offer programs that support care for the earth and its peoples.
•  60    Read/Reread the encyclical, Laudato Si', and its sequel which will be published October 4.

October/November TAUs

The evaluations from your October/November TAUs are due to Sister Jean Jacobchik, 460 Saint Bernardine Street, Reading, PA 19607 by November 22, 2023.

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 Douglas who died yesterday, Thursday, November 16, 2023.

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:

• for successful surgery on Monday, November 20, 2023, and for complete recovery for Debbie, Sister Marie Cacciatore’ sister.
• for Steve for good results in his test.
• for Hector Mata who suffered the effects of a nearby explosion and can’t breathe.
• for Yolanda Liz Vazquez, a student in Sister Joelle Mrozoski’s English Class at the Mother Veronica Center, who is dealing with a serious health issue.
• for healing for Terry Tingson. 
• for healing for Harvey Fox.

18. SATURDAY – The Dedication of the Basilicas of SS. Peter and Paul/St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

19. SUNDAY – Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

A sad note from Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj

I ask your prayers for the repose of the soul of Sister Augustine Marie Molnar who was a Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and never made it to the Fiat reunion. Sister was killed Saturday morning in a head-on motor vehicle accident enroute to the Reunion. Sister had been looking forward to this reunion for months and planned to present her vocation story.

21. TUESDAY – The Presentation 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 Charlotte Marie Koterba and Jane Therezinha Boeira de Almeida

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

From the Relay

Tomorrow, Wednesday, November 22, 2023, will be the last regular Relay before the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend. No Relay Thursday, November, 23 through Sunday, November 26, 2023. The regular Relay will resume on Monday, November 27, 2023. If able, check back during this time in the event of a Congregational update.

Community Updates (2)

• Thank you - Debbie Bruno, Sister Marie Caacciatore’s sister, thanks each of the Sisters for their prayerful support of her successful surgery and requests prayer for continued healing.
• for Dale Lipsett, Sister Ellen Lipsett’s 83-year-old brother, who is hospitalized in Texas.

From Sister Mary Sninsky

Mark Your Calendars

Sisters are invited to share in our Congregational Anniversary Celebration of 130 years on the Feast of Mother Veronica, Saturday, January 13, 2024. Mass at 4:00 p.m. Dinner and program follow. Please respond to Sister Patricia Farrell at 267.939.9095 or pfarrell3@comcast.net by January 2, 2024. Thank you!

Prayers are requested for the following sick and needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends, and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:

• Dr. Duane Cespedes will undergo surgery tomorrow, Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

22. WEDNESDAY – St. Cecilia

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 M. Cecilia Bondy

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Update on Sister Augustine Marie Molnar who died on Saturday, November 18, 2023,

en route to the Fiat Event at the McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center

Sister Georganne N. Molnar, 43, of the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, was pronounced dead at 11:02 a.m. by Deputy Coroner Terri Straka. The death was ruled accidental, and no autopsy is planned, officials said. Nun killed in northern Berks crash (readingeagle.com)

23. THURSDAY – St. Clement/St. Columban/Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro/ Thanksgiving Day (U.S.)

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

All Things Bright and Beautiful (music and lyrics)

All Things Bright And Beautiful (with lyrics) - Bing video

Look at the World (music and lyrics)

Look at the World, John Rutter - YouTube Music

This Thanksgiving, let us celebrate one another, celebrate family, celebrate life,

 celebrate all of creation – all with an Attitude of Deepest Gratitude!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Feliz Dia de Ação de Graças!   ¡Feliz Acción de Gracias!

24. FRIDAY – St. Andrew Dung Lac and Companions

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

25. SATURDAY – St. Catherine of Alexandria

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 Marie John Kutzi

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

26. SUNDAY - Our Lord, Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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 Le Roy Prymak and Mary Dolorey Osowski

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

27. MONDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update

• for Nick Colletta, Sister Le Roy Prymak’s nephew, for a speedy recovery from a car accident.

Franciscan Federation Briefing November 2023 Vol 2, No. 11

Franciscan Federation National Board: November 2023 (constantcontact.com)

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 adequate transportation for a family man.

28. TUESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

• Welcome back to the U.S., Sister Zioldé Theresinha de Caldas!

From the 130th Anniversary Committee

Mark Your Calendars

Sisters are invited to share in our Congregational Anniversary Celebration of 130 years on the Feast of Mother Veronica, Saturday, January 13, 2024. Mass at 4:00 p.m. Dinner and program follow. Please respond to Sister Patricia Farrell at 267.939.9095 or pfarrell3@comcast.net by January 2, 2024. Thank you!

Franciscan Federation - Early 2024 single day, 4-hour VIRTUAL Retreat offerings

Theme: “Journeying Together from the Crib to the Cross”

Featured Speakers: Murray Bodo, OFM, PhD; Eunice Park, MTS, MAMC; and Darleen Pryds, PhD

“Whether you are interested in joining as an individual or with a group, register online for whichever day is most convenient. Both dates will contain the same presentations. As a special, premier offering, this virtual retreat is being offered at no cost to anyone who would like to attend. Please invite your friends!”

Choice of two different dates and times:

• Sunday, January 14, 2024, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time).
• Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. (Eastern time)

Registration either as a single person or as a group (e.g. attend as a group to participate in our McGlinn Conference & Spirituality Center). Annual Retreat - Franciscan Federation (franfed.org)

29. 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 Yosari Mercedes Adames Rosa

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

We celebrate a new Priest in the Vineyard of the Lord

Sister Elena Sabalausky (left) and Sister Marie Cacciatore (right) attended the ordination in the Eastern Chaldean rite of Father John Jwad (center) who is an alum of Brother Rice High School, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Please hold Father and his ministry in your prayers.

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 Jack Rule who is seriously ill.

30. THURSDAY – St. Andrew, Apostle

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 Andrea Michalczyk

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

From the 130th Anniversary Committee

Mark Your Calendars

Sisters are invited to share in our Congregational Anniversary Celebration of 130 years on the Feast of Mother Veronica, Saturday, January 13, 2024. Mass at 4:00 p.m. Dinner and program follow. Please respond to Sister Patricia Farrell at 267.939.9095 or pfarrell3@comcast.net by January 2, 2024. Thank you!

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 Jack Rule who died Tuesday, November 29, 2023. He and his wife, Mary, were Associates as well as Benefactors to our Congregation. Viewing Monday, December 11, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist de la Salle Catholic Church, 42 Kerrick Rd, Shillington, PA 19607 Phone 610.777.1697 followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.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 BettyAnn Volpe who will have surgery tomorrow.
• for Rajiv.

FAREWELL, NOVEMBER!

WELCOME, DECEMBER!