As we begin this New Year filled with so many unknowns, I think of my dear mother who was a woman filled with great faith. She was also quite the worrier. I am often asked if I am a worrier. Actually, I don’t think I worry, but I do wonder a lot.
To wonder means to be amazed, to leave space for possibility, to observe with care, to reflect on. Studies have shown that having a sense of wonder strengthens our feeling of connection to others and creates a desire to invest in something bigger than ourselves.
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Sr Renita Brummer
Minister General
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We all have a lifelong hunger to be moved, to be engaged and fascinated by the world, and to take joy in it. The good news is that opportunities for wonder surround us in all of Creation. After all, God said it was good.
In this e-newletter we share ways we Sisters are entering the New Year full of wonder. May 2022 be a wonder-full year for you too.
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Our Sister Margaret Ann celebrates the New Year at Cardinal Ritter Senior Services. |
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Click the box below to read the latest Franciscan Blog from our website. |
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We often receive messages of praise and thanksgiving from our Sisters' former students, and we love to pass them along. After attending a recent class reunion, Yvonne shared, "I wanted you to know how much we fondly remembered and appreciated the dedication and compassion of the Franciscan Sisters who taught us. You were more than teachers. You were our spiritual role models, showing us the importance of service to others and challenging us to be leaders in our chosen paths."
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The note went on to mention Sister Raphael (right and below) by name. We hear from many that she was a wonderful history teacher capable of bringing the subject to life. She was originally from Omaha, taught at St Bernadette's Grade School, and became part of the staff that opened Daniel J Gross High School in 1968 in the same city. She taught there again from 1975 to 1977. |
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Sister Raphael grew up in St Francis of Assisi Parish and attended St Mary's High School. She made first vows with our Community in 1958 and final vows in 1961, before earning a BA in 1963 and a Masters in 1969, both from Saint Louis University. Through the years, Sister also taught and served in various educational, leadership and formation capacities in St Louis, MO; Dayton, OH; Monroe, LA; Olathe, KS; and Rock Springs, WY. Sister is now retired and living in St Louis.
Yvonne goes on to say, "To my former teachers, like Sister Raphael, thank you for your confidence, your interest in us as individuals and your prayers for all your former students over the years. My five siblings and I are better people for having you as a teacher."
Thank you to Yvonne and all who share their stories and reach out to our Sisters! If you would like to reconnect with one of our Sisters, go to our website at www.fsolph.org under the "About" tab and fill out the "Find A Sister" form. |
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The hungry must be fed... |
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Despite the pandemic, our Sisters continue to volunteer at
St Anthony's Food Pantry in South City, St Louis.
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Volunteer Queen (left) prepares to welcome clients with Sister Amy, Sister Colleen and Sister Monica. |
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Sister Colleen and Sister Amy prepare food donations for the families served by
St Anthony's Food Pantry.
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Follow us on Facebook or Instagram in 2022 |
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We are celebrating special days with prayer and reflection throughout this coming year! Watch for images like this one on our Facebook and Instagram pages, and be sure to click through to see the reflection and link. Follow us on Instagram at FranciscansForEarth, or search for us on Facebook at FranciscanSistersOLPH. |
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Witnessing Gospel Values: |
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New session! Paving Paths: Sitting with Mary
& Francis -- in Kirkwood 3/15; online 3/16
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Please consider joining us for a new session of Paving Paths for Peace & All Good, our presentation series in which we share stories from the life of St Francis of Assisi that are as pertinent today as they were in 12th century Italy. You can choose to join Sisters Renita, Connie and friends in-person at 6:30pm Tuesday, March 15 at Tau Center in Kirkwood, MO; or at 6:30pm on Wed, March 16 through Zoom; as they share Paving Paths: Sitting with Mary & Francis.
We learn much when we sit with those we love. Experience their presence and learn how their journey is also our journey. Watch for registration on our website to sign up for the evening of your choice. Be sure to include your information so we can contact you in case COVID restrictions change. Those who register for the Zoom session will receive a link to join, and we hope to send all registrants a reminder the day before.
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Lenten Book Discussion registration due February 17. Sign up today! |
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Our Lenten treat for 2022 will be a discussion of Dr Jane Goodall’s long-awaited release “The Book of Hope.” Former Franciscans For Earth Director, Maurice Lange, will host this special event. The 3-part series will be held on March 10, March 24 and April 7, at 6:30pm via Zoom.
To provide time to acquire and read the book, registration is required no later than Feb 17. Discussion questions will be emailed to registrants on Feb 18. The book may be purchased from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and other on-line booksellers. Learn more and register here.
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Responding to the Needs of Society: |
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Did you know that foodwaste makes up nearly 22% of the waste we send to landfills? Register now to join us through Zoom on Tuesday, Feb 8 at 7pm, as we welcome Maggie McCoy to teach us about about options, field to fridge, that could change this situation. She will also offer encouraging, practical, and money-saving tips. Maggie is Education Coordinator with the EarthWays Center of Missouri Botanical Garden. Sign up today to receive your link to join! Read more
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Please consider joining the conversation on Tuesday, March 8 at 7pm via Zoom, when speakers from various foundational organizations gather to discuss the origins of the Report on Environmental Racism in St Louis, and the community support, challenges, and actionable steps to be taken. Speakers will include Karisa Gilman Hernandez, a community organizer for Dutchtown South Community Corporation; Ashton Kuehnel, grassroots organizer for the Missouri Chapter of Sierra Club; and Katherine Fenerson, a civic engagement organizer. Read more
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Our January FFE Eco-Series Speaker event entitled "Where is Away?" was recorded so it can be viewed through YouTube. If you joined us live, please share this link so that the information presented helps us all make more sustainable choices. Click here to view the recording.
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Presented by "Green Jean" Ponzi from the EarthWays Center of Missouri Botanical Garden, for Franciscans for Earth on 1/11/22. Have questions after viewing? The Garden's Green Resources Info Service is at your service! Email us at greenresources@mobot.org or call (314) 577-0246.
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Exploring Intersections February discussion on Equitable Access to Healthcare |
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The skyrocketing costs of insurance and premiums, the unemployed without the means to matter to those with means, the costs of prescriptions required to keep one alive versus the cost of feeding one’s family, has led to a crisis of seemingly insurmountable proportions for the majority of persons in need of care within our country.
Join our conversation February 9 at 3pm Central. Registration is free and open to the public as we provide a forum for constructive conversation on Equitable Access to Healthcare. Links to register for this conversation via Zoom, or to access YouTube videos and podcasts of our past Exploring Intersections discussions, are available through at www.exploringintersections.org. |
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Left to right: Seated are Sisters Mary Anne and Connie, and standing are Sisters Rosalie, Renita, Ellen and Stephanie. |
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Every year millions of men, women and children are trafficked around the world, including right here in our US big cities and small towns. January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In an effort to raise awareness, the Department of Homeland Security hosted #WearBlueDay on January 11, and the Sisters at Tau Center showed support. |
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We want to thank all those who responded so generously to our mailer. When you join in our mission through support and prayer, you are helping us to continue being a transforming presence in society as we enable and empower others to live the Gospel with hope and joy. |
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Laudato Si' Action Platform for Families |
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Pope Francis has invited us all to do our part to care for God's Creation. According to the website, "a Laudato Si’ Action Platform is a space for institutions, communities, and families to learn and grow together as we journey towards full sustainability in the holistic spirit of integral ecology. Your unique culture, experience, involvements, and talents are needed on our journey towards greater love for our Creator, each other, and the home we share." (LS 14) As a religious community, the Sisters are working on their Laudato Si' Action Platform, and they invite your family to work on yours! Check out the website for a wide range of resources to help you choose your platform and goals or simply scroll down here to begin with some great videos: |
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For grandparents and parents of young children, we recommend this K-2 religious education site with engaging environmental videos created by a Catholic diocese in Australia. It is called Creation Corner. |
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Are you curious about integral ecology? Can you define ecological conversion? We encourage you to reach out and continue learning. Discover this video and others at Eco-catholic.com.
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Our mission is to be a transforming presence in society through witnessing Gospel values. Faithful to our charism in the mission of the Church, we prophetically respond
to the needs of contemporary society. As compassionate women alive in the spirit,
we enable and empower others to live the Gospel with hope and joy.
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