Edition No. 82 — November 2, 2018
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Vocation Ministry
Openness to Religious Life
Chestnut Hill College
October 26, 2018
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Next week, November 4 - 10, is National Vocation Awareness Week. According to recent national CARA studies on entrants to religious life, vocations have been steadily increasing and recent articles report a renewed interest in religious life among young adults.
Chestnut Hill College is unique in many ways, and one of its greatest gifts is the vibrant and visible presence of 36 sisters who minister there and are wonderful role models of faith and selfless love for the college community, students and staff.
To capitalize on this blessing,
Sister Celeste Mokrzycki SSJ
, Vocation Director, invited the sisters to lunch and a conversation about what they can do together to cultivate vocations. Celeste shared: “Our vocations were nurtured, encouraged and supported by the countless moments of encounter with the Sisters as they ministered to us — listening to our stories, answering our questions, laughing and sometimes calling us to the more — and this continues today with all of you. I am here to share some updated findings about vocations, but mostly to listen to you about how together we can more effectively approach this challenging topic. I will share the latest statistics about entrants which will give us a better picture of the young adults who are feeling called to religious life, what is attracting them and hopefully give us some insight about the possible shape of religious life in the future.”
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18
th
Annual Bazaar
Saint Joseph Villa
October 26-27, 2018
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The ever-popular Autumn Bazaar (aka
Sister Ann Moriarty SSJ
SALE) was held on October 26-27 in the auditorium at Saint Joseph Villa, in Flourtown, Pennsylvania.
With gifts for
all seasons and reasons
, the bazaar provides the perfect opportunity to get an early start on holiday shopping. The auditorium was filled with jewelry, beautifully made baby gifts, seasonal baskets, candles, Christmas decorations and many homemade and donated items.
Ann shared her gratitude: “I am deeply grateful for your prayers, moral support, donations (both financial and donated items) and plain hard work. The Villa Bazaar was a huge success! Everyone was happy and most went home with some item(s) they never expected to have and a good start on their Christmas shopping list. Having the Bazaar here at the Villa with more room, more donations and more people able to attend made a big difference.
The winner of the Christmas Carol clock was Sister Marie Cella and the winner of the Christmas dishes was Sister Irma Gazzillo. Thanks again for everything! Start saving your pennies for next year.”
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Celebrating Halloween
Saint Joseph Villa
October 30, 2018
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A scary good time was had by all who attended the 4th Floor Halloween Party on Tuesday, October 26, 2018.
This year the
‘costume’
was a variety of hats, with some hats really fitting the personality of the wearer. The sisters also enjoyed games, including “passing the cat” instead of “passing the hat,” ala musical chairs.
Everyone enjoyed the fun, food, activities and sharing a good time with each other.
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Photos courtesy Lourdes Kennedy SSJ
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Prayerful Remembrance
Tree of Life Synagogue
November 1, 2018
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The Motherhouse community and staff joined the Chestnut Hill College community on November 1st at 4pm for a twenty-minute remembrance prayer. Gathering in the Rotunda of St. Joseph’s we prayed for those who lost their lives in the tragic massacre in Pittsburgh and for all those in the Tree of Life Synagogue. We then processed to the Peace Pole, located near the campus entrance.
Our prayer serves as an act of solidarity with all who mourn; families, loved ones, and the entire Jewish community. Together, may we offer support to one another that we then offer beyond ourselves and always toward the Dear Neighbor. May our gathering be a witness to healing, hope, and peace among us, in our city and in our world.
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"Rooted in the mission of Christ, ours is the same mission which continually unfolds in the Church, 'That all may be one as you, Father, are in me, and I in you. I pray that they may be one in us.' (Jn 17:21)."
— SSJ Constitutions #17
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