“Every difficulty you face,
in every waiting place, you're being given the chance to trust in the
things unseen and to be abundantly blessed.”
— Cherie Hill
“Isn't it amazing that
we are all made in God's image, and yet there
is so much diversity
among His people?”
— Desmond Tutu
EXTENDING OUR HEARTS & HANDS
In his social encyclical Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis draws upon the words of St. Francis of Assisi and urges us to unite “as a single human family” in which we are “brothers and sisters all.” Through ministerial outreach, our Sisters extend their hearts and hands to God’s diverse people, doing their small part to achieve social justice for all.
At Barber National Institute, Sister Kevin Berdis trains clients in housekeeping skills that will help them find success in the workforce.
Reward Without Risk
There is no down-side to Sister Kevin Berdis’ work
in preparing challenged adults for the workplace

In her work at Barber National Institute in Erie, Pa., Sister Kevin Berdis helps adults with intellectual, physical and behavioral challenges to learn skills and accomplish tasks that empower them to join the workforce.

“We are all God’s people, regardless of our differences,” Sister says.

As an associate instructor, Sister Kevin taps into experience earned over her six decades in education as both a teacher and principal. Her current “students” are adults ages 22 to 65 who, through a variety of vocational tasks, learn skills to prepare them for productive jobs in the community.

“I enjoy helping the clients find success and build up their self-esteem,” Sister says. “It’s wonderful to see them making their dreams come true.”

The benefits come back to her tenfold, she says. “Sharing compassion and patience with those I serve, listening to them and helping them to understand has truly deepened my love for God.”
Welcome Francis Into
Your Everyday Life
Join our own Sisters Barbara Brown and Nancy Celaschi for a directed retreat about Franciscan spirituality based on the Gospel. This immersive Lenten weekend, titled Franciscan Gospel Values for Daily Living, is set for Friday through Sunday, March 11-13, at our St. Francis Center for Renewal in Bethlehem, Pa.

Through lectures, discussions and shared reflection, participants will learn about the Franciscan values of prayer, contemplativeness, simplicity, charity, and stewardship by which all of our Sisters live. Discover how everyone — no matter their calling — can live out these values in their everyday lives.
ALSO OF 'ICONIC' INTEREST: Next Saturday, February 26, the Center will host Father W. Demetri Belsito for a special day program, Prayer Through Icons: Windows Into Heaven. For details and online registration, click here.
Sisters Regina Ann Rokosny and M. Virginelle Makos get silly in the snow at Monocacy Manor in 2017.
Making the Most of Winter
“As aspirants, postulants and young sisters at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa., we had a great time tobogganing down the hills behind the buildings. Even city slickers like me became experts at waxing the taboggans and maneuvering around the trees down to the creek. A few twisted ankles every now and then were a small price to pay for the fun that came with each snowfall.”
— Sister Frances Marie Duncan
Snow Day Anyone?
Nothing distracts a young student than snowflakes falling outside the classroom window. The prospect of an early dismissal or a snow day draws all attention away from reading, writing and arithmetic. Here are a few snappy teacher comebacks:
Student: “Look at the snow, it is really coming down fast.”
Teacher: “And when it starts to move upward and defy gravity, then let me know.”

Student: “Looks like we are going to have a free day tomorrow from the weather forecast.”
Teacher: “Don't count your snowflakes until they accumulate.”