In this Issue:
Save the Date!
Canticle Farm's Annual
Farm to Table Dinner
Diocese of Buffalo 175th Anniversary
Franciscan Center's New Director
Teachers' Colleges of Jamaica
"Saluting Our Icons"
New Trustees for
St. Bonaventure University
Ribbon Cutting Celebration at
Enterprising Latinas in Wimauma
Thank You! - St. Gabriel's Supports Ukraine Donations
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Save the Date!
Canticle Farm's Annual Farm to Table Dinner
Sunday, August 14, 2022
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For more information or to purchase tickets, go to the website:
Or visit the local farmer's markets
Tuesday's at 3809 Old State Rd, 12pm-6pm.
Saturday's in Lincoln Park, 8am-1pm.
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Diocese of Buffalo 175th Anniversary
August 11, 2022
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The Diocese of Buffalo is celebrating the 175th Anniversary of its founding on April, 1847.
Our Congregation was established in the Diocese of Buffalo. We have a long history of presence and service throughout the diocese. Let us celebrate with Bishop Fisher and the people of the Diocese on this auspicious occasion. May God’s blessings, goodness and peace continue to nourish and strengthen all who serve and live in the Diocese.
A special Anniversary Mass will be celebrated for parishes of the Southern Tier on Thursday, August 11th at 6:30 p.m. at St. Philomena’s Church in Franklinville, New York.
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The Franciscan Center's New Director: Brian Lemoi
By: Colleen Walters, Board Chair
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It is with great joy and thanksgiving that we announce the selection of Brian Lemoi, as the new Executive Director of The Franciscan Center in Tampa.
Brian’s roots and connection to The Franciscan Center run deep and wide. He has a long history of providing spiritual growth and reflection to others at the Center, credits his own spiritual growth, formation, sense of service and leadership to the mentoring of The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, specifically Sr. Joan Dawson, OSF and Sister Margaret Mary Kimmins, OSF and has worked at the Diocese of St. Petersburg for over 26 years.
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His work at the Pastoral Center for the Diocese of St. Petersburg includes successfully fostering and sustaining a strong and stable team which has been focused on Evangelization, Formation and Pastoral Care. In that role, he managed ten cost centers, raised funds to sustain services and ministries, and led capital projects including maintenance, renovation and construction of school buildings and housing. He has experience in finance, development and grant writing.
It cannot be understated that all on the Search Committee felt that Brian’s application and energy are an answer to a prayer that will lead to the advancement of the long history and spiritual support of the Center for years to come.
Please join me in welcoming home, Brian Lemoi.
His first day with the Center will be in mid-July.
In Peace.
Colleen Walters
Chair of Franciscan Center Board
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Teachers' Colleges of Jamaica - "Saluting Our Icons"
By: Lorraine Chen, OSF
July 10, 2022
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The Teachers’ Colleges of Jamaica (TCJ) formally expressed their appreciation to Sr. Gwen Melhado and 3 other educators for their invaluable contributions to TCJ and the growth and development of Education in Jamaica. I was delighted to accompany Sr. Gwen to this Appreciation Function and Luncheon which was held on July 6th at the Jewel Paradise Cove, Runaway Bay, St. Ann.
The trip from Kingston to St. Ann was 2 hours each way. During this time, I decided to interview Gwen about her tenure as an educator and a principal.
The interview between Sr. Gwen (SG) and myself (SL) went as follows:
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SL: Your teaching career started in 1981 when you graduated from our own St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College. You have now retired as the principal of the prestigious St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College. Briefly, relate your journey from being a classroom teacher to becoming the Principal of a tertiary institution.
SG: Graduated with a Certificate in Teaching in 1981, I sojourned to St. Aloysius Primary School for 11 years. I then continued my studies at Barry University, Miami Shores, Florida, where I earned a Bachelor of Education degree in Elementary Education, and, a year later, a Master of Education in Educational Computing and Technology. On returning to Jamaica, I was assigned to St. Francis Primary and Infant School.
At St. Francis Primary, I introduced Computer Information Technology which was a game
changer for primary schools in Jamaica. The following year, I became Vice-Principal and, a year later, was appointed the principal. I influenced the improvement of the physical plant and raised the bar in discipline and student performance. Eleven years later, I pursued graduate studies at Nova Southeastern University where I earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
At the start of my third year of studies, I transitioned to higher education as the principal of St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College where I served for 13 years before I was elected to Congregational Leadership.
SL: What are some of the goals that you have achieved in the area of education?
SG: Here are some of my achievements.
- Partnered with other teachers’ colleges to move the colleges, including St. Joseph’s
Teachers’ College, to Degree-granting institutions.
- Implemented four additional undergraduate degree programs and six associate
degree programs.
- Developed and implemented systems and structures consistent with the University of the West Indies Quality Assurance system.
- Significant upgrade of the Science laboratories to a state-of-the-art Science Department.
- Built a modern upscale drive and gateway at SJTC to add value to the property and
the civic community, while raising the morale of students and staff.
- Brought civic pride to the consciousness of the college community by transforming the campus to a beautiful and clean safe haven that is more conducive to work and study with modern security service and student services.
- Facilitated having male students in residence on campus.
SL: How would you describe the culture of our Franciscan education institutions in Jamaica?
SG: The ethos in our institutions cause us to stand tall among other institutions at the respective levels (preparatory, primary, high schools, and college). The Franciscan values are evident in our relationships with staff and students. We seek to bring all on board to ensure each person has a place in the institution. Everyone needs to feel respected so strong efforts are in place to maintain peaceful spaces, and a consciousness of God is readily noticed all about. The environments are clean and beautiful while the physical plants are in better condition in comparison to other institutions. Parents vie to get their children enrolled in our schools. Parents said that the Franciscan values make sense to them and desire that molding for their children. Discipline and academic performance/attainment are evident and can be attained.
SL: Covid-19 has greatly impeded the progress of the schoolchildren in Jamaica. In fact, some of the children did not have access to any form of education for the initial two years of the pandemic. The results of the assessment tests that were administered after the students resumed hybrid learning, were dismal. As an experienced educator, what are some suggestions that can be implemented to bridge the learning gap?
SG: The value of education must be restored, whereby parents need to be fully on board with the school and the students need to grow in discipline to take the lead for their own learning. Teachers must continue to collaborate, find, and introduce new strategies/pedagogies to make learning spaces more learner-friendly to achieve the desired goals. Curricula must be revised to include what keep students in schools and what really prepare them for the next stage of learning or for work depending on the education level.
SL: What advice would you give to a young teacher who is just beginning his/her teaching career?
SG: Be sure that you love and express interest in your students, and that you desire to make a difference in their lives. Seek to teach students…and not only the lessons! Make the best of any situation in which you are placed and always seek to bring the best out of your students. Always seek to improve your game and constantly raise the bar in all circumstances.
SL: In reflecting on your 41 years in the field of education, can you think of an event or a situation that caused you to smile and to reinforce your effectiveness as an educator?
SG: Yes, there are many. It is gratifying to me when a student says to me after graduation, “Sr. Gwen, thank you, I would not reach where I am today without you.”
SL: Sr. Gwen, that is a wonderful note on which to end our interview as I can now see that we are approaching the Jewel Hotel. Thank you!
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At the Appreciation Function and Luncheon, a citation was read for each honoree which
stated the individual’s accomplishments and achievements.
In congratulating the awardees, the program stated:
Today, we honor you and celebrate your achievements.
Our colleges could not be the institutions they are without stalwarts such as you.
You are the pillars of our institutions and in paying tribute
we are also honoring you for the fine contribution to our country.
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Four New Trustees, New Leadership Team Named to
St. Bonaventure University Board
July 12, 2022
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St. Bonaventure University’s Board of Trustees will welcome four new trustees and a new board leadership team this fall.
Officially approved as new board members at the summer trustees meeting were Sr. Margaret Magee, O.S.F., congregational minister for the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany; Mark Murphy, ’91, founder and CEO of Greenlight Networks; and Susanna Stitt, ’99, Olean civic leader.
Also serving as an ex-officio trustee in his two-year term as National Alumni Association Board president will be Pat Doyle, ’80, retired security sales specialist of Oracle Corporation. Doyle replaces Kayte Malik, ’03, as the NAAB president.
To read full biographies of the new trustees, click here.
Trustees also elected Michael Hickey, ’84, as the next chair of the Board of Trustees and then endorsed Hickey’s choices for board officers: Carol Schumacher, ’78, and Steve Barry, ’88, as vice chairs and Fr. Dan Horan, O.F.M., ’05, as secretary. Their full biographies can be found here.
Stepping down from the board are chair John Sheehan, ’82, vice chair Deb Henretta, ’83, secretary Michael Hill, ’96, Cindy Abbott Letro and Fr. John Puodziunas, O.F.M.
“I’m eager to begin work with Mike and our new board leadership team to continue the tremendous momentum that John, Deb and Michael helped the university maintain during one of the most challenging times in the university’s history,” said Dr. Jeff Gingerich, president of St. Bonaventure.
“It was readily apparent during the first trustees meeting I attended in June just how many people we have on the board who are deeply committed to pushing this institution to even greater heights.”
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About the University:
The nation’s first Franciscan university,
St. Bonaventure University is a community committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship. St. Bonaventure was named the #5 regional university value in the North in U.S. News and World Report’s 2022 college rankings edition.
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Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Enterprising Latinas in Wimauma
By: Eileen Coogan, AFM
July 14, 2022
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Sr. Jeanne’s module to the left, Carmen’s module to the right. Carmen is a community resident and business owner in Wimauma. |
The cake Carmen made. It was so yummy and fresh. Yes, that is a cake! |
This plaque will be located in the office |
Sr. Jeanne’s Learning Room |
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Hello, Board Members and Sisters, |
Yesterday, our partners at Enterprising Latinas (ELI) hosted a ribbon-cutting to celebrate ELI’s expansion of its Wimauma Opportunity Center. This was an especially meaningful event because ELI named one of the new modular buildings after “our own” Sr. Jeanne Williams, OSF. A long-time champion of Wimauma and especially Enterprising Latinas, Sr. Jeannie exemplifies the role Franciscan Sisters of Allegany have had in Florida communities for nearly 100 years – meeting the needs of the people! The Sister Jeanne Williams Learning Studio will serve as an ongoing reminder of the impact of the Sisters, Allegany Franciscan Ministries, and the Common Good Initiative on the lives of people in Wimauma. Several local sisters, as well as Brittney Frazier and Carla Batts from our staff team, attended the event. |
The framed recognition of Sr. Jeannie – which will hang in both the Sr. Jeanne Inspiration & Learning Room and at our office - says the following:
The Sister Jeanne
Inspiration & Learning Room
is dedicated to Sister Jeanne M. Williams
of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY,
for her advocacy and support of the Wimauma Community.
Sister Jeanne M. Williams, OSF, based in St. Petersburg, has been a supportive partner with Enterprising Latinas and the work we do to promote improvements in the Wimauma community. She belongs to the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY, a congregation of Catholic women religious and their Associates serving the poor and marginalized of Bolivia, Brazil, Jamaica, Mozambique, and the United States for over 160 years.
Sister Jeanne was instrumental, and perhaps one of the principal architects, in the creation of the Common Good Initiative, the strategic blueprint for the revitalization of Wimauma led by our allies at Allegany Franciscan Ministries. Sometime ago Sister Jeanne wrote the following to her Sisters: "As we contemplate the need for peace through justice, we respond as we are able to the needs which present themselves to us wherever we find ourselves." Enterprising Latinas has experienced this first-hand! Maybe one of the most profound of Sister Jeanne's contributions is that beyond being our advocate, she also brought the Sisters to share in the experience of ELI’s work. She has prayed and sung with us so that we could be successful in our endeavors.
Sister Jeanne has many years of experience as an educator, certified spiritual director, retreat leader, and licensed massage therapist. Sister Jeanne was previously a team member on the staff at the Franciscan Center from 1981 – 1993 and again from 2012 to 2016. She has served in leadership in her Congregation and as Co-director of the Franciscan Sisters’ Associate Program. Her areas of expertise include dream work, liturgical music and dance, and holistic spirituality which integrates body, mind, and spirit.
Enterprising Latinas is extremely humbled to be able to continue the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany's legacy of work for peace through justice.
Thank you, Sister Jeanne, for all you have taught us and inspired us to do this work!
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The Franciscan Sisters
of Allegany's legacy
will forever live on.
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Thank You! - St. Gabriel's Supports Ukraine Donations
St. Gabriel’s Roman Catholic Church
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Thank you for praying and supporting the people of Ukraine.
GREAT NEWS…
Through the most outstanding generosity of the people in our area, we collected $160,281 which succeeded the desired goal of $160,000 for the Ukraine Project!
We are proud and thankful for such a response from people of different church denominations, religious priest, the young and the young at heart.
We give thanks to God for YOU! We pray that the Lord may reward you a hundred-fold with many blessings for your kindness.
We will still post information from our people of Ukraine about the effects our donations have made in their lives.
As of now, we have stopped advertising on Facebook and We Share on our Parish Website. Please pray for the people of Ukraine. Please pray for peace in Ukraine. And please pray for the healing of broken hearts, loss of lives, and the destruction of towns and villages.
Once again, God bless ALL of our generous givers; God bless Ukraine.
You are in my heart and my prayers.
Yours,
Fr. Walter
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If you would like to offer additional support, or get more information,
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Attention Sisters, Associates, Partners, and Friends! |
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We are looking for your assistance in
gathering photographs of our sisters with all of you.
Our hope is to receive pictures that tell the FSA story!
We hope to show who the sisters are, what they do, and
the continuing relationships with our associates, partners,
and friends all over the world.
If you have photos that you wish to send to us, reach out using the "Email Us" button below or by contacting our Archivist.
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Newsletter Content Submission Deadline:
August 8th Publication: Due 12:00pm EST - August 5th
August 22th Publication: Due 12:00pm EST - August 17th
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