Volume 10.03 | February 28, 2022
In this Issue:

St. Joseph's Parish to Celebrate 100 Years

Sisters in Brazil Welcome Two Aspirantes

Catholic Sisters Week

From the Communications Office

Meet the Congregational Office Staff
St. Joseph's Parish Celebrating 100th Anniversary
St. Joseph Parish in St. Petersburg, FL, will hold its 100th Anniversary Gala Banquet on March 12, 2022 in the St. Jude Cathedral Social Hall.

The gala, celebrating "100 Years on the Journey", will feature dinner, entertainment, a keynote speech from St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth Welch, and recognition for six parishioners and 12 individuals for their work and contribution to the parish community.

Two of the individuals to be recognized are Allegany Franciscan Sisters Marlene Weidenborner and Marita Flynn, who will be honored for being "Outstanding Leaders of Social Justice."

"We're very excited," said Patty Van Alstine, the gala's co-chair. "It's really going to be pretty wonderful."

The gala is the first big event in a year-long celebration of the Parish's 100th anniversary. Other planned events include an alumni dinner and an international festival. Patty Van Alstine said the plan is to culminate the celebration in another large banquet at the end of the year.

For more information, visit the St. Joseph website.
Congregation Welcomes two new Aspirantes in Brazil

On Sunday, February 27, 2022, the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, Brazil Region, welcomed two young women, Geane Araújo and Jaiane Cerqueira Dos Santos to begin their formation journey as apirantes.
 
Aspirancy is the first phase of the Congregation's formation program in Brazil. Geane and Jaiane will live in community with the sisters and learn about the Allegany Franciscan way of life and spirituality.
 
Let us pray for Geane and Jaiane as they continue their discernment that the Spirit of our loving God may guide them.
Catholic Sisters Week
What do the Sisters of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany mean to you? Did a specific Sister mentor you or help guide you through a rough time in your life? Perhaps you simply have fond memories that you'd like to share. We want to hear them!

In preparation for Catholic Sisters Week (March 8-14, 2022), we are gathering stories about our Sisters from the people who have been impacted by them throughout the years. If you have a story you'd like to share, please send it to Denise Bunk-Hatch, Communications Director, at denise.bunk-hatch@fsallegany.org or call her at 716-373-0200 x3246.

Be sure to watch our Facebook page throughout Catholic Sisters Week for photos, videos, and stories!
From the Communications Office
From Denise Bunk-Hatch, Communications Director
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It seems like just yesterday that I distributed the 2021 Directory, but I am hard at work on the 2022 version and will be sending it to print soon. In order to do so, I will be sending a proof copy of the Directory to everyone early this week. Please look at your own entry/that of your house and send any corrections by Monday, March 7.

I will once again be printing only a small number of hard copies for distribution. If you wish to have a hard copy please let me know by Friday, March 11.

Distribution of the 2022 Directory is planned for the end of March or beginning of April. Thank you for your patience and cooperation!
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 Ellen Winger, Congregational Archivist

Years on Staff: almost 10
As the Congregational Office’s resident “history detective,” I enjoy digging through old records, photos, and ledgers to answer questions that can’t be answered with a quick Google search. I love being able to share the pieces of history I discover with the sisters, associates, and all of our friends.
 
Contact info:
Phone: 716-373-0200 x 3242