Ritiro to celebrate 60th anniversary with special Mass

By: Denise Bunk-Hatch, Communications Director

The Ritiro will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a special Mass and reception on Sunday, June 30.

 

Opened on January 25, 1958, the Franciscan Ritiro began as a strict Cloister. According to the Congregation's 150th Anniversary book, The Wonderful Works of God , the resident Sisters, although free to leave at any time, spent the duration of their stay in the cloister separated from the rest of the congregation. Cloister sisters spent their day in recollection and silence.

The history goes on to state, "The Sisters' day begins at midnight with Matins and Lauds of the Divine Office. Seven times during the day the sublime prayer of the Divine Office is offered for the entire Church. The daily schedule, highlighted by Holy mass... does not overlook the practical side of life. A healthy, happy balance characteristic of true Franciscan living prevails. Work is sanctified by recollection and silence; the day is broken by an outdoor walk and recreation periods of a half hour each, one in the early afternoon; the other in the evening. Occupations claiming the cloistered sisters' arts and skills range from domestic duties to remunerative works; such as, designing and painting altar appointments and spiritual bouquets, sewing, and making altar breads, the most cherished of all works."

After Vatican II, the Cloister became "Ritiro", which means "a place apart." Resident sisters were no longer strictly confined and were allowed to participate in more active ministries. Today, the five sisters of the Ritiro focus on providing spiritual direction.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Ritiro's founding, and the milestone will be marked with a celebratory Mass at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 30, 2019, with a reception following. Additional information about the anniversary and what it means to the Sisters who live or have lived in the Ritiro will follow in the next edition of the e-newsletter.

Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation Holds Annual Grant Recipient Breakfast

By: Connie Cooper, Communications Coordinator, Renodin Foundation

On Monday, June 3, the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation held its Annual Grant Recipient Breakfast in the dining room of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse.

 

The breakfast, which is held on the first Monday of June each year, recognizes the good works done by the organizations that receive financial assistance through Renodin Foundation grants during the year. Over 110 Sisters, board members and grantee organizations enjoyed networking and learning more about one another.

 

The Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation was established using funds from the sale of St. Francis Hospital. The Foundation provides grants to groups and organizations to use in their service to the poor and marginalized people of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties in New York, and McKean County in Pennsylvania . Since 2002, the Foundation has awarded 383 grants totaling more than $1,187,670 to 73 organizations who improve the quality of life for the poor and marginalized - food, shelter, basic needs, individuals with disabilities, women, etc. This past year, the Foundation granted $66,104 to 33 organizations, of which, six (6) were brand new. Details of all grantees can be found on the Foundation’s website, www.RenodinFoundation.org .

 

Board member, Linda Pepperdine did a special tribute in remembrance of founding board member, Gail Sweitzer and financial advisor, Jim Alund, Sr. She recognized their children in attendance who included John and Jim Alund, Jr. and Pat and Lynn Sweitzer. Both Gail and Jim were instrumental in the formation and success of the Renodin Foundation and will be forever remembered for their giving spirits and gentle souls.

 

The blessing for the breakfast was provided by the Father Patrick Melfi, pastor of both the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels church and St. John’s Church in Olean. Fr. Pat is also a current Renodin Foundation board member.

 

Each year, the Foundation invites a select group of grantee organizations to speak briefly about their work over the past year, and how the Foundation's grant has helped them in their efforts. This year, those assembled heard from Athena Godet-Calogeras from the City of Olean Housing Authority regarding their Veggie Wheels program; Bill Beck from First Baptist Church of Cuba, NY spoke about their school backpack and summer camp programs; Charlie McCole from St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Olean, NY talked about providing Hope for the Needy program; and Angela Erway from the YWCA of Bradford, PA spoke about their Street Outreach program.

 

The annual breakfast concluded with closing comments from President Laura Whitford and the “Peace Prayer of St. Francis.”

 

For more information about how to obtain a grant or to donate to the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation, please contact Laura Whitford at 716-373-0200 or visit their website at www.RenodinFoundation.org .

Clearwater Threshers First Responders Night

The Franciscan Center of Tampa's first responder retreat program, Operation Restore, will be recognized on June 22, 2019, at the Clearwater Threshers "First Responders Night".

This event will be held in conjunction with the team's game that evening. The Threshers are a minor-league baseball team who play in Spectrum Field. A portion of ticket sales for the night's game will go toward Operation Restore. All first responders receive a free ticket to the game, and may purchase additional tickets for $5.

For more information, click here .

Upcoming Days of Observation

June 12 —World Day Against Child Labor was launched by the International Labor Organization in 2002. Today, throughout the world, approximately 168 million children work, many full-time. They do not go to school and have little or no time to play. They are denied the chance to be children. More than half of them are exposed to the worst forms of child labor such as work in hazardous environments, slavery, and illicit activities including drug trafficking and prostitution, as well as involvement in armed conflict. Each year on June 12, the world day brings together governments, employers, and workers, as well as civil society to highlight the plight of child laborers and to explore what can be done to help them.

June 20 —World Refugee Day was inaugurated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001 in recognition of the tremendous work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. More than 50 million people are currently displaced by war and violence, some 33.3 million in their own country and 16.7 million as refugees, mostly in neighboring countries. Every 15 minutes one family is forced into flight. In a world where violence forces families to flee for their lives, the time is now to show that the global public will stand with refugees.