Read the Latest News from the Sisters of St. Francis.

Congregational E-News ~ Nov. 15, 2021

I do love the beauty and lush green of spring and summer trees and the vibrant colors of those same trees in autumn. However, there is something unique about winter trees. While some might see winter trees as bleak and perhaps reminiscent of death, to me each seems to display the very essence of “treeness”—as it proudly displays what it is that makes this tree unique and somehow different from any other tree. And isn’t that true of each of us as well? It is sometimes in the “winters” of our lives—those times when we feel stripped of all that has been important to us—that we turn to the essence of who we really are!

Winter Trees

Winter is tree season.

Trunk, limbs and branches

no longer hidden by lush green

or autumn glory now piles of brown decay.

Sturdy trunks hold curved stretching limbs;

Branches weave intricate designs;

stark black beauty

etched against gold and purple sunsets.

Stripping is needed

before sap and seed

stir new life.

Marie Lucey, OSF

Visit our Website

Donate Now

Celebrating Advent - Care for Creation

Advent begins on November 28, 2021. How will you celebrate this special season? We invite you to join us as we take the time this season to respond to the issues surrounding Care for Creation. Pope Francis’ May 24, 2015, encyclical Laudato Si’ calls on each of us to love, respect, and nurture the Earth—our sister and mother and our shared inheritance and home. As both Pope Francis and St. Francis have helped us to understand, the Earth is given by God for our sustenance and joy and entrusted to our committed care. This Advent season, we will reflect on passages from Laudato Si’. Meditating and praying on the passages can support us in taking actions inspired by Pope Francis’ words and wisdom and by the seven multiyear Laudato Si’ Action Platform goals.

Daily during Advent, we will be posting a brief reflection and action step on our Instagram page, calling us to Care for Creation. We have also posted the entire season of reflections as well as the Advent action-step calendar on our website to be downloaded and used in your home, workspace, parish, etc. Learn more and pray along by clicking here: https://osfphila.org/spiritualityprayer/service-advent/.

Thanksgiving Prayer Service

All are welcome to attend the Aston Ministerium Thanksgiving Prayer Service celebrating Thanksgiving and Care for Creation!

Sunday, November 21, 2021

7 P.M.

Join via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9149735184?pwd=SFg0VTJ2WUtIMnJNaCs1aVg4NlBBZz09

Meeting ID: 914 973 5184

Passcode: APC2021

Click here for more information.

Assisi House Needs Volunteers

Due to a critical staffing situation at Assisi House, we are desperately looking for volunteers to help with resident care. This could include: helping sisters get dressed in the morning, feeding, helping sisters get ready for bed in the evening, and transporting in house to the dining room and activities. We can also use help with laundry and making beds, the hydration program, keeping all rooms tidy, and stocking supplies.

This unfortunate staff shortage has been caused by the current nationwide shortage of workers and by financial upgrades and incentives being offered by other nursing homes in the area.

Are you willing and able to help?

Please contact the Assisi House volunteer coordinator, Mariann Rybarczyk, at (610) 558-6459 or mrybarczyk@osfphila.org.

We are also hiring for several positions. Visit our website to learn more: https://osfphila.org/jobvolunteer-opportunities/.

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