In this Issue:
Motherhouse Celebrates 19th Annual Shower for Mary
Franciscan Center Holds Blessing of the Creche
Updates on Corporate Responsibility
Meet the Congregational Office Staff
In Memory of Those Lost to COVID
|
|
|
Motherhouse holds 19th Annual Shower for Mary |
|
The 19th annual Shower for Mary was held in the Motherhouse Chapel on the evening of December 9. COVID restrictions were in play, meaning many could not attend in-person; however, Steve Blue, IT tech for the Motherhouse/Congregational Offices, streamed the event. The co-celebrants for the Prayer Service were Rev. Kim Rossi, the local Episcopalian pastor, and Deacon Carrie Wolfe from the local Methodist Church. During the service, two women representing the recipient organizations, St. Gina Molla Pregnancy Center and Healthy Families, both serving the greater Olean/Allegany areas, shared the mission and outreach of the two organizations (the picture above gives a glimpse of what was collected despite COVID) . In addition, approximately $500 was received and divided between the two agencies. Sr. Rita Frances Guaracsi was applauded for having initiated the Shower for Mary 19 years ago. Hopefully, we can celebrate the 20th Annual Shower for Mary with a full chapel next year!
|
|
Franciscan Center celebrates the Blessing of the Crèche
By: Vicki McCarthy, Franciscan Center of Tampa
|
|
What a beautiful evening we had on Friday, December 10 at the Franciscan Center when we celebrated our annual "Blessing of the Crèche" with the friars from Sacred Heart church, many friends and neighbors. Sean Fitzsimmons-Brown provided the Christmas carol sing-a-long. Colleen Walters, Chair of the Board, gave a warm welcome, and the Associates of the Franciscan Sisters served homemade treats to the appreciative crowd. We also collected an array of toys for the children that visit Mary Lees House, a non-profit group that addresses the needs of abused children in Tampa. |
|
Updates on Corporate Responsibility
By: Gloria Oehl OSF
|
|
In our Chapter Directional Statement, an example of collaboration with others for a more sustainable and sacred world, we have been working with Investor Advocates for Social Justice (IASJ) this past year.
You might want to revisit the recent issue of The Associate Alliance (December 2021) on page 7 – Article “A Voice at the Table” which mentions our responsible investment actions at the Wendy’s Company’s May annual meeting. It was a call for protection of farm workers (those on the margins) from unsafe working conditions and harassment in Wendy’s supply chain, particularly in the tomato fields here and in Mexico.
In this month, IASJ and the Interfaith Center, on Responsible Investment (ICCR) are working on a follow up communication with the Chairman of the Board of Wendy’s to request information about ways they are responding to the overwhelming (95.28%) vote to report on the protection of workers.
Other activities coordinated by FSA with IASJ personnel in which resources of the Congregation are invested:
- To promote environment justice at Chevron (joining with the Franciscan Sisters of Philadelphia)
- To request a report on Human rights due diligence from General Dynamics and
- To request a report on Honeywell’s environmental and social risks related to emissions, spills or discharges from the company’s operations and value chains.
These issues are expected to be brought up at the 2022 Annual Meetings of these Corporations
|
|
Meet the Congregational Office Staff
Beginning in October, we will feature one Congregational Office staffer per month in the newsletter to help better connect them with our Sisters and Associates outside of Allegany.
|
|
Meet Claire Majot, Executive Assistant.
Background: I have been married to my husband Tyler since 2018 and we live together with our dog, Teeva, and three cats (Thoren, Toulouse, and Poof), as well as two horses. I am currently working towards my BA in Graphic & Media Arts with a Web Design Concentration.
Years on Staff: Three
What I love: I love having the opportunity to be part of a team of people who care so much for one another and the community. Everyone is so genuine, kind, and caring! It’s an honor to work with the Sisters, learn of their history, come to know them as the unique, wonderful people they are, and join in their mission to make the world a better place.
Contact:
716-372-0200 x3232
Direct: 716-372-5670
|
|
Remembering Those Lost During COVID |
|
Sr. Charlotte O'Brien
August 2, 1933 - June 23, 2021
From her eulogy by Jean Hayes
On this glorious day, we are here to celebrate the life of Sr. Charlotte O’Brien. We extend our sincere condolences to Cindy, Charlotte’s niece.
Charlotte loved being an Allegany Franciscan. The joy that radiated from her smile spoke volumes. Words were not necessary. All of us recognized her love of the Lord and her strong commitment as an Allegany Franciscan for over 62 years.
In reading Charlotte’s obituary, most of what was written regarding her ministry was news to me. Charlotte never pushed herself forward for recognition. If there was a need in the community, she responded.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
