Relay for November 2024

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 as well as a plenary indulgence 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

Nine Days of Prayer for a United Nation – from the Sisters of Mercy

This election year has exposed deep rifts within our country as candidates and their supporters launch personal attacks on one another and on the most marginalized of our society, including immigrants and refugees, Americans and workers displaced by a globalized economy. Please join the Mercy Community in praying daily for voters to consider the common good in their choices for national, state and local leaders; to treat with respect even those who hold differing opinions about the direction of our country; and to commit ourselves to a peaceful transfer of power after the election. Let us be Mercy at this time through our prayer, rhetoric and actions at this time of potential national stress.

November 1 (Day 5)

Let us pray for leaders who will work with others to bring safety to the world, who will lead a government that provides for the growth of this country without taking the resources from others to achieve it. Let us be instruments of your peace!!

I will look after my sheep, says the Lord, and I will appoint a shepherd to pasture them, and I, the Lord will be their God. ~Ezekiel 34:11

Holy Spirit, by your light you guide this world towards the Father’s love and accompany creation as it groans in travail. You also dwell in our hearts and you inspire us to do what is good, Praise be to You!

~Laudato Sí prayer

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 peace and mercy for Frank and for understanding for the family.
• for strength and good health for Eli.
• for Wayd for diagnosis for problem on Monday, November 4, 2024. [website]

2. SATURDAY – All Souls Day/First Saturday

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

From Sister Rose Jameson, Congregational Councilor

Christian Brothers Services Safety Training for the Religious Driver 

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 2:00 PM CT (Central Time) or Thursday, December 5, 2024, 10:00 AM CT (Central Time). Note: CT (Central Time) is 1 hour behind EST (Eastern Standard Time, begun on November 3, 2024). Therefore,  2:00 PM CT = 3 PM EST.  10:00 AM CT = 11:00 AM EST. Safety Training for the Religious Driver

For any of our drivers who did not attend thus far, please click on the link above and register to attend the November or December presentation. Please email me after you attend one of the two presentations at rosejameson@bfranciscan.org Thank you in advance. Please note the times in the announcement in black are Central Time while the sample conversions in red are Eastern Standard Time.

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 as well as a plenary indulgence 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

Nine Days of Prayer for a United Nation – from the Sisters of Mercy

November 2 (Day 6)

Let us pray that we break all divisions among us and strive to create a just and peaceful world for all.

Happy are those who fear the Lord, who delight in God’s commands. They shine through the darkness, a light for the upright, they are gracious, merciful and just. ~Psalm 112

Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey toward your infinite light. ~Laudato Sí’ Prayer

3. SUNDAY – Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Have you remembered to turn all clocks back 1 hour?

If not, you will be 1 hour early for whatever events planned for today 😊

From Sister Carol Ann Nawracaj, Vocation/Aspirant Director

National Vocation Awareness Week – November 3-9, 2024

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.

https://nrvc.net/274/publication/4171/article/18685-national-vocation-awareness-week-nov-3-9-2024

Nine Days of Prayer for a United Nation – from the Sisters of Mercy

November 3 (Day 7)

Let us pray that love permeates all of our actions and that we strive to find the truth in every person, especially those with whom we have differing opinions and stands on issues. Let us be instruments of peace!

May Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word. ~2 Thessalonians 2:16

Love, overflowing with small gestures of mutual care, is also civic and political, and it makes itself felt in every action that seeks to build a better world. Love for society and commitment to the common good are outstanding expressions of a charity which affects not only relationships between individuals but also, macro-relationships, social, economic and political ones. ~Laudato Sí’ #231



4. MONDAY – St. Charles Borromeo

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.

Community Update

• Please pray for Sister Veronice Plewinski who was admitted to Reading Hospital Tower Health on Friday evening, November 1, 2024.

Nine Days of Prayer for a United Nation – from the Sisters of Mercy

This election year has exposed deep rifts within our country as candidates and their supporters launch personal attacks on one another and on the most marginalized of our society, including immigrants and refugees, Americans and workers displaced by a globalized economy. Please join the Mercy Community in praying daily for voters to consider the common good in their choices for national, state and local leaders; to treat with respect even those who hold differing opinions about the direction of our country; and to commit ourselves to a peaceful transfer of power after the election. Let us be Mercy at this time through our prayer, rhetoric and actions at this time of potential national stress.

November 4 (Day 6) - Election Eve

Let us pray that God blesses our divided nation with the will and determination to lay aside differences

and seek the common good. Let us be instruments of peace!

To you, O God, I call. My Rock, do not be deaf to me. If you fail to answer me I will join those who go down to the pit. Hear the sound of my pleading when I cry to you, lifting my hands toward your holy place. Do not drag me off with the wicked with those who do wrong.

The common good is the sum of those conditions of social life, which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment. Underlying the principle of the common good is respect for the human person as such, endowed with basic and inalienable rights ordered to his or her own development. It also has to do with the overall welfare of society, applying the principle of subsidiarity. ~Laudato Sí’ #157

Leadership Conference for Women Religious (LCWR) - Invitation

Join the LCWR Virtual Prayer Space for the US Elections

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious will open a virtual prayer space for 24-hours of silent, contemplative prayer beginning Monday,  Nov. 4 at 12 a.m. EST through Nov. 6 at 11p.m. EST. Click on the link below and scroll down to the bottom of the "Transforming Grace: Virtual Prayer Space" document to access the Zoom invitation.  Virtual Prayer Space for US National Conventions and Presidential Election   LCWR

“There will be no presentations or comments during the virtual gathering,” explain the organizers, but all are invited to join for as long as you wish.

Sisters and employees are invited to the Motherhouse lower-level lounge at 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday. There are three sitting areas for contemplative prayer - gather by the piano. Questions? Contact Sr. Grace Keane, OSF Justice Promoter for the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. 313-415-8554 or jpic@bfranciscan.org

Food for thought - A Bit of Civics

[In the field of political science, civics is the study of the civil and political rights

and obligations of citizens in a society. – Wikipedia]

Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, registered voters will elect the persons for the next four years who will lead our Republic. [A “republic” is a form of government in which the people hold power, but elect representatives to exercise that power.] Your voice matters. Perhaps you have done a mail-in-ballot. Thank you. If not, and you are a registered voter, please go to the polls and vote!

Is the United States a democracy or a republic?

The Constitution establishes a federal democratic republic form of government. That is, we have an indivisible union of 50 sovereign States. It is a democracy because people govern themselves. It is representative because people choose elected officials by free and secret ballot.

We, the People, recognize that we have responsibilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together; that a freedom which only asks what's in it for me, a freedom without a commitment to others, a freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, is unworthy of our founding ideals, and those who died in their defense. - Barack Obama

Newt Gingrich in his book Rediscovering God in America: Reflections on the Role of Faith in Our Nation’s History and Future TN: Nashville/TX: Dallas/Mexico: Mexico City/BR: Rio de Janeiro/China: Beijing: Thomas Nelson [Publisher] 2009 writes:

Carved into the fireplace mantel in the White House State Dining Room are the words of President John Adams to his wife Abigail after first moving into the residence in November 1800. President Franklin Roosevelt subsequently discovered Adams’ words in the later years of World War II and had them carved into the stone fireplace below a portrait of Abraham Lincoln:

 “I pray to heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that hereafter inhabit it. May none but the honest and wise men [***] ever rule under this roof.” (page 99)

***At the time President Adams wrote these words [1800], women were not even on the political landscape. If they were, perhaps President John Adams would have written:

“May none but the honest and wise men and women ever rule under this roof.”

Pray, pray some more. Consider the legacy that mail-in, early voting, and tomorrow’s voters will leave for the generations to come. If you have not already voted, please Vote!

A History Lesson worth Viewing

"Voting Rights Act: Women’s Right to Vote, A Timeline of obtaining Equality"

https://www.tam.usace.army.mil/Portals/77/Women%27s%20Equality%20DAY%20Timeline.pdf

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 best results today for Julie’s daughter who was badly burned. [website]
• for peace and healing within a family.

6. WEDNESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Updates

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.

From Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)

Leadership Conference for Women Religious (LCWR) - Invitation

Join the LCWR Virtual Prayer Space for the US Elections

The LCWR Prayer Space will open in the lower-level lounge (by the piano) today from 10 AM – 3:00 PM. You are invited to stop by for a few minutes or stay awhile. Each slide contains a prayer intention, a graphic, and music to accompany your contemplative listening to the Holy Spirit. Use the QR code or click on the link below to view privately. The virtual Prayer Space will close at midnight tonight.

Click on the link below and scroll down to the bottom of the Transforming Grace: Virtual Prayer Space document to access the Zoom invitation.

Virtual Prayer Space for US National Conventions and Presidential Election | LCWR

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 Johnnie Rubennacker (Gladwin Associate) who died in September. https://cremationsocietymidmi.com/tribute/details/16096/Johnnie-Rubenacker/obituary.html

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 Chris Gunther (Michigan Associate Pari Sitarski's brother) who's dealing with a serious illness.



7. THURSDAY

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 Sarah Dagenais.
• for healing for 15-year-old Sadie D.
• for Patricia for successful treatment of illness. [website] 

8. FRIDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Good news from Sister Mary Elizabeth Klier, Companion to the Bernardine Franciscan Associates

in St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Saginaw, Michigan

• Stacy Lopez made her Commitment as a Bernardine Franciscan Associate.
• Connie Ruth and Diane Mousseau are in the initial discernment process in becoming a Bernardine Franciscan Associate.

 We welcome Stacy, Ruth and Diane on their journey of faith with us

in living and sharing the mission and charism of our congregation. - Sister Mary Sninsky

Mary’s Shelter has a new phone number: (610) 376-1973

Address: 615 Kenhorst Blvd., Reading, PA 19611

We provide more than a shelter. We provide a home. Mary’s Shelter is a multifaceted comprehensive housing and social service agency that addresses pregnancy, parenting and youth homelessness through proactive preventative work, crisis intervention services and stabilization back into the community. https://www.marysshelter.org/  Our Sister Mary Hozeny works at Mary’s Shelter.

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

The true measure of greatness will be America’s “attention to the poor, the marginalized and the needy who, like Lazarus, stand outside our door. This applies for the many, too many, forgotten persons in America who feel they no longer belong. It also applies to migrants, who’ve constituted the very fabric of American society.” From the Vatican by way of Crux on 11/7/24

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 Lorena Piedrahita.
• for clarity for the medical team diagnosing Amanda Bezner's illness and for a proper treatment plan.
• for comfort for Ah'mer Gibbs and his family as they mourn the loss of their dad and uncle.
• for a miracle of healing for Dustin through the intercession of Father Ciszek.
• for wisdom and prudence for Kim Lemon as she deals with housing issues.
• for continued healing for baby Corine.
• for peace for Paul during his procedure today.

9. SATURDAY – The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

10. SUNDAY – Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

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

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

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

who celebrate feast days/birthdays today

Sister Maria de Nazarét Fortuna (Estela)

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Community Updates (2)

• Sister Veronice Plewinski was discharged from Reading Hospital on Thursday, November 7, 2024, and has returned to St. Joseph Villa. She wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and support.
• for healing for George and Thomas Gudz, Sister Immaculene Gudz’ brothers.

Call for Help from Alvernia University

Alvernia’s Winter Clothing Drive begins today, Monday, November 11, 2024. So far, AU has received only 7 coats donated. Due to the unusual mild weather we’ve been having lately, it has not been a problem., but the weather will change soon and some Alvernia students will need help for the winter. If you wish to donate anything, please contact Sister Rosemary Stets – cell 484-955-3192

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 Alexander Gonzalez who died suddenly Sunday, November 3, 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 healing for Tim N. (Saginaw, Michigan) who has been diagnosed with a serious illness and for his family.
• for successful treatments for Anne Chicon and for courage and hope for her.
• for Eduardo Jeffrey B. Serrona Jr. [website-the Philippines]
• for Danny Tejada’s little brother Omar. [website]

12. TUESDAY – St. Josaphat

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.

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 tomorrow, Wednesday, November 13, 2024, for Fr. Len Stunek, OFM, former pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Saginaw, Michigan.
• for Amelia and her husband. [website]

13. WEDNESDAY – St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

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

• Catholic Climate Covenant and the Laudato Si` Movement have published a statement on Donald Trump's Presidential Election Victory. You may read their statement here. A copy is also in the Motherhouse Library.

• November is Black Catholic History Month. The documentary of Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA may be viewed at your convenience or at the McGlinn Center on Sunday, November 17 after Dinner. Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman's Journey to Sainthood

• November 17 is the Eighth World Day of the Poor Eighth World Day of the Poor, 2024: The prayer of the poor rises up to God (cf. Sir 21:5) | Francis Consider initiating a conversation with Sisters, family, friends, and colleagues.

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 peaceful, happy death for Carolyn who is on hospice.

14. 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 Maria Helena Santana

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

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 Dwain who is having surgery tomorrow.
• for continued healing for Andrea and her mother.
• for strength and wisdom for John.
• for peace of heart and mind for Marcia.
• for strength and healing for Bill and Dustin during their treatments.
• for fulfilling employment for Camara.

15. FRIDAY – 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

Sister Dorothy Sepkowski

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Immaculate Conception Province

Jubilee of 60 and 70 years of Religious Life

November 10, 2024

Left to right: Friar Nestor Schwerz, OFM.

Sisters: Rejane Conceição Carvalho (Councilor and Treasurer of ABCB and IFBB), Jacinta Maria Brill (Assistant Provincial Minister), Francisca Lopes de Oliveira (Councilor and President of ABCB).

70th Jubilarians [holding candles]: Sisters Maria Leonil Araújo Pereira (S. Márcia),

Miriam Gerra de Albuquerque Montenegro, Odilia Vieira Lopes, Martires Maria Cavalli, and Inez Duengersleber.

Sister Gilbetânia Ferreira de Andrade (Provincial Minister and President of IFBB)

Father Joachim Andrade, SVD

70th Jubilee Sisters

Left to right: Sisters Inez Duengersleber, Maria Leonil Araújo Pereira (S.Márcia), Odilia Vieira Lopes, Martires Cavalli,

and Miriam Montenegro de Albuquerque

Sister Maria Lucia de Araujo celebrated her 60th Jubilee in Fortaleza, CE

Standing clockwise, front left to back: Maria de Fátima Vieira [front, left],

Francisca Lira Magalhães (S. Betty) [behind S. Maria de Fatima], Maria Celeste Vieira [behind S. Betty], Elaine Barboza Lima [facing Sister Maria de Fatima],

Maria Lucia de Araujo [white blouse], Nita Ricardo Rassude,Valderez Maria Silva dos Santos, Maria Cristina Melo, Rita de Cássia Lima Barbosa, Gracilete de Sousa Cardoso,

and  Lucimara Martins da Silva.

Lower, front, right: Sisters Antônia da Silva Pimenta, Adalgisa de Paiva Melo,

and Aureni Alves Monteiro

Provincial Assembly of Immaculate Conception Province

November 11th -12th, 2024

The Assembly was held in a spirit of synodality, where the Sisters present had the opportunity to express their thoughts, feelings

and make decisions based on the reality they are experiencing, with confidence and hope.

Oratory of Hope

The Oratory of Hope was inaugurated during the Provincial Assembly.

After the blessing, the Sisters held an all-night vigil.

Each Sister chose a time for adoration.

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 peace and reconciliation for Sha.

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

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

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

Video Documentary – Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA

November is Black Catholic History Month. The 57:53-minute documentary of Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA may be viewed at your convenience or tomorrow, Sunday, November 17, 2024, after dinner at the McGlinn Center. "Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman's Journey to Sainthood"

17. SUNDAY – Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time/World Day of the Poor

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the Eighth World Day of the Poor

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/poveri/documents/20240613-messaggio-viii-giornatamondiale-poveri-2024.html

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

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

News from St. Joseph Villa

Craft Project

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, some Sisters at the Villa did a craft project with the help of some Senior life staff.

Left to right: Sister. Jean Anthony Rodgers, Stephanie (Senior Life), Sister Carol Anne Heitgen, April (Senior Life),

Sister Annuntia Koller, MSC, Sister de Marie Sawicki, Vicky Mitchell (Administrator), Sister Bernette Ball, MSC,

Sister Christen Shukwit, and Sister Claude Marie Jablonski.

Clockwise from back to lower right, front: Sister Sister Carol Anne Heitgen,

Sue (Senior Life), and Sister de Marie Sawicki.

From Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)

Migrant Mondays - Explore the website Justice for immigrants – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops https://www.usccb.org/offices/migration-policy/justice-immigrants

https://justiceforimmigrants.org/

Please hold in prayer the needs of those below:

• for Julia Georgini and her Children.
• for the Trinity Core Team and their families.

19. TUESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update

• Please pray for correct diagnosis, treatment and healing for Dorothy, Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky’s sister.

ALERT from Sister Rose Jameson, Congregational Councilor and TECH

Regarding:  bfranciscan.org email

If anyone receives an email regarding their bfranciscan.org email being scheduled to be deleted, just delete it. I checked with Stratix. It is fraudulent. Do not click on any link or provide any information.

ALERT Regarding: e-mail from Roberta McKelvie posted around 9:09 p.m. last night (Monday), from IT email saying “Dear User to enhance the security of your account….” delete it. Do not open. Do not click on any link or provide any information.

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

• Braden, a student at Alvernia, whose father had a heart attack, is asking the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters to pray for his father’s healing and return to good health.
• for Judy, for a safe and successful surgery today, Tuesday, November, November 19, 2024.
• for Gervais Beaulieu for a solution for relief of pain and to stop progression of condition.

20. 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 Elma Barbara Klafke

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

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 Tyler Murrey. [website] 

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

• for strength for Dustin during his treatments and for courage for Liz, his wife and caregiver.
• for Amanda who still has no diagnosis and is suffering and for her medical team that continues to research and test.
• for healing for John and for continued strength during his treatments.
• for strength for Sheila and for healing for her sister.
• for Mary who is critically ill and for her family.

21. THURSDAY – 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

Sister Jane Therezinha Boeira de Almeida

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

November/December Birthdays celebrated at St. Joseph Villa

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Birthday Sisters left side of table, front to back: Sisters Immaculene Gudz,

Theresa Molchanow (MSC), Therese San Miguel, and Jacinta Respondowska

Right side of table, front to back: Sisters Carol Anne Heitgen, Generosa Paszk,

Lorraine Molchanow (MSC), Agnes Flatley (MSC), Barbara Daniels (MSC).

Not pictured: Sister La Verne Grippe.

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 Gerry Anders for safe and successful surgery tomorrow, Friday, November 22, 2024, and for full recovery and return to good health.
• for Jim for a peaceful, happy death.
• for Msgr. James H. Dubell who is seriously ill.
• for Robert. [website]
• for Ryan Humphreys.

22. FRIDAY – St. Cecilia

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

• for Bernardine Sisters throughout the Congregation who are dealing with serious health issues.

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.

A BFS Star Shines Brightly!

Directory Update

Mary Elizabeth Klier-Theresa 1113

484.509.4016

989.751.7171 (cell)

maryeklier@gmail.com

Work: 484.516.2138 (Mon.-Thurs-Mother Veronica Resource Center)

FAX:  484.516.2139

Living the Gospel Message to Assist Clients at the Bernardine Center, Chester, PA

 Matthew 25:35,40

“… for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink”

1 John 3:17-18

“How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.”

Motherhouse Sisters (left to right) Sisters Marie Janeen Obara, Michael Ann Rugalla, and Kateri Peake

 shop for items for Bernardine Center Clients to help make the Center’s clients’ Thanksgiving Day a celebratory and blessed one.

 Other groups of Bernardine Sisters, not pictured here, were out and about doing the same.

23. SATURDAY – St. Clement/St. Columban

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

24. SUNDAY –Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Christ the King)

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. 

25. MONDAY – 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.

Community Update

• Sister Helene Potoczny was discharged from Reading Hospital Tower Health on Sunday, November 24, 2024, and returned to St. Joseph Villa. She would like to thank everyone for their 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 Andrea Lovering’s mother who is struggling with PT/OT and for renewed energy for Andrea.
• for Sarah for wisdom in her decision making.
• for Jeanne Aurice Gamayon for successful passing of the bar exam. [website]

26. TUESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update – Death of a BFS

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 Veronice Plewinski entered eternal life this morning, Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 4:45 a.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 92 and in the 74th year of her religious life. Sister’s viewing will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA. Sister’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Reading, PA. Please refer to the Funeral Notices section of our web site for additional information.
• If you will be attending the Liturgy and reception that follows, please call the Reception Desk at St. Joseph Villa 610-777-5556 to leave word of the number attending. Calls from outside the Motherhouse to the main desk and the Sisters' bedrooms remain nonfunctional. There is also intermittent Internet disruption.

From the Relay

The Relay Office will close at noon tomorrow, Wednesday, November 27, 2024, and will reopen on Monday, December 2, 2024. If time allows, please check back during the weekend for any Community updates. Be safe if you travel over the weekend. Be graced with a deep and consuming attitude of gratitude for all the blessings received since last Thanksgiving.

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 Kitty who is being treated for 2 types of serious illness.
• for Laura that she be relieved of her affliction.
• for Terry to get well quickly. [website]
• for Sarah Wurtz’ brother Paul and his wife Theresa who are both dealing with serious illnesses. [website]
   
  

27. WEDNESDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

• for safety for all who will travel during this Thanksgiving Holiday.

Community Update(s)

• Prayers for Sister Marilisa Helena da Silva for a successful procedure this afternoon. 
• Prayers are requested for seriously ill and recovering Klausing family members: FJ; Stannye; Barbara; and Baby Lainey Lynn (born November 11, 2024. One open heart surgery down; another coming soon).

A BFS Star Shines Brightly!

28. THURSDAY/ Thanksgiving Day (U .S.)

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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

This Thanksgiving, let us: Celebrate one another, Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life,

 Celebrate all of creation – All with an Attitude of Deepest Gratitude!

All Things Bright and Beautiful (music and lyrics) (3:02)

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

Look at the World (music and lyrics) (4:40)

Look at the World, John Rutter - YouTube Music

Bless This House – Stanford Olsen & The Tabernacle Choir (2:45)

Bless This House - Stanford Olsen & The Tabernacle Choir

29. FRIDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

30. SATURDAY – 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.

Community Update (1)

• Prayers for Sister Jean Therese Baumann who will enter officially into her new ministry as Administrator of the Motherhouse Complex tomorrow, December 1, 2024.

2024 Directory Updates (2)

• Directory, p. 20 – Reading, PA- Sacred Heart Convent - Delete Sister Maria Korick and her e-mail address. Insert, instead, the following for Sister Jean Therese Baumann:

Sister Jean Therese Baumann, ADM [effecive 12/01/2024]

Office             x1129 – 610-777-7221

FAX               484.334.6808

E-mail             BFSadmin@bfranciscan.org

FAREWELL, NOVEMBER!

WELCOME, DECEMBER!