Congregational E-News ~ July 1, 2020
As we plan once again to celebrate our country’s birthday, we reflect on what makes America what it is. We are a country of multiple nationalities. Yes—we have been described as a “melting pot.” However, somehow we are much more that because of the beautiful, unique nationalities that define us. As a country of diversity, we reflect the varied faces and gifts of our loving God. 
God Bless America

When I was a child of five or so
I heard it on the radio—
A song that touched me
Through and through
Perhaps it also moved you too.

A very lovely gifted voice
Was singing words of lovely choice
And to this day I get a thrill
I’m sure that I just always will.

When Kate Smith lifts her voice in song
I pray that nothing will go wrong.
As “God Bless America” fills the air
It also fills my heart with prayer.

Helen Kline Paulus
Franciscan Companion in Mission
Closing the Franciscan Spiritual Center

In the milieu of the coronavirus, there has been significant uncertainty about when or whether the Franciscan Spiritual Center could open safely. We do not feel we can safely welcome outside groups until there is a vaccine for the virus. The earliest predictions for its availability are January 2021. Sadly, this deeply impacts the functioning of the center.

For various reasons, we have made the difficult decision that the Franciscan Spiritual Center building should close permanently. We want the ministry to continue and would love to see it refashioned. Group gatherings, though not large ones, could take place in various other locations in the future. Clare House and the hermitages will remain open; spiritual direction will continue to be offered; and the website will remain.

It is particularly important during these challenging times to be able to offer spiritual support to our sisters and brothers. We call on the Spirit to enlighten us as something new is envisioned.

This decision is painful for us all, especially our sisters who minister at the Franciscan Spiritual Center. We thank our sisters, Sr. Christa Thompson who provides extraordinary leadership, and Srs. Helen Budzik, Clare D’Auria, Marie Angela Presenza, Julie Keegan, Jeanne Nisley, Margaret O’Brien, Jean Ustasiewski, and Mary Walsh whose many gifts nurture the life of the center. Their Franciscan hospitality has blessed all who entered that sacred space. Please pray for our faithful presenters, retreat directors, and the many program participants whose spiritual lives have been nourished over the years. They, too, will be impacted by this decision.

Living in uncertainty is challenging for all of us. Uncertainty teaches us to live in the present moment, awaiting each day to see where we are led and how we can be of service. This is the trust we give to one another each day. This is the new normal for all of us. We trust in God’s word from Revelations 21:5: “Behold I make all things NEW.” Stay tuned to the Franciscan Spiritual Center website as we await this NEWNESS to unfold.
Continuing the Fight Against Racism
The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia were part of a collective group to help develop this statement and we are signatories to the Investor Statement of Solidarity to Address Systemic Racism and Call to Action. With this clear commitment, we will work collectively to develop the strategies, tools, and resources and share what we learn to be part of the movement to dismantle systemic racism and promote racial equity.
 
The statement with the full list of 128 current endorsements is available here and now publicly available online at  https://www.racialjusticeinvesting.org/our-statement

The press release on the statement is available here:  https://www.racialjusticeinvesting.org/press-release
Featured Need - Patios at Assisi House

Assisi House, the retirement home for the Sisters of St. Francis, is working on creating some beautiful places for the sisters to enjoy during COVID-19. Two patios at Assisi House need to be rebuilt. These spaces allow the sisters quarantined at Assisi House to get fresh air and to spend some time outside—something that brings them joy. As our communities continue to deal with COVID-19, the sisters are continuing to take all necessary precautions while continuing their prayer and spiritual life.

Please consider helping us by contributing toward the reconstruction of the patios.
The Sisters of St. Francis thank you! Click here to donate: https://osfphila.org/support-us/featured-need/.

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