Congregational E-News ~ Jan. 15, 2017
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The Book of Ecclesiastes tells us that "There is an appointed time for everything...a time to be born and a time to die...a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance." Most of us, I imagine, have experienced these "times" and---depending on our age---probably on more than one occasion. And yet we usually manage with God's help and God's love to move with reasonable resilience and dignity between these times of great joy and great sorrow. I have to ask myself how often I've stopped and consciously thanked my God for being with me even when it may have seemed that I was alone.
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In the winters of my life
When rough winds blow
And icy cold tries to numb my heart,
Remind me gently, Love,
That spring will come again
With its flowers,
With its gentle breeze,
And with your smallest lark
I will sing again.
But maybe,
Just maybe, Love,
The better thing to do
Is to sing in winter
On the coldest day,
Even in the icy rain,
Even when the words of song,
Your Song,
Are sung on the breath of a sob.
Ann Marie Slavin, OSF
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Celebrating 20 Years: Rooted in the Gospel, Welcoming All
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Many individuals and groups come to the center for retreat days as well as week-long and weekend retreats. A three-week sabbatical program directed by Brother Michael Laratonda, FMS, is held each summer. |
The Franciscan Spiritual Center in Aston is celebrating its 20th anniversary! This celebratory year actually opened in October 2016 with a special liturgy, luncheon, and presentation by Bishop Robert Morneau, auxillary bishop emeritus of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Special 2017 programs include the annual Charism Day in March featuring singer and song writer Marty Haugen. In May a concert featuring violinist Barbara Jaffe and harpist Margaret Love will be held in Our Lady of Angels Chapel. The OLA Choir, under the direction of Sister Andrea Likovich will also perform. The evening will include a program of song and poetry. The final celebratory event will be in June when the center will present An Evening with the Brothers of Taize led by Brother John. This ecumenical prayer service will include song, readings, and shared silence in an atmosphere of simplicity and tranquility.
Visit the spiritual center's website
here.
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Human Trafficking Awareness
President Barack Obama has
proclaimed January 2017 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the United States,
calling upon businesses, national and community organizations, families, and all Americans to recognize the vital role we must play in ending all forms of human trafficking. Pope Francis has said, "Human trafficking is a crime against humanity. We must unite our efforts to free victims and stop this crime that's become ever more aggressive, that threatens not just individuals, but the foundational values of society."
There are an estimated 20.9 million victims of human trafficking globally.
- 68% of them are trapped in forced labor
- 26% of them are children
- 55% are women and girls
Globally, an estimated 4.5 million people are trapped in forced sexual exploitation. In 2015, it is estimated 1 out of 5 endangered runaways reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children were likely victims of child sex trafficking.
How does it Happen?
Sex and labor trafficking doesn't only happen to undocumented workers or people forcibly taken from their home countries. It happens to U.S. citizens too. The Polaris Project tells how through these survivor's stories.
- Love Lies: Sarah, a 17-year-old from rural Ohio, ran away from home because her parents drank and neglected her. One day, a 30-year-old man offered to take her out and, flattered, she agreed. They began a relationship and at first he treated her well. They moved in together. But when he couldn't make the rent, he asked her to engage in commercial sex to make money. Sarah felt uncomfortable but agreed because she didn't want to return home and wanted her boyfriend to be happy. One night when Sarah was out on the street, she was raped by a stranger who initially solicited her for sex. She immediately called the police which led to her rescue.
- False Advertising: Kevin was recruited by a salesman who came to his door selling magazines. When Kevin mentioned he was having financial troubles, the man offered him a job and a signing bonus. Every day, Kevin worked from 8 A.M. until after midnight, was required to pay for lodgings and gas, and was only paid if he met daily quotas. If he performed well, he would be paid in drugs. He never saw the signing bonus he had been promised. When Kevin tried to leave, one of the managers threatened to kill him and confiscated his identification documents.
How Can You Help?
Sources: International Department of Labor, International Labor Organization, Polaris Project, Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange
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Guest Bartender Event - January 19, 2017
Raise a pint to your favorite Sister of St. Francis at our Guest Bartender Night on Thursday, January 19, 2017, at the BBC Tavern & Grill, 4019 Kennett Pike, Greenville, Delaware. You might even be served by a sister! The evening will feature a number of our sisters behind the bar. Join us to meet our sisters and enjoy a brew or a drink. The night promises to be great fun. 100% of the tips will go to our retired sisters. Click here for more information.
Here is a list of the bartenders and when they will be serving, so you don't miss your favorite. We hope to see you there!
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