From August 12 to 15, approximately 750 leaders of religious congregations from across the United States, as well as other countries, met in Nashville, TN, in an assembly focusing on "Holy Mystery Revealed in Our Midst." 

   Some of the highlights of the conference were:  

• The keynote addres,: "However Long the Night" by Sr. Nancy Schreck, OSF, was rich and deep, calling religious women to live in the "middle space".  We can only encourage you to go read the text. Her title "However Long the Night" captures the beauty of embracing the night and accepting its gifts and pains in the knowledge that the new day will bring different gifts.  
• Presentation of the 2014 LCWR Outstanding Leadership Award to Sr. Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ. We again encourage reading the text of her presentation. She shared her personal journey and the challenges of being a woman theologian trying to weave her feminine perspective into a church that has for centuries viewed theology through the lens of her male counterparts. 
• Election of Sr. Marcia Allen, CSJ, as president-elect, and Sr. Mary Beth Gianoli, OSF, as secretary
• Passage of two assembly resolutions on:
• the transition to renewable energy sources; and
• The repudiation of the doctrine of discovery, asking Pope Francis to formally repudiate the period of Christian history that used religion to justify political and personal violence against indigenous nations and peoples. 

   FSA Leadership joined three other communities, Joliet, Rochester and Sylvania, for dinner one night during the gathering. These communities, who call themselves "Al's Gals",  see themselves connected through Mother Alfred Moes. Fr. Pamfilio received Mother Alfred's vows in Allegany and the Joliet's first novice was received and entered the novitiate in Allegany, connecting the Allegany Franciscans to the other communities.

 

 

   St. Paul Catholic School began its 85th school year with an enrollment of 330 students. 

   The school was started in 1930 by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, and is part of St. Paul's Parish in St. Petersburg, FL. Since the beginning, there has been a constant Allegany Franciscan presence at the school. Currently, Sr. Joan Carberry serves as Vice Principal, with Sr. Kathleen Stagnaro, former Principal, teaching education once a week for grades three through five.

   Pictured is the banner that was displayed during the start of the 2014-2015 academic school year. Each year the pastor, Msgr. Robert Gibbons, arranges for a banner to be hung on the outside of the school building. Msgr. Gibbons is extremely supportive of the congregation's mission, and in gratitude for the Alleganies' continued commitment to the education of children at St. Paul's, designed this year's banner in recognition of the congregation's 85 years of service.

 

   With the United Nations meeting on September 23 in New York City to discuss climate change and action that must be taken to reduce emissions, strengthen climate resilience, and bring about meaningful global cooperation to protect the environment, a coalition of groups has banded together to organize a march two days prior. 

   Called The People's Climate March, the event is expected to be the largest demonstration on climate change action in history, with support from over 750 organizations worldwide. 

   The event's website says "With our future on the line and the whole world watching, we'll take a stand to bend the course of history. We'll take to the streets to demand the world we know is within our reach: a world with an economy that works for people and the planet; a world safe from the ravages of climate change; a world with good jobs, clean air and water, and healthy communities." 

   

   Franciscan Action Network (FAN) recognizes and promotes the moral obligation of all people of faith to care for the gift of God's creation. As such, we would like to raise the profile of the faith community's support of efforts for sound and equitable climate agreements in the UN.
   FAN is organizing an interfaith panel discussion on Monday, September 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at San Damiano Hall, located at Church of St. Francis of Assisi, 135 W. 31st Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues
   Confirmed speakers include Br. Eduardo Agosta Scarel from Argentina, Shelley Tanenbaum, the General Secretary for Quaker Earthcare Witness, Fletcher Harper, Executive Director of GreenFaith, and Patrick Carolan, Executive Director of FAN.

  To RSVP, email events@franciscanaction.org or call (202) 527-7575.

A retreat for spiritual directors and those who companion others in the Franciscan Tradition. 

Offered by: The Franciscan Center

February 23-27, 2015

Guided by: Nancy Schreck, OSF

Cost: $475 before January 30, 2015

         $500 after January 30, 2015

For more information contact Karen Davies, (813) 229-2695 or email info@franciscancentertampa.org. 

 

September 3 - First September edition e-newsletter

September 17 - Second September edition e-newsletter