Relay for September 2023

From the Relay

There will be no regular Relay [Constant Contact or Website] on Monday, September 4, 2023 – Labor Day Federal Holiday in the United States. The regular Relay will resume on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Sister Ellen will be out of the office September 1 and 5-8, 2023 and will be offsite September 1 through 10, 2023. Sister Rose Jameson will post the Relay on Constant Contact and the members only area of our website during this time. Continue to e-mail Relay messages to relay@bfranciscan.org or to call and leave a message at 484.334.6958 or, if living in the Motherhouse, call Extension 3212. Please do not call Sister Rose’s office phone to leave Relay messages. Thank you.

Community Update

• Thank you - Sister Danielle Marie Kubelsky’s sister, Dorothy, thanks for the prayers for healing and recovery.

2. SATURDAY – St. Gregory the Great/First Saturday

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

• for safe travel during the Labor Day weekend.

3. SUNDAY – Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

4. MONDAY – Labor Day in the U.S.

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.

Quotes about the Dignity of Labor

• Dignity is one of the most important things to the human spirit. It means being valued and respected for what you are, what you believe in, and how you live your live [sic.]. Treating other people with dignity means treating them the way we'd like to be treated ourselves.

• Dignity of labour [sic.] means that one respects all jobs/positions equally and does not consider one superior to another. Gandhiji believed a lot in it, both in word (“Mine is the life of joy in the midst of incessant work”) and deed.

• All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

• I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living. – John D. Rockefeller

• Your profession is not what brings home your weekly paycheck, your profession is what you're put here on earth to do, with such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling. – Vincent Van Gogh

• There is no worse material poverty, I am keen to stress, than the poverty which prevents people from earning their bread and deprives them of the dignity of work. – Pope Francis

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

Happy Labor Day!

5. TUESDAY - International Day of Charity (UN)

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Save the Date - Father Walter Ciszek Day

This year Father Walter Ciszek Day is October 15, 2023. The Center opens at 11:00 a.m. and Mass is at 2:00 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 persons requesting prayers for successful medical or successful surgical procedures this week.
• for Marina Avila Fernandes, 1 Year old, Sister Angela Maria de Sousa’s grand niece who is very ill.

Prayers are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:

• for the repose of the soul of Mary Ann Lile Torkelson of Seaford, Sisters Melita and Cynthia Skiendziel’s niece who entered eternal life on Tuesday, August 29^th. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Yates Funeral Home and Crematorium, a Parsell Family Funeral Home, Seaford. A memorial service and reception to follow will be held at a later date at St. Paul Episcopal Church, 122 E. Pine St., Georgetown.

6. 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 those emailing requests through our website

THANK YOU

Dave Quinter wishes to thank the sisters for your prayers. His surgery was successful. He is resting at home now.

7. THURSDAY – Brazil Independence Day

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

The Independence Day of Brazil, commonly called Sete de Setembro, is a national holiday observed in Brazil on 7 September of every year. The date celebrates Brazil's Declaration of Independence from the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves on 7 September 1822. Wikipedia

Happy Independence Day!

 Villa Maria Education Center

VMEC began its 50th Birthday with the Mayor and local Board Representative.  News 12 joined the party and told a wonderful story of our school. Congratulations on a rich heritage. View the media coverage using the link below:

Villa on Channel 12

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 Marie Swatt (sister of Sr. Rose Ellen Dzwieleski) for a successful procedure on September 9, 2023.

8. FRIDAY – The Nativity 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 Madonna Marie Harvath and Martires Maria Cavalli

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Sisters, the Relay is late today because we had 2 power outages during the night that affected our server. It was just brought back online.

Community Update

Formation News

Today, “Chidera Ohamara, currently a postulant, will be accepted into our Congregation and begin her Canonical Novitiate. Article 45 of our Constitutions states, ‘The twelve-month canonical phase is spent in a formative fraternity designed to prepare the novice for embracing the vowed evangelical life. This stage emphasizes her spiritual formation, helping her to deepen her relationship with Christ and the church, and imbuing her with the spirit and charism of our congregation.’ Let us hold her in our prayers as she enters this intensive year of spiritual discovery, growth, and discernment.” [quoted from the August 7, 2023 letter of Sister John Ann Proach, Congregational Minister]

BFS Archives

The yearly annals for 2022—2023 are due on September 29, 2023. 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 are requested for the departed souls of our Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for the comfort and consolation of their families:

• for the repose of the soul of SR. JOSANNE HUBER, MSC who died at St. Joseph Villa on Sept. 7, 2023. Her funeral will be held Monday, Sept. 11^th at 11:00am in St. Michael’s Convent, 51 Seminary Rd., Reading, PA 19605,

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 of Deborah Genovese's sister, Ellen, and her husband, Tim. Deb is a Saginaw Associate.

Villa Maria Education Center

For those who may be interested, below is the link to Villa Maria School's new logo and webpage: 

https://villamariaschool.org/ 

9. SATURDAY - St. Peter Claver

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

10. SUNDAY - Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update – Death Announcement

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 Antoinette Keiser who entered eternal life this afternoon, Sunday, September 10, 2023, in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 78 and in the 62nd year of her religious life. Arrangements are pending.

11. MONDAY

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 – (2) Death Announcements

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 Antoinette Keiser who entered eternal life Sunday afternoon, September 10, 2023 at 3:22 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 78 and in the 62nd year of her religious life. Arrangements are pending.
• for Janet Jackson, Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt’s sister, who died Sunday evening, September 10, 2023. Arrangements are pending.

Community Updates (3) – Chidera Ohamara’s admission to the Novitiate on Tuesday, September 8, 2023 https://photos.app.goo.gl/kuJzJ9Ge5oJqYxNr9

News from Brazil

Please hold in prayer the people who have been affected by the tragedy in the South of Brazil: Last week a Cyclone left 82 cities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil affected by the strongest Cyclone in the history of the Country. At least 3 cities need to be rebuilt. Banks, Markets, Industries, Schools, Hospitals…in the 3 cities were destroyed. 43 people are confirmed dead; more than 40 people are missing, more than 150 thousand people are homeless. News from September 6, 2023 indicates that numbers are rising as the search continues for missing people.

News from the United States of America

The 22nd Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks in the U.S.

https://www.state.gov/22nd-anniversary-of-the-september-11-2001-attacks/

https://apnews.com/article/sept-11-terror-attack-anniversary-ceremonies-47488758b18fd78f541674041e36d263

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 Eve Wozniski, 55, who died Wednesday, September 9, 2023. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/eve-wozniski-obituary?pid=205256781

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 complicated surgery for Jan Baumann, Sister Jean Therese Baumann’s sister-in-law.
• for a successful procedure tomorrow, Tuesday, September 12, 2023, for Martha Soja, sister-in-law of Sister Phyllis Soja.
• for Edward Gardner who is hospitalized.
• for Charlotte, granddaughter of Donna Trombley, former teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas in Saginaw Michigan.
• for a return to good health for Pat.
• for those undergoing testing prior to scheduled surgeries.

Alert for the Sisters living or traveling in the Reading, PA and surrounding areas for escaped Murderer Danelo Cavalcante - Last seen in Phoenixville, PA

State police were searching before dawn Sunday after escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante was seen in the northern Chester County area near Phoenixville, about 2 miles from where he murdered Deborah Brandao in 2021.

Phoenixville is about 13 miles northeast of Chester County Prison, where Cavalcante escaped on Aug. 31. It was also miles away from the perimeter that had been set up in the extreme southern part of the county where hundreds of law enforcement officers had been searching for him.

Authorities have described Cavalcante as extremely dangerous, with a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to his arrest, though it is not believed he has threatened anyone while on the run.

“He changed his appearance. He is clean shaven and last seen wearing a yellow or green hooded sweatshirt, black baseball style hat, green prison pants, and white shoes,” said Trooper Michael J. Carter Jr., spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Police. Danelo Cavalcante update: Search moves to northern Chester County (readingeagle.com)

12. TUESDAY - The Most Holy Name of Mary

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Directory Update

Sister Zioldé T. de Caldas will be traveling to Brazil today. If there is a need to contact her, use only the following e-mail address: zioldecaldas@gmail.com Please add this e-mail to p.3 of the 2023 Directory. Leave no messages at the U.S. office, home, or cell numbers for the time being.

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.

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 Michael Mound, brother-in-law of Janine Sarmir (Assistant Director/Grant Officer, in our Development and Mission Advancement Office). Arrangements are pending.
• for Joanne Leja who died on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.
• for Janice Krebsbach's brother, Charles Koppa, who died recently. Janice is a Saginaw Associate.

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 Marie Abruzzese (former Sister Angelus) and the needs of her family.
• for clean test results and complete healing for Alexis Bailey.
• for healing for Maria Hutzley.

Update on escaped prisoner

Danelo Cavalcante is armed, Pa. state police warn (readingeagle.com)

13. WEDNESDAY – St. John Chrysostom

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 Carol M. for a successful surgical procedure tomorrow, Thursday, September 14, 2023.

·        for Keith, that his health issues be diagnosed and remedied.

·        for Jonathan, that his moving problems be resolved.

 13. WEDNESDAY – afternoon addition

Community Update – (1) Death Announcement update

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 Antoinette Keiser who entered eternal life Sunday afternoon, September 10, 2023, at 3:22 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 78 and in the 62nd year of her religious life. Sister’s wake will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA. Sister’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 25, 2023, 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 the Motherhouse 484.334.7000 to leave word of the number attending.)

 14. THURSDAY – 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.

 Community Updates (4)

• Thank you from Sister Zioldé de Caldas, Congregational Councilor - Thank you, Sisters, for your prayers for my safe trip. I arrived yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, September 13, 2023, in Porto Alegre, RS Brazil. I had a good and safe trip. Praise to God! I am in the Provincial House: Rua Miguel Couto, 457- Bairro Menino Deus, Porto Alegre. Blessings!

• Sister Patricia Ann Czarnota is in the hospital.

• Funeral Arrangements for Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt’s sister, Janet Jackson, who died Sunday evening, September 10, 2023. No viewing. Mass on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 325 S Oxford Valley Rd, Fairless Hills, PA 19030. Phone: (215) 946-4040. Burial in George Washington Memorial Gardens, 80 Stenton Ave (Stenton Ave & Butler Pike, Whitemarsh Twp., Montgomery County), Plymouth Meeting, PA. Phone: (610) 828-1417. Family will gather at a Restaurant following the burial. If any Sister plans to join the family at the restaurant, please call Sister Francis Canice Reinhart’s cell (484) 687-0621.

• for the people of Tapas and Barra do Ribeiro in Brazil who are suffering with floods. 

14. THURSDAY - Addition

Chapter Implementation Assembly in Reading, PA on Saturday, September 16, 2023 – Some details for those attending in Reading:

• Welcome and Introduction at 9:00 a.m.
• Dinner at noon
• Liturgy at 4:00 p.m.
• Light Meal at 5:00 p.m.

15. FRIDAY – Our Lady of Sorrows

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.

Community Updates (3)

Information - Chapter Implementation Assembly in Reading, PA tomorrow, Saturday, September 16, 2023

• Welcome and Introduction at 9:00 a.m.
• Dinner at noon
• Liturgy at 4:00 p.m.
• Light Meal at 5:00 p.m.

Thank you

My dear Sisters, I want to use this time to sincerely thank you for your prayers, thoughtfulness, blessings, gifts and wishes on my Investiture Day. Thank you in every special way for those who contributed and made September 8, 2023 a very memorable day:

• The Leadership Team.
• The Formation Team.
• Those who decorated the Chapel.
• Those who prepared the dinner.

May God bless you in His special way and may our Blessed Mother intercede for each and every one of you in your every need. I wish also to thank in a special way Fr. Ronald Bowman, our Chaplain and Chief Celebrant. – Gratefully, Sister Chidera Agatha Ohamara (Novice)

News from Brazil

Updates on Cyclone that hit Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - VIDEO

A broken dam washes hundreds of cars away! Catastrophic floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - YouTube

Photo of flooding in Porto Alegre Brazil in the Project

where Sister Samanta Carla de Sousa Carneiro ministers.

Video of destruction caused by Cyclone in Brazil.

Audio is in Portuguese but pictures speak for themselves.

Encantado: Casas no meio da lama | Fala Rio Grande 13/09/2023 - YouTube

Translation: Houses in the middle of the mud | Fala Rio Grande 13/09/2023 - YouTube

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

• A woman who attends daily Mass with us at Sacred Heart Convent asks for prayers for healing and a correct diagnosis for her daughter Theresa.
• for recovery for Shawn, Joanne Tanner (former Sister Joellen) 's son.

16. SATURDAY – SS. Cornelius and Cyprian

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

• for safe travel to the Chapter Implementation Assembly in Reading, PA and for blessings upon those assembled live or participating via zoom.

17. SUNDAY - Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time/Catechetical Sunday/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.

18. MONDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Updates (4)

From the BFS 130th Anniversary Committee

Sisters are invited to join in the Opening Celebration of our 130th Anniversary on the Feast of St. Francis, October 4, 2023. Mass at 4 p.m.in Sacred Heart Convent Chapel followed by Dinner in the Sacred Heart Convent Dining Room. Please respond to this invitation by Monday, September 25, 2023 to Sister Patricia Lynn Farrell. Phone: 267.939.9095 or Email : pfarrell3@comcast.net

Prayers are requested for our sick Sister and for those who companion her during this time:

• for Sister Andrea Michalczyk who is in the hospital.

Prayers are requested for the following sick family member of our Sister and for those who companion her during this time:

• for Theresa, Sister Jane Frances Dutkiewicz’ 93-year-old sister, who is in rehab.

Prayers are requested for Melanie Napierkowski, 62, niece of our deceased Sister Joan Irene Klukaszewski, who died on Saturday, September 16, 2023, and for the comfort and consolation of her family.

Prayers are requested for peace for the departed soul of B. Timchak and for strength and consolation for his family.

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 Amelia Marini, former Sister Veritas, for successful surgery on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.
• for correct diagnosis and treatment for James McDermott, former teacher of theology at Bishop Hoban/Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA, who is hospitalized.

19. TUESDAY - St. Januaria

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Update (1)

Immaculate Conception Province - Retreat

Today, the Retreat of the Province begins, in Vila São Bernardino, Viamão, RS. A group of Sisters from various Fraternities, together with the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Fraternity, will be gathered from September 19 to 25 for this Retreat. The advisor is Friar Laércio Duminelli da Luz OFM Cap. And the coordination is with Sister Jacinta Maria Brill. The retreatants will be praying for us and we will pray for them. - Sister Acélia Maria Sterz (Province Secretary)

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

• for housing for a young mother and her 2 small children.

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

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 Jenniffer Acosta Rosario

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

Chapter Implementation Assembly – Saturday, September 16, 2023, in Reading, PA

Sister John Ann Proach, Congregational Minister, delivers Welcoming Address

Community Update

• Sister Josita Karnish is in the hospital.

2023 Directory Update

• Sister Maria James Riedel – delete current e-mail address. Replace with maria6547riedel@gmail.com

BFS Archives

The yearly annals for 2022-2023 are due on September 29, 2023. 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 are requested for the following sick or needy Sisters, Family, Associates, Friends and Benefactors and for those who companion them during this time:

• for Eleanor Sabol for successful surgery following a fall.
• for Sandra Reed.
• for Ana Ramos Fiad for a safe and successful surgery Wednesday September 20, 2023, and for a full recovery.
• in thanksgiving for healing for Maria Hutzley.

21. THURSDAY - St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

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

• for Diane (Janis) Ebert for successful surgery tomorrow, Friday, September 22, 2023 and for  speedy and complete healing.
• for successful surgery and healing for Brother Rice High School Sophomore Tyler Tomina.

22. FRIDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Community Updates (3)

Death Announcement update with addition

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 Antoinette Keiser who entered eternal life Sunday afternoon, September 10, 2023, at 3:22 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA at the age of 78 and in the 62nd year of her religious life. Sister’s wake will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA. Sister’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 25, 2023, 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 the Motherhouse 484.334.7000 to leave word of the BFS Residence and the number attending.)
• Addition: The Cremated Remains of Sister Antoinette Keiser will be available for visitation by the Sisters [no formal entry] on Monday, September 25, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral. Prayers are private. Please continue to hold Sister Antoinette in your prayers.

Kudos to Mary Immaculate Hospital

Congratulations, Mary Immaculate Hospital, Newport News, VA

We are so proud to have MIH selected as the Peninsula 2023 Gold Winner for the best hospital. Our dear Bernardine Franciscan Sisters from 1952 to the present, have had a hand in bringing this to fruition. We may not own the hospital at this time, but our loving and professional ministry lives on… Just wanted to share this with everyone. - Sister Bernard Marie Magill, Sister Colleen Marie Magill, Sister David Ann Niski, and Sister Miriam Hugh MacKillop

From the Relay

2024 Residence Directory – U.S., Liberia, and the Dominican Republic – DRAFT A

Administrators, Local Ministers, Team Leaders—check your e-mail

Draft A information is timed to be e-mailed around 11:00 AM today, Friday, September 22, 2023 to the e-mail Inbox of the Local Minister, Administrator, or Team Leader of each residence. If you do not receive the subject line “Draft A – 2024 Directory” e-mail today,  please e-mail Sister Ellen Lipsett at relay@bfranciscan.org to let her know. Please follow the directions below for the Draft A Process:

Directions: Please:

• Print out one copy of the e-mail attachment sent to you – [Administrator, Local Minister, or Team Leader].
• Ask each Sister in your residence to review carefully her information on that printed paper and initial if correct; edit [additions/deletions in red if updates are needed].
• Either e-mail [preferred method of return] one response from your residence to relay@bfranciscan.org for receipt by Friday, October 6, 2023
• or send via USPS one copy from your residence to Sister Ellen Lipsett at 450 Saint Bernardine St, Reading, PA 19607-1793 for receipt by Friday, October 6, 2023.

The plan is for the Directory to be submitted to the Printer during the week of October 16, 2023 with distribution at the October 28, 2023 Education Day in Reading, PA. Directories for non-attendee residences will be mailed after the Education Day. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention that will facilitate having the Directory in your hands in October.

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

• for James McDermott, former teacher of theology at Bishop Hoban/Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA, who died yesterday, Thursday, September 21, 2023.
• for Mary Penny, the mother of Alvernia faculty member, Neil Penny, who died in England on September 20, 2023.

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

• for Donald Nichelson, Jr.

23. SATURDAY - St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)/Autumn begins in the Northern hemisphere and Spring in the Southern hemisphere

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

24. SUNDAY - Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Priesthood 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

Sister de Marie Sawicki

Mass will be offered for your special intentions.

25. MONDAY

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

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

• for Cheryl who is seriously ill.

27. WEDNESDAY – 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.

Community Updates (2)

• Thank you. Thank you to all the Sisters who remembered me on my birthday [September 22, 2023]. Thank you also for the expressions of sympathy at the death of my sister, Janet Jackson. My family thanks the Sisters for providing transportation for me to attend Janet’s funeral. – Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt

• Sister Josita Karnish returned to St. Joseph Villa on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Thank you for all your prayers.

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

• for Shelly.

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

 Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

Sisters at St. Joseph Villa Celebrate September Birthdays on September 26, 2023

Seated left to right: Sister Francis Canice Reinhardt, Sister Theresa Lepara, MSC, Sister Michele Grodzinski, and Sister Faith Kravat. Not pictured Sister Mark Ann Florkiewicz.

Standing: Sister Madonna Marie Harvath (Assistant Local Minister).

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

• for a return to good health for Maryann.

29. FRIDAY – SS. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

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.

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

• for successful surgery and healing for Tiffany, mother of Reagan Tremblay, freshman at Brother Rice HS
• for comfort and peace for Ghislain Beaulieu.

What are the Nine Choirs of Angels?

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

30. SATURDAY - St. Jerome

Prayers are requested for the needs of our congregation.

FAREWELL, SEPTEMBER!

WELCOME, OCTOBER!