• assisting its members personally and communally to carry out more collaboratively their service of leadership in order to accomplish further the mission of Christ in today's world.
• fostering dialogue and collaboration among religious congregations within the church and in the larger society.
• developing models for initiating and strengthening relationships with groups concerned with the needs of society, thereby maximizing the potential of the conference for effecting change.

By: Denise Bunk-Hatch, Communications Director

   Before the first bombs dropped in Iraq in 2003, the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany were standing silently in Olean's Lincoln Park, witnessing for peace every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. For over a decade, the sisters, associates, and friends stood, regardless of the weather, sometimes alone, sometimes joined by others. When the war in Iraq was declared over, the Sisters stayed.

   These days, you won't see the Sisters in Lincoln Park, but you will still find them in silent prayer for peace every Thursday. The vigil moved earlier this year, making it easier for more sisters to participate. It takes place simultaneously in both the Motherhouse chapel and at the foot of the hill on which the Motherhouse stands, and the community continues to be welcome.

 "We want to open up our Motherhouse to people who want to pray for peace" regardless of faith, said Sr. Carol Ann Kenyon, who has been involved with the silent witness since its beginning. The vigil is held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and participants are free to come and go as they need to.  "We pray for the needs of the world now," explained Sr. Carol.

   The Franciscan charism is one of peaceful witness, and the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany continue in this tradition started by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th Century. In addition to the weekly prayer vigil at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, the Sisters invite everyone to join with them in praying the Peace Prayer of St. Francis each day. 

We thank Jeanne for sharing her reflection on the 2016 Chapter Statement.

From CHAT News

   Glenn Waters, BayCare executive vice president and COO, recently announced, "Kimberly Guy will be transitioning her role to that of President of St. Joseph's Hospital. Kimberly will maintain her current position as the Senior Vice President and Market Leader for our eastern region facilities, which include St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, St. Joseph's Women's Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital North, St. Joseph's Hospital South, and South Florida Baptist Hospital."

   Kimberly joined BayCare in 2005 as  COO of St. Joseph's Women's Hospital. In 2010, she also assumed the leadership role at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital and became President of both. Earlier this year, she became Senior Vice President and Market Leader for BayCare's eastern region.

   Originally from Rochester, NY, Kimberly attended the University of Richmond, where she received her BS in Chemistry, then went on to obtain a Masters in Health Administration from Duke University. Prior to her move to Tampa, Kimberly spent 18 years at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC, her last position being that of Vice President of Operations.
   "I love working with the teams at Women's and Children's hospitals and am looking forward to developing those same relationships with the team as I take on new responsibilities at the Main Hospital," Kimberly said. "We all share a mission to improve the health of our community. Our team members work hard to provide excellent patient care and outstanding customer service, and one of my goals is to be sure they know how much these efforts are appreciated. I'll continue to assure our hospitals work well together across the region and as part of our BayCare Health System."
   Kimberly's transition becomes effective Oct. 21, when current St. Joseph's Hospital President Lorraine Lutton leaves to become the first female CEO of a health system in South Carolina. A national search is underway to fill Kimberly's former role as President of St. Joseph's Women's Hospital and St. Joseph's Children's Hospital.

From CHAT News

   In celebration of St. Joseph's Hospital's Founders Day, October 1, Mission Integration organized a week's worth of events.
   "This year marks the 82nd anniversary of the day the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany opened the hospital at 7th and Morgan Streets on the edge of downtown Tampa," said Arlene McGannon, vice president of Mission. Because Oct. 1 fell on a Saturday, it was combined with the Feast of St. Francis on Oct. 4 and included the annual Blessing of Animals, as well as the Blessing of the Food Pantry.
   "The Food Pantry is a beautiful expression of our Mission," Arlene said. "A total of 95 of our co-workers benefitted from team members' generosity. Thank you to everyone for all that you are and do, every day, to bring our Mission alive. God bless you!"

 

   Trinity Cafe is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary, and as part of that celebration have produced videos celebrating the cafe's history. One such video honored Sr. Maureen Dorr, a longtime volunteer at the cafe who passed away on October 1, 2015. To view the video, click here. 

   It's never been easier to find information on the Congregation's history! Starting today (Monday, October 24), the congregational archives are now available electronically via our website! 

   The archives website allows users to find information from past articles featured in Allegany Connections, Zeal, and the e-newsletter, as well as featuring scrapbook pages and information on the congregation's work in various ministries, including education and healthcare. 

   While some portions of the website are still under construction, many features are available now! Click here to visit the archives pages, or find it on our main website under the "About Us" tab and on the front page!