In this Issue:

Peak of the Week!

Welcome Sister Death

SJFA Christmas

Motherhouse Associate Meeting

Christmas Lights Bus Tour

Motherhouse Happenings

Christmas Day Mass - St. Elizabeth Motherhouse

Fellowship & Sharing

"Light Comes"

Jamaica & Franciscan Mission Service

January 10

Cut Your

Energy Costs Day

Use this day to make changes in your daily life that would reduce your energy consumption and cut down on your monthly energy expenses.

• Turn down the heat and the cooling when you are not home.
• Switch off all unnecessary lights when you are home.
• Walk or ride a bike to work – not only is it healthy, you will be saving $$.
• Carpool or take public transport to work.
• Take shorter showers to save on water consumption and heating costs.

Did You Know…that using lids while cooking can reduce energy consumption by as much as 15%?

January 19

Popcorn Day

The unofficial holiday is also sometimes celebrated on the day of the Super Bowl in the United States, where it is called National Popcorn Day.

Popcorn has a very long and varied history. Historians believe that corn whose kernels could be popped was first cultivated around 5000 B.C.E in Mexico. Archeologists have found evidence of first popcorn maker – a utensil with holes and a handle – dating back to 400 C.E. in Peru.

In many indigenous cultures, corn and popcorn were used for religious purposes and decoration.

Popcorn became popular in the US around the early 1900s when it was sold on street corners under the name of Pearls. Now a popular movie theater snack, theater owners initially were against serving popcorn in their premises. During the depression, however, popcorn became one of the few luxuries that people could afford forcing theater owners to start selling popcorn. Today, it is a huge part of the movie experience.

January 29

Puzzle Day

Celebrated every year on January 29, the holiday honors puzzles of all types - jigsaws, riddles, science, math, mechanical, and word puzzles, and of course,

real life puzzles.

Puzzles are problems that are difficult to solve or require special skills to resolve. They can take various forms and emphasize different expertise. For example, crosswords, word search, and anagrams put a person's vocabulary and skills with a language to test. Games like Sudoku and Rubik's Cube, on the other hand, test the player's logical thinking and mathematical skills. Jigsaws develop patience and visual skills.

In addition to being entertaining and fun, puzzles have distinct health and social benefits, especially in early childhood. Collaborative puzzles help children learn how to work together while learning other spatial, motor, and problem-solving skills. Studies have shown that doing puzzles can help enhance brain activity in adults. It also increases creativity and concentration, and it improves memory.

To see where we found these fun holidays and check out more from around the world, visit: www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun 

Born: Ellen Mary MacDonell, February 7, 1932, Judique North, Nova Scotia, Canada

Died: December 27, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY

Daughter of: Archibald and Mary Fitzgerald MacDonell, Judique North, Nova Scotia, Canada

Obituary:

Ellen entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on September 8, 1958; was received into the Congregation on July 2, 1959; and professed her final vows on July 3, 1966. As an Allegany Franciscan, Sister lived and worked for 64 years sharing in the life and mission of the Congregation.

She attended grammar and high school in Judique North graduating from Judique Rural Consolidated High School in 1951. Following graduation, Ellen attended St. Martha School of Nursing in Antigonish, Canada, where she received her RN in 1953. For five years prior to her entrance into the Congregation, Ellen used her nursing skills and talents at St. Francis Hospital in Miami, FL, a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters.

In 1961, Sr. Ellen attended D’Youville College in Buffalo where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She furthered her education at Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY and received her license as a Nursing Home Administrator. In addition, she completed the Hospital Executive Development Program through the University of St. Louis, St. Louis, MO.

Sister began her ministry in healthcare in Congregational hospitals. In 1964, she served as Director of Nursing Services at St. Francis Hospital, Olean, NY followed by 3 years in Geriatric Nursing Administrator at Villa Mary Immaculate, Albany, NY. In 1970, Sr. Ellen returned to Olean where she was the Administrator of St. Joseph Manor followed by Supervisor of Mary’s Hall at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY and Nursing Administrator at St. Joseph Hospital, Tampa, FL.

Sr. Ellen used her nursing skills for the next 20 years ministering to the poor, marginalized and elderly at Mary’s House in Philadelphia, PA, St. Joseph Villa, Catskill, NY and in St. Francis Parish, Ft. Myers, FL.

In 2005, Sister retired from active ministry and shared in community with Franciscan Sisters in Medford, MA. In 2014, she was warmly welcomed home to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, where she became part of the Franciscan Crafters and shared her many talents in crocheting, quilting and outstanding seamstress.  

Sr. Ellen is predeceased in death by her parents, Archibald and Mary Fitzgerald MacDonell, three brothers: Leo, Lauchlin and Bernard MacDonell. She is survived by a brother, John MacDonell, a sister-in-law, Yvonne MacDonell and several nieces and nephews.

A Wake Service will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 4:00 PM in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, New York. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:30 AM in the Motherhouse Chapel, followed by burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery Allegany, New York.

The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, NY. For condolences and comments, please visit www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com 

We had many Christmas traditions in our family about gift giving on Christmas day. Santa always left unwrapped gifts under the tree, and we would open gifts from one another later in the day. When our children woke up Christmas morning, they were not allowed downstairs until their Dad and I were seated on the couch with our morning coffee. Our three children and even the dog had to wait at the top of the stairs brimming with anticipation. Then they would pounce down the stairs while their dad and I watched them pick up every toy and empty every stocking with wide eyed joy! While it is a materialistic view of the Season, for me that one moment is also symbolic of those overwhelming stirrings we feel each time Jesus is reborn in our hearts. It is the anticipation and joy we feel not only at Christmas but throughout our spiritual journey. It is in these moments the Incarnation becomes an integral part of our daily lives.

As Allegany Franciscan associates, we try to share our gifts with one another through shared prayer, hospitality, and of course food. We serve and reach out through other ministries in our daily lives and also in our Congregation. During the Christmas season, the South Jersey associates adopt a family. As a mom this is one of my favorite times of the year and even though we are not there when our adopted family opens their gifts Christmas morning, I know the joy that comes with watching this moment. In Luke we read how the baby leaped in Elizabeth’s womb when she heard Mary’s greeting. Yes, the gifts are materialistic, but the joy we experience in giving and receiving is what we carry in our hearts from these moments and hopefully the memories last long after we put away the tree and the trappings of the Season. I pray we can all become the child on the stairs waiting for the presence of Jesus to leap in our hearts and stir us into always being a joy filled giving people of God.

Pictured from left to right going up the stairs and back down again: Pat Simmons, Sandra Klose, Joan Hoolahan, Jeanette Poole, Lauretta Chiarni, Anne Bock, Sharon Onofer, Maddie Foley, Carol Ciesielski, Mary Jacques, Edna Suckow, Sr. Pat Klemm, Peggy Madison, Sr. Pat Sheeran, (behind the camera) Robin Roche.

Associate Co-Directors Linda Dees and Colleen Brady, OSF came to Allegany for a visit and meeting with the Associate group, in person and via Zoom.

Mary Laubenthal, Joyce Ramage, OSF, and Colleen Brady, OSF, having a visit. 

The New York Associate meeting was held at St. Elizabeth's Motherhouse. Some of the Associates attended the meeting via Zoom.

Linda and Joyce preparing the car for the trip to the Buffalo airport. 

During the evenings of Tuesday, December 13th and Monday, December 19th, Motherhouse sisters enjoyed driving around Olean, New York to see the Christmas lights in the Motherhouse bus. Sisters from the St. Francis, St. Clare, St. Elizabeth and St. Bonaventure Communities participated. We were joined by John Bhe, Maintenance Supervisor, and John’s family, Cary and Emily. The experience was uplifting. The spirit in the bus was joyful. What a wonderful way to invite us into the Christmas spirit. We are grateful to John Bhe for driving the bus. 

The end of the year has been busy at the Motherhouse! 

November was kick started with a professional development day for the department heads in the Motherhouse. Thank you to Sr. Margaret Magee for putting on an educational presentation regarding the Franciscan Sisters history and spirituality! All involved felt this to be most beneficial as lay persons at the Motherhouse. There are intentions to broaden our new employee orientation to include more history moving forward. 

The Olean Times Herald's announcement of the Motherhouses’ new Administrator was in the November 20th edition. A fitting time as I am quite thankful to be here at the Motherhouse! This was also announced via the Olean Area Chamber of Commerce social media on 11/30/22. 

Thanksgiving was a success; as usual the kitchen staff did a fabulous job. Both with the meal here at home, and with preparation of the doctors’ bags. Thank you to the Sisters for delivering those! 

Thanksgiving gives us a chance to recognize things we are always thankful for. One of which things being the staff employed here. The Sisters are most vocal about how grateful they are for the staff; it is appreciated. 

Thank you, Sisters, for your participation in the Santa Clause Lane Parade! This year the Motherhouse was in the parade and on full display for our local community! 11 Sisters rode on the Motherhouse bus, donned in Santa hats; it was a wonderful evening. We plan to continue this participation in the parade as an annual tradition! 

December was also a great month! The Shower for Mary was be held on December 8th; The spirit of giving is alive in our staff, Sisters, and community! This event proved to result in great success!

On December 11th the Motherhouse hosted a concert by Marcia Wymer, another event open to the public! 

We also enjoyed spirit week, a secret Santa gift exchange among staff, and hot cocoa with the Sisters at their Holiday party. Thank you, Sisters, for letting us join your party!  

We here at the Motherhouse celebrated the Christmas holiday with a staff door decorating contest; The first shift Nursing department won first place! 

We look forward to the new year and are hopeful of all things 2023 may bring us!

On December 25th, Sr. Donna Kane was chosen by our Motherhouse sisters to carry the baby Jesus to the Manger during our Christmas Day Mass at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Father Dominic Monti, OFM presided at Mass and blessed our Nativity scene. After Mass we enjoyed a delicious dinner with the Friars and our sisters from the local areas.

What is the best gift in the world?  A broken drum because you can’t beat it.

What did the bald man say when he received a comb for Christmas? I will never

part with it.

With these ice breakers, Sr. Trinita, OSF welcomed the gathering representing the

workers from Immaculate Conception Preparatory School, Immaculate Conception

High School, and Immaculate Conception Convent. She reminded them that this was the only time of the year that the group came together as a family to give thanks to God for

His many blessings and to celebrate the birth of Christ.

The Christmas Prayer Service which was held on December 21^st in the chapel at

Immaculate Conception Convent provided the opportunity for the participants to

share what Christmas means to them.  Some of the responses were as follows:

• We make a difference by the love that we share. Bring yourself and your love to Jesus.
• Prepare to meet the Lord by loving your brothers and sisters.
• We are thankful to be here for we could not make it for another year without God.
• I give thanks and praise to God for those around us and the Sisters who are present with us.
• Some people don’t believe in God, but we boast about the Lord.

Sr. Grace Yap reminded those present that this was about the 24^th year that they

have been having this Christmas Prayer Service. Notable Singer, Velia Espeut, and,

organist, Allison Wallace Fletcher, led the group in the singing of Christmas carols.

The final blessing was given by Rev. Fr. Roland Dessine who also gave the homily.

After the very inspiring prayer service, the participants went home with gift packages.

Fr. Roland delivering his homely.

Shared Reflection.

The Porziuncola Farm is an outreach mission of Franciscan Ministries which is headed

by Sr. Grace Yap, OSF. The farm which is located in Braes River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, was established to give life-long sustainability to a core group of residents. These persons would eventually become self-sufficient by developing the farm with agricultural crops. This would definitely assist with the need for food security for the country.  

Presently, the main crop on the farm is cassava, the flour of which makes the ever-popular

bammies. There is also a bee farm on the property which produces the top-of-the-line

logwood honey.  Wide-scale production of the bammies and logwood honey has been

impeded by the lack of electricity.  However, thanks to a grant from the St. Elizabeth Mission Society, Sr. Grace has been able to get electricity to the farm.  This was not an easy task. It involved erecting electrical posts, getting certified electricians to install the wiring, and acquiring the necessary permits and approval from the Jamaica Public Service Company. This is indeed a milestone for the farm which will certainly increase its productivity.

This significant event was celebrated on December 22nd at the farm’s Christmas gathering. Sr. Grace and a group of well-wishers from Kingston and 30 residents from the 

community gathered at the farm to give God thanks for His many graces and blessings.

A delicious meal was served which included the traditional Christmas dishes, such as,

baked chicken, ham, salad, and the popular gungo peas and rice.  A member of the

community was also celebrating his birthday so he had the honor of cutting the cake.

As night approached, the significance of the season, Light replacing Darkness, was

once more highlighted with the turning on of the lights on the outdoor Christmas tree.

There was also a sense of gratitude that the Porziuncola Farm was able to get 

electricity because of the generosity of the contributors to the St. Elizabeth Mission

Society.

Celebrating Christmas at the Farm. 

The Residents Decorating the Christmas Tree.

Thank you so much for your ongoing support of Franciscan Mission Service. We are so grateful for the partnership at every level: Board leadership, hospitality and wisdom in Kingston; spiritual and financial support. I thought you might appreciate the attached slide show from the recent site visit to Kingston. You'll see photos of the sisters, Joleen (the current FMS missioner), Rose (the FMS Associate Director who conducted the site visit), ministry sites, and more. 

To view the slides:

To learn more about the Franciscan Mission Service,

visit their website: Franciscan Mission Service

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.