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  ~  July 15, 2017
We all have days when nothing seems to go right and no one seems to care. There are days when trouble seems to be winning and worry seems about to crush us. There is NEVER a day when our God is absent from our lives, never a day when our God doesn't care. Help me, God, to trust in your ongoing love for me.
A Little Sadness
 
Dear Lord Jesus
I'm not feeling well today
Find whatever's not of you
and take it all away
Let me see your Sunshine
amid the drops of rain
Let me feel your presence
in the midst of all my pain
I don't know what's the matter;
to me it isn't clear
I'm feeling down and out of sorts
it doesn't seem you're near
But I have faith you'll see me through
and I'll be feeling better
Because I've stopped to pray to you;'
I know that we're together
It's you and me, my Lord and God,
that travel through the storm
In wind or rain, cold or chill,
I know you'll keep me warm
And so I'm feeling better
as I start another day
Knowing that you'll keep me safe
and guide me on my way
I give you praise and thanks today
for all that you have made
And thank you that you conquered death---
the cost of sin is paid!

 
Phyllis Petryk
Franciscan Companion in Mission
Sisters on West Coast Work for Advocacy

Sr. Jude Connelly (far right) joined the Dominican sisters in raising awareness about the prevalence of human trafficking.
Our sisters at St. Ann Convent in Tacoma, Washington, have been working on a number of justice issues. Srs. Florence Petsch, Mary Breen, and Jude Connelly have been working on making people aware of human trafficking. In one of their early attempts, they stood at the corner of 6th Avenue and State Street in North Tacoma with homemade signs (prior to the making of large banners), warning people driving by about human trafficking in our neighborhoods. These signs and Sr. Mary Breen's walker certainly drew public attention!
 
The sisters also worked with others who were involved in the same endeavor. Sr. Jude, for example, joined with the Dominican sisters and their associates in raising awareness of the problems of human trafficking in Tacoma and across the country. Srs. Florence and Rochelle Liu also stood in solidarity with the Dominicans on the third Friday of each month. Drivers honked their horns in response to our "Stop Human Trafficking" message on banners and signs.
 
We also reached out to a local parish. Srs. Jude and Florence spoke with parishioners in St. Leo Parish encouraging them to join the effort. 
Saying Goodbye to Our Franciscan Volunteers

Mandee DeMarco, Ranchel Dunlap, Director Sara Marks, and Theresa Kennedy gather for a photo after the celebratory Mass and storytelling.
We are incredibly grateful for this year's amazing Franciscan Volunteer community! We have truly been graced by the presence of our volunteers---Mandee DeMarco, Rachel Dunlap, and Theresa Kennedy---among us and look forward to being in ongoing relationship with them as they move on to whatever the future holds. The volunteer year came to an end for this group at the end of July. As it drew near, the young women all took part in a week-long retreat reflecting on their year and on the gifts and all the challenges that have brought them to the place they stand today.  As a thank you to our sisters and the congregation for the experience, the volunteers invited the sisters to join them for a Backyard Potluck on Saturday, June 17.  It was a beautiful tribute to our sisters.  On Thursday, June 29, in OLA Chapel, a Mass took place to celebrate our Franciscan Volunteers as they completed their service year. Afterwards all were invited to the main dining room for dinner followed by some storytelling and sharing.   We look forward to welcoming the next group of volunteers in September and wish Mandee, Rachel, and Theresa many blessings and share with them the thought that community does not end! It changes and grows!

Learn more about our Franciscan Volunteers: No Risk, No Gain program on our website at  http://osfphila.org/franciscanvolunteers/ or on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/FranciscanVolunteers/. 

23rd Annual Golf Tournament - New Venue, New Contests, and More!


Save the date and plan to join us for the 23rd Annual Golf Tournament at our new venue---Penn Oaks Golf Club in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  

Monday, October 2, 2017
12 P.M. Golf start

Contests, raffles, and a NEW!!! Golf Ball Drop Contest!  You won't want to miss it.  Stay tuned for more details and how to register--- COMING SOON.  Sponsorship opportunities are available!  Contact Terri Gamble at (610) 558-6143 or [email protected] to sponsor the event or for more information.

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