Maybe the words spoke to me because our earth is experiencing massive fires, drought, floods and the destruction of species, habitats (including human), and vegetation.

Maybe it’s because in the midst of so much division we are all struggling and desire to find common ground, a common heart, a common language. Pain is trying to teach us and make us believers.

That is one reason this year’s theme for the worldwide Season of Creation (Sept 1 – Oct 4), "A Home for All?" is so timely. We are experiencing a deep cry to heal our relationships with creation and with one another. As you see in this e-newsletter, we Sisters are entering into the Season of Creation, and we invite you to also. We know about the seasons of Advent and Lent. It’s also time to learn about the Season of Creation.

Children get it. Earth is Our Home. Home for all of us and all creatures of our God and King. Join us in making it so. We’ve known pain. We understand the cross. We are believers.

Sister Cheryl recently completed the maximum of two, consecutive-five-year terms on the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Leadership Team. With the additional year because elections could not be held in 2020, she has served for 11 years. A large focus of her ministry has been as Team Liaison for Franciscans For Earth or FFE -- the Sisters' corporate stance. She has worked hard to arrange opportunities to educate, advocate and collaborate with others for Care of Our Common Home.

Her love of God's Creation began early. Sister Cheryl grew up surrounded by the farmland of rural Augusta, MO, and learned to appreciate the reciprocal relationship between human beings and plants. Until her election into Leadership, she served for decades as a high school math teacher. She was an early member of the Intercommunity Ecological Council of Women Religious (IEC) of which she continues. She has represented the Sisters' sponsorships at eco-justice film salons, book signings, college forums, and farmers' markets.

Sister Cheryl has also been responsible for the Sisters' longstanding FFE Eco-Series. Compelling films and/or speakers on current eco-justice topics are presented for free followed by group discussion. This monthly series takes place on the second Tuesday at 7pm central from September through May. (See below.) Cheryl also hosts Laudato Si' Circle which is currently open to new members.

Most recently, Sister Cheryl has planned outreach for the Season of Creation, Sept 1 through the Feast of St Francis on Oct 4. She started by writing this month's Franciscan Blog (see above). The Sisters celebrations will include a series of social media reflections and a Zoom prayer service -- details follow for both. She is guided by Pope Francis and his 7-goals presented at LaudatoSiActionPlatform.org which she shares, "is the perfect vehicle to guide FFE into the future."

Out of concern for our Earth and all the creatures who call it home, including mankind, we are planning a special evening with our Sisters and friends. Let's offer up all of the problems facing the world today in celebration of and thanksgiving for our Common Home during a Season of Creation Prayer Service. We invite you to join us on Monday, September 27 at 6:30 in the evening, central time, via Zoom. We welcome you to share the link with family and friends. Click here to learn more!

The Season of Creation starts Sept 1 and will last until Oct 4 (the Feast of St Francis). As followers of Christ, we share a common role as caretakers to God's Creation with those from around the globe. We see that our wellbeing is interwoven with that of every creature. We rejoice in the opportunity to care for our Common Home and all God's creatures who make their home within it.

The theme this year is "A Season For All? Renewing the Oikos of God." We will celebrate with social media posts of photographic reflections on this theme. Each Sunday and Wednesday morning, the photo will post along with a quote from "Fratelli Tutti" by Pope Francis. Sporadically throughout the week, we will also post reflections on what "home" means to our Sisters.

We have a new Facebook link. Don't forget to update your bookmark www.Facebook.com/FranciscanSistersOLPH so you don't miss a reflection! Be sure to like us and adjust your settings to "see us first" in your newsfeed. To learn more about the international Season of Creation, visit their website at SeasonOfCreation.org.

We still have openings available to join our Laudato Si' Circle group which has been meeting regularly throughout the pandemic via Zoom. Members have finished discussion of Laudato Si' and moved on to study the Pope's more recent encyclical, Fratelli Tutti. This offers the opportunity to invite new attendees. If you would like to join, please contact our facilitator at srcheryl@fsolph.org.

We have had a beautiful response to our "Life is Sweet. Eat Dessert First" mailer that invited our supporters to help us care for our retired Sisters. As you can see below, although our Sisters may transition from their careers, they never really retire! They continue using their gifts for the common good.

We humbly thank you all for your wonderful notes, calls, prayers and donations. Be assured that we pray daily for you and your intentions. To be added to the mailing list or to correct your contact information, leave a voicemail for Sister Connie at (314) 965-3700, ext 109, or email her at srconnie@fsolph.org.

God's Creation provides a multitude of amazing sights. How lucky are we to have the technology to bring so much of the world into view? Unwind and enjoy this selection of YouTube time-lapse nature videos: