Congregational E-News ~ Sept. 15, 2019
In defining magic, the dictionary refers to “slight of hand” and “sorcerer,” both of which, to me, carry connotations of negativity. I much prefer the definition of “enchantment”—that “something unseen” which turns an ordinary minute or second into a glimpse of the “otherworldly.” For example a glass cross on my windowsill sometimes captures the sun’s rays and splashes rainbows around the walls of my room! Or what about the phone call from a friend that comes just when I’m feeling a bit down? In what unexpected bits of “spiritual magic” have you found the loving presence of a God who says, “I’m always right here—even when you’re not aware of me”?
Spiritual Magic

In a world of white
a flash of color
in a blue jay’s wing
paints a slash of hope
boldly
cross a colorless world.

Candles flicker
in a darkened room—
points of light and hope
against the pain and fear.

Arms raised high in
desperate prayer
embracing
vast unknowns.

Ann Marie Slavin, OSF

The Catholic High School of Baltimore Celebrates 80 Wonderful Years!
80 Years Strong: Lighting the Way - Empowering Women - Transforming the World

With the permission of the Most Reverend Michael J. Curley, archbishop of Baltimore from 1921 to 1947, and through the efforts of Mother Mary Generosa McCafferty, provincial superior of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, a new Catholic high school was erected during the period of 1938 to 1939. The property, known as the Raming Estate, was located in northeast Baltimore on the west side of Edison Highway. The name of the institution as presented to the Archbishop read: "The Curley High School of Baltimore." Not wishing the school named after himself, Archbishop Curley substituted the word "Catholic" for "Curley." Thus the title was incorporated.

Classes began September 6, 1939, with a student body of 254 freshmen. The faculty consisted of the Sisters of St. Francis of Aston, Pennsylvania. The Class of 1943 had the responsibility and privilege of laying the foundation upon which Catholic High's traditions would rest.

The 80th year will be celebrated with a private event for alumni and faculty on October 13 and an open house on Saturday, October 19, 2019, from 9 A.M.-12 P.M. Families can participate in individual tours, classroom demonstrations, and an auditorium presentation. Learn how a Catholic High education in the Franciscan tradition helps you to let your light shine as an empowered young woman!


Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, the Catholic High School of Baltimore offers a quality secondary education in the Franciscan tradition for young women in grades 9 - 12.

Many of our sisters from Assisi House who are alumni of Catholic High---some of whom were members of the first graduating class---sent a video of congratulations to be shared during the celebration. You can watch their message here: https://vimeo.com/358345664 .  
Prevent Firearm Suicides
A national website has been created in an effort to help eliminate the high rate of suicides in which guns are used. In light of our efforts with advocating for an end to gun violence, we wanted to share this information to give greater insight into this troubling matter. Perhaps you might hold this issue in prayer. Suicide is a growing public health crisis and firearms are among the most lethal and most commonly used suicide methods in the United States. A multilevel approach for suicide prevention that addresses access to firearms can save lives. The firearm suicide prevention model applies the social ecological model and focuses on four levels of intervention (societal, community, relationship, and individual) to reduce access to firearms by individuals when they are at an elevated risk for self-harm.

Firearms are especially dangerous when someone is at risk for suicide because they are among the most lethal suicide attempt methods. Additionally, the more time it takes someone to attempt suicide, the more time there is for someone to change his or her mind about the attempt. Though  research  shows that few individuals substitute means for suicide if their preferred method is not available, if firearms are not available, the person at risk for suicide is much more likely to survive even if they attempt using another method. Delaying a suicide attempt can also allow suicidal crises to pass and lead to fewer suicides.  90% of individuals who attempt suicide do not eventually go on to die by suicide.

You can learn more by accessing the Prevent Firearm Suicide website here: https://preventfirearmsuicide.efsgv.org/ . If you or someone you know needs some support now, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text “HOME” to 741-741.

Learn more about our corporate stand against gun violence by clicking here: https://osfphila.org/justice-and-peace/gun-violence-prevention/.
Sr. Maria Anna Dela Paz, one of our newest and our youngest sister, attended this gathering of young religious sisters and speaks in the video. What a wonderful sight to see. Many blessings to all these sisters on their journey in religious life.

Sisters & friends! Relive and rejoice in the  #Boldness   #Beauty  &  #Communion  of our National Gathering this past summer with this special recap video!
M.A.D. Dash 5K Run/Walk

Make a Difference! Join us for our first annual M.A.D. Dash Run/Walk on September 29, 2019. Registration begins at 4 P.M. followed by the race at 4:30 P.M. Mass available at 7 P.M.

Cost is $25 in advance for adults or $30 the day of. College students and children pay only $5.

Come join the community and support the Sisters of St. Francis Franciscan Volunteers: No Risk, No Gain Program.

The race is monitored and chip timed by Bryn Mawr Racing.

Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia | 610-558-7726 | communications@osfphila.org | www.osfphila.org