Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY

June 14 was an exciting and extra special day for the Tampa Bay Associates.

As a Hybrid community of local Associates and Inquirers gathering with their members in California, Arizona, Massachusetts, Canada and Jamaica, they came together not only for their monthly meeting at St. E’s in Tampa, Florida, but to celebrate their annual Covenant Ceremony. 

This year it was especially exciting because in addition to our Recommitment Ceremony to the FSA Associate Way of Life, we were thrilled to welcome the First Commitment of Brian Lemoi and Frances Siracusa, physically present and living in Tampa Bay, as well as Nancy Wikstrom (Massachusetts) and Sheila Chin (Canada), both of whom join us regularly via Zoom. These Inquirers have journeyed with and been mentored by the community over the last two years. The joy in the air was palpable! It truly was gift to have so many of our Sisters present, joining us in person locally, via Zoom from St. Elizabeth Motherhouse and through their prayerful support for this very special celebration.  

It, too, was an added blessing to have so many of the Mentoring Team members, composed of TAU Team members and Associates that serve as Local Contact supports, also present via Zoom. Mutual spiritual growth and a deep bond has truly formed between all participants over time through the shared experience of prayer and heartfelt discussions held both at our monthly meetings and twice monthly via our Zoom mentoring sessions.  

It was especially uplifting to hear from those making their First Commitment, how their relationship with and connection to the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and Associates has positively impacted and enriched their lives, as well as how specific elements of the FSA Associate Mission and Vision most resonates with each in their daily lives and ministries. By embracing the Associate Way of Life, we choose to partner with our Sisters in prayer and action by sharing our Franciscan-Clarian hearts, values and unique gifts with all whom we interact daily.

Brian Lemoi, Executive Director of the Franciscan Center and Linda Dees, Associate Co-Director

We are thrilled for the growth that the FSA Associate Way of Life continues to experience! These four newly committed Associates, along with Dr. Debra in Jamaica, are part of the seven who prepared for and have or are soon making their first commitment this year. 

We have repeatedly found that two of the most impactful contributors to individuals discovering their own Franciscan heart, being drawn to the charism of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, and our ongoing growth as a community of lay women and men saying “Yes,” to the FSA Associate Way of Life, lies first and foremost with the personal relationship formed with a Sister or an Associate and then by simply receiving an invitation to come, journey and see if the Mission and Vision also resonates with each.

So, if you know of a former Sister, student, friend, colleague or partner in mission who also exudes that same Franciscan-Clarian vision, spirit of joy and deep desire to “be at home with all people,” reach out, engage them in a conversation, and personally invite them to come journey awhile to discover more. Please also feel free to share the contact information of Linda Dees, FSA Associate Co-Director at ldees@fsallegany.org 

Peace and All Good!

St. Elizabeth Mission Society Grant

By: Laura Whitford, President

St. Elizabeth Mission Society is pleased to accept applications for its 2025 grant cycle (due July 1, 2025) for projects in which the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and their Associates are actively engaged and provide services to those who are experiencing poverty at in the U.S. and other countries. 

All applications are due July 1, 2025, complete with signatures of BOTH: an actively engaged Sister or Associate AND a Leadership Contact. 

For ANY questions, please contact: Laura Whitford, Mission Society President,

at (716) 373-1130 or LWhitford@FSAllegany.org.

The application is available in Word and PDF format. 

Pictured (left - right): Sr. Gloria Oehl, OSF, Sr. Rosemary Higgins, OSF, Sr. Melissa Scholl, OSF, Sr. Mary Lou, OSF, and Sr. Chris Doherty, OSF

“Blessed By the Best” ~ One Special FSA Associate 

by Ellen Nash, Associate

There are some special people who give their all to what they believe in and love. Our beloved Rita Canfield, Local Associate Minister and leader of the Calabash, North Carolina Associate community, was such a person.

She loved the Franciscan Associates and was both a mentor and one of the TAU Team members from the very beginning.

Like her longstanding work with the Associates of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, Rita was one of the founding members of our local parish, St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, in Shallotte, NC. Many years ago, when they sold peanuts weekly at a store front to raise money for the building of the original church, Rita was there. She attended Mass every day and served both as a Eucharistic Minister and lector. She was a founding member of the "Brunswick Homeless Coalition,” which is still going strong today.

Along with these many endeavors, Rita led the weekly "Lectio Divina" group at our church, participated in our parish’s weekly “Peace Prayers” (now included in our Associate Guidebook), along with volunteering every Saturday at the local "Miracle Garden,” and "The Lord's Pantry," planting and harvesting vegetables for the needy of our community.

Believe it or not, there's even more. She tended the sound board console at church during Sunday Mass, so the liturgy could be live streamed to “shut-ins.” Along with these many volunteer positions, she also visited two prisons weekly to offer hope, prayer, and encouragement to the inmates.

Of all her “accomplishments” (my word, certainly not Rita's, as she would be too humble), she would say she was “just doing what was needed.” She trusted, and loved our Lord, and whenever she was asked by anyone, “How are you, Rita?” She would always answer, “I'm blessed by the best!”

Rita always parked in the same spot in the parking lot at church and everyone easily knew if she was still at church or not. All we would need to do is just look at “her” parking spot. So, it was only fitting that we honor her by designating that spot somehow with our FSA Associate logo. The Pastor happily gave his blessing. Of all her many ministries, her heart was and is forever linked with her Franciscan family.

There is no doubt, our parish, the TAU Team, and all FSA Associates are forever “blessed by the best!” Rest in Peace, Rita Canfield. You have left an indelible mark of inspiration on our hearts and will be sorely missed!

(Note: Rita passed away April 15, 2025.)

St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in West Islip, New York, has established a new award for its graduates: The Franciscan Heart Award, which is in honor of the Allegany Franciscan Sisters who worked at the school.

The school’s office manager Donna Olchovy tells us, “In reviewing our yearly Graduation Awards (first year principal Vincent Albrecht) thought it would be a wonderful tribute to the former Sisters and Principals who served at St. John’s to have an award named in their honor.”

“After being here for only nine months,” she continued, “seeing and learning the history of the school, Mr. Albrecht created the wording for seven new awards.”

This is the wording for the Franciscan Heart Award:

The Franciscan Heart Award celebrates a student whose life radiates the joy, simplicity, and loving service of the Gospel — the very spirit brought to St. John the Baptist by the Allegany Franciscan Sisters. This student lives with a heart open to others, especially the poor, the vulnerable, and the forgotten, offering compassion without judgment and love without limits. Rooted in the example of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, the recipient embodies the Franciscan charism of peace, care for creation, and selfless giving. Their quiet, faithful presence enriches the school community and witnesses to the Gospel in action. Criteria for this award: Demonstrates humility, kindness, and joy in daily interactions; Actively serves others, particularly those most in need; Lives simply and gratefully, recognizing God in all people and creation; Models peaceful leadership and spiritual generosity.

The Canticle Farm team is excited to introduce Greenhouse Manager Taylor Euston. (right) She has worked at the farm since 2023, and the team says she is “the powerhouse in our greenhouse.”

Taylor says that when she was hired as summer help, she wasn’t sure how long she would work there or what it would entail, but when fall was coming to an end and winter was right around the corner, she knew she absolutely loved this type of work. She says she even agreed to continue working during the winter season, which was a surprising choice for her because she normally avoids driving in the snow. Instead, she welcomed the chance and learned to harvest, clean tools, and organize the farm during frigid temperatures.

“I adore everything we do here on the farm,” Taylor says, “but springtime greenhouse work would have to be my favorite. Knowing that the seeds we are starting will eventually become healthy and enriching food for many people in our community to enjoy, is a beautiful and intentional process to be a part of.”

Also at Canticle Farm, Isaac Spaeth held a “Create a Fruit Tree Guild” workshop last week. A large group of gardeners, undeterred by the rain, attended to learn, spread compost, and ask Isaac lots of questions.

They planted a beach plum tree, a sand cherry, and several strawberries and herbs, all in a beautiful corner of the community garden.

Isaac is planning a second workshop next month focusing on building an herb spiral.

Sarah Naumowich

Becker’s Hospital Review featured Stephanie and Sarah Naumowich, President of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, as Women Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to know. 

Sarah oversees the strategic direction and daily operations of both BayCare Health System specialty hospitals, which together have 319 beds, ensuring delivery of high-quality care while guiding women’s and children’s service lines across the BayCare system. She has led major expansion projects, including the development of a new state-of-the-art pediatric facility scheduled for completion by 2030, supported by a $50 million donation. 

Becker’s also highlighted BayCare’s residency, behavioral health and diabetes and endocrinology programs. The government relations team’s advocacy trip to Washington D.C. garnered attention from the airport to the Capitol. BayCare team members serve as experts on depression, EHR solutions, value analysis, RFID implementation for pharmacy and nurse well-being.