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  ~  Dec. 1, 2016
How do I view a snowstorm? I think of the child in me mesmerized by the wonder of it all---the coldness and magic of each flake melting against my upturned face or on my outstretched wooly gloves. I laugh as each booted foot marches with child-sized stride through the deepening snow. And then the adult in me emerges---annoyed at the inconvenience of it all: cars to be dug out, paths to be shoveled, time lost in drudgery. Give me, at least for today, God of the Drifting Snow, the heart of the child who sees your world with eyes of wonder instead of with jaded fear.
Snowflakes
 
Exquisitely magical falling snow
Lone little bird nestled on a branch
Snowflakes clothed in pure white glow
Don't tell me this happens just by chance
Birds flying in flock as I look out and see
Awesome beauty inspiring me
The Artist with brush painting every twig
On each bush that's small, each tree that's big
Majestic piles of snowflakes are mounting
Deeper and deeper too numerous for counting
Each little snowflake if seen under a scope
Is unique from the other, and that gives me hope
Since I have been born with my own design
Exquisite and magical in the Artist's mind!
 
Florence Petryk
Franciscan Companion in Mission

2016 Craft Fair-Another Great Success!


Many Thanks and Many Blessings!!!

Friday and Saturday, November 18 and 19---were beautiful days both inside and outside Our Lady of Angels Convent. The crafts that graced the tables reflected the talents of the sisters and friends who created them. Crocheted and knitted items, scarves, paintings and framed photographs, baked goods, creamy chocolate fudge, gorgeous bows, handcrafted soaps, lavender bath salts, and other items too numerous and too varied to count---each bespoke a tremendous effort and an array of creative talent. Visitors marked a steady path between the parking lot and convent. Assistants---sisters and friends alike---were on hand to help customers and to make sure displays maintained an attractive appearance. Ads posted online and in print media drew attention---as did the marquee at Dairy Queen! Put it all together and the result was an overwhelming successful Holiday Craft Fair 2016!  Thank you to all who came out and supported our sisters. If you missed it, we hope you will be able to make it next year.

-> Sr. Caroline Sweeney displays one of the charming little blankies---a popular item with young visitors.
Candlelight Prayer Vigil to End Gun Violence

Please join the Sisters of St. Francis in a candlelight prayer vigil!  We invite you to honor the lives lost to gunfire and to stand with us in friendship, community, prayer, and hope for a better world.  Help us end gun violence with prayer and witness.  

Wednesday, December 14, 2016
4 P.M.

Our Lady of Angels Convent
609 S. Convent Road
Aston, PA 19014

We will gather at OLA for a short prayer and instruction before processing together to the corner of Red Hill and Convent Roads for the silent vigil.  Please RSVP if you plan to attend: (610) 459-4125.
Good News - Hot off the Presses

The purpose of the  Good News is to further the Gospel mission of the sisters by sharing the good news of the congregation with our friends, family, companions, and sisters. Through this publication we share the charism of the congregation and invite others to become involved in our mission.  Good News is published three times a year (spring, summer, winter) by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. We welcome your feedback. This issues features the following stories:

Light Amidst Darkness: Offering Hope to Asylum Seekers - Asylee Women Enterprise (AWE) in Baltimore, Maryland, helps those seeking asylum to rebuild their lives and their spirits by providing transitional housing, community, and other supportive services. Sister Anne Patrice Hefner works closely with the women at the center and offers hope and support. In addition, she developed the volunteer program and helps wherever needed.   READ

Providing Meals and So Much More - St. Francis Inn - Sister Leslie Birks, along with all the other staff and volunteers at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia, work tirelessly to feed those who are poor. However, that means more than just providing meals. It means feeding the person's soul, treating them with dignity, and offering other services that provide a hand-up in life-building relationships that build community.  READ

Christmas Inserts

Gift giving at Christmas provides us with an opportunity to tell our friends and loved ones that we care about them. But finding the right gift isn't always easy.   Why not a gift of a Novena of Masses? The Sisters of St. Francis annual Christmas insert not only shares a beautiful card and sentiment, but also gives the blessings of a Novena of Masses offered during the Christmas season. The first display of the Christ Child in the crèche as instituted by St. Francis of Assisi is the theme of this year's insert.

The inserts are packaged 10 per pack for $7. This includes the cost for each pack along with shipping, handling, and credit card processing fee. Complete the form below today to have your inserts mailed to you. Order early!   Click here.


The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia | 610-558-7726 | [email protected] | www.osfphila.org
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