Get to know more about the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia!  These sisters continue to make a difference in the  lives of God's people every day---through their ministries, their volunteer work, and their prayers.  We hope you enjoy reading more.

Congregational E-News  ~ Oct. 15, 2017
The prayer that we often attribute to St. Francis---the Peace Prayer---was very likely not written by him. But it does certainly reflect Francis' relationship with his God and with those whom he met. Try writing your own version of this prayer to reflect your life and your situation. What would your prayer sound like?
Prayer of St. Francis (My Version)
 
Lord make me an instrument
of your healing grace
Let me bring your peace and love
to every time and place
Let me bring encouragement
to those whose hearts are down
Let me see a smile
on the face who wears a frown
Let me bring forgiveness
to those whose hurt is deep
And where there is a doubting heart,
please give a faith to keep
Let me bring a sense of hope
to those who feel despair
So they will feel your healing love
and know you really care
When it seems there's only darkness,
let me bring your shining light
So that all may feel your presence
and behold your power and might
O Divine Master, let me bring comfort
and not expect return
Let me show I understand,
give courage and affirm
Teach me how to love,
though love is not returned to me
And how to pardon others
who may not pardon me
Help me go on giving
and never count the cost
The more we give and die to self,
the more we have not lost.
 
Phyllis Petryk
Franciscan Companion in Mission
Sisters Share History of Corporate Stands with Muslim Community

Gathering for a group photo: (l-r) Sr. Marie Lucey, Zakria Awan, Sr. Nancy Lamey, Sameena Elkhashab, Sr. Dominica LoBianco, Aktar Awan, Sr. Connie Davis.
In September members of the Zubaida Foundation joined us once again for an afternoon of sharing. The topic for the afternoon focused on the history of our corporate stands, particularly, in light of its application to many of our Muslim guests, the corporate stand on immigration. Sr. Dominica Lobianco explained the congregation's history of taking corporate stands on issues that we see as pertinent to our call to live as sister to all. She delineated the process used, the efforts taken to be properly informed about the issue, and the needed votes for passage. Srs. Marie Lucey and Maria Orlandini discussed in more detail the corporate stand on immigration and the need for comprehensive, compassionate immigration reform. Sr. Kate O'Donnell explained the difference between immigration and sanctuary---indicating that a corporate stand on sanctuary had been requested at one point but had not received the necessary votes for passage. The final speaker for the afternoon was Sr. Nancy Lamey who explained the work she has been doing with a group in Philadelphia. Called New Sanctuary, the organization works to make immigrants better aware both of their rights and of tactics that some people might use to violate those rights. Following the presentation, our guests shared some of their own experiences---particularly experiences of being stopped and questioned by police. Before closing the meeting, the new imam of the Zubaida mosque, Imam Numaan Cheema, was introduced and invited to address the group.

As we were leaving the meeting room, several members of the Muslim community stopped to study the photo display in the main corridor depicting segments of our history. Several people also gathered around the sculpture of St. Francis to pose for photos. As one of the Muslim gentlemen said, "It's a tradition---we also get our photo taken here!" And then---to dinner---a delicious meal prepared by our food services staff. I shared the meal with a husband and wife I had met at several previous gatherings. When I recalled that they had shared photos of their children and grandchildren, they were most happy to share the latest ones. And with each photo, the pride and joy in their family was evident. Some concepts and some feelings are simply universal!

Ann Marie Slavin, OSF

Read more about our corporate stands and our efforts working toward justice and peace, here!
Monthly Need - Tables for Assisi House

Dementia and Alzheimer's rob people of their mental capacity. Our sisters are not immune to these diseases. At Assisi House, our sisters with these health problems reside in Clare Hall. During the daytime hours, the sisters are gathered in a central area of the hall to eat and to participate in a variety of activities designed to stimulate their minds and try to prevent further deterioration.

The tables currently used for eating and hand coordination activities are too small. Many of the resident sisters occupy geri-chairs that provide ample support and comfort. However, the chairs cannot slide under the tables to allow the sisters to eat properly and to participate in activities.

The tables that would work best in this situation are large enough to accommodate the geri-chairs beneath them---making it easier for the sisters to reach their plates and for their therapeutic hand activities. The tables also tilt down to provide a sensory stimulation board on which tactile items are placed to encourage sisters to explore the items at arms' reach. The tilt feature also allows the tables to be moved out of the way when more space is required.

Assisi House hopes to purchase four of these larger tables for Clare Hall. They each cost a whopping $1,000!  Your donation will help in the care for our sisters with dementia.  Click here to donate!

National Vocations Awareness Week

The week of November 5-11 has been designated National Vocation Awareness Week.  In honor of this week, we share a little from the Sisters of St. Francis about what it means to be a sister. 

YOU ARE PART OF SOMETHING GREATER THAN YOURSELF!: "Over the years I've been in many cities where I've always found a 'home' among the sisters. I was welcomed with the real gift of Franciscan hospitality, living together as if I'd always known them."

YOU PLACE A HIGH VALUE ON YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE: You long for a deeper meaning in life and are devoted to prayer and service to others.  -  "Jesus is an ever-present guiding force in my life. But when prayer is difficult or time for personal prayer needs to be shortened, I can depend on and feel the strength of my sisters who are at prayer."

YOU CONSIDER LOVE AND SERVICE AS ONE---AND LIVE A LIFE OF LOVING SERVICE: You are determined to make a difference in the world and your ministry reflects and upholds the values of the gospel and your Franciscan spirituality.
- "One Thanksgiving our house of three decided to invite several senior citizens who were living alone to share our Thanksgiving dinner. The opportunity to 'be a family' for them became an experience that was repeated several times throughout the year."

YOU PARTICIPATE IN SHARED DECISION-MAKING: You live a life of commitment in dialogue with others while experiencing a collaborative model of governance---a concept truly contemporary, feminine, and Franciscan. -  "Through our present governing process, I feel more responsible for the larger sense of community. The experience provides an opportunity for gathering and sharing with sisters who I may not have known previously."

SEEKING THE WAY?: When exploring life choices, you ask questions---important questions---that can help you make a decision and understand how a particular vocation will affect you. -  "The heart of a sister's life is intimacy with God, service to God's people, and care for God's universe. This relationship is lived in community and expressed in a gospel way of life."

Join us as we pray for those discerning a vocation of religious life. Learn more about vocations on our website.  Consider attending a vocation event!
The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia | 610-558-7726 | [email protected] | www.osfphila.org
STAY CONNECTED: