In This Issue
Allegany Franciscans Website
FSA Jamaica Website
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UPCOMING MEETINGS

CL Meeting
May 2, May 16, May 30

General Commission
May 8-9 St. Clare's, Tampa

Associate Advisory Committee
May 11, 12, 13, St. Clare's, Tampa
 
Franciscan Spirituality
July 7-9 St. Clare's, Tampa

Assemblies
 
April 29, 30 - Jamaica

Issue 5.08
April 24, 2017
Thirst and Thanks 

As I sign myself with Baptismal water -
For water that transforms I pray...
Thank you God!
As I bathe, wash my hands, brush my teeth -
For water that purifies I pray...
Thank you God!
As I prepare food, cook, and wash dishes -
For water that feeds I pray...
Thank you God!
As I drink coffee, tea and water throughout the day -
For water that sustains I pray...
Thank you God!
As I clean my home and do my laundry -
For water that cleanses I pray...
Thank you God!
As I feel raindrops or snowflakes falling upon me -
For water that replenishes I pray...
Thank you God!
As I water my plants and my garden -
For water that brings beauty I pray...
Thank you God!
As I look upon or enter our oceans and rivers -
For water that delights I pray...
Thank you God!
 
I long for you, O God,
as a deer longs for living streams
and I give you thanks
for the gift of water in my life.

  Created by Mary Ellen Tucker OSF and Pat Klemm OSF for the former Franciscan Sisters of Allegany Environmental Committee.
Peoples Climate March

   Three years ago, as world leaders gathered for the UN Climate Summit, people came together to march in support of bold action to combat the global climate crisis. 
   On April 29, the Peoples Climate Movement will again march, this time in Washington DC, to demonstrate their commitment to the environment and their dissatisfaction with the current administration's stance on climate policy. 
   According to a press release, " The Peoples Climate March will begin near the Capitol, travel up Pennsylvania Avenue, and then surround the entire White House Grounds from 15th Street in the East to 17th Street in the West, and Pennsylvania Avenue in the North to Constitution Avenue in the South. The march will close with a post march rally, concert and gathering at the Washington Monument." 
   "Around this country, working people understand that we don't have to choose between good jobs and a clean environment; we can and must have both," said Kim Glas, executive director of the BlueGreen Alliance. "Together we can tackle climate change in a way that will ensure all Americans have the opportunity to prosper and live in neighborhoods where they can breathe their air and drink their water. We will build a clean economy that leaves no one behind."
   In addition to the march in Washington DC, sister marches will happen across the country in solidarity. 
   To learn more, and to find a local march, visit https://peoplesclimate.org/
    Global Catholic Climate Movement, Franciscan Action Network (FAN), the Catholic Climate Covenant, and other partners organizations invite marchers to gather for Mass on Saturday morning, April 29 at 9:00 A. M. at St. Dominic Church, Washington DC. For more information, click here

Canticle Farm Celebrates Earth Day
By: Kelly Hendrix, Canticle Farm Communications Manager
 
   We had a delightful Earth Day event at Canticle Farm. More than 75 visitors and supporters participated in the day's activities: a short reflection of our earth by Sister Melissa Scholl, farm tours and "Ask the Farmer" by Mark Printz, children's yoga by Jessie Lampack Slattery, up-cycled wind-chime building with Kelly Hendrix, container garden hints and planting with Jennifer Tussel and Emily Johnson, and a sampling of  massaged kale, yellow beets and red velvet beet cake by Rhonda Berman.
   A special thanks to the Staff and Communication/Promotion Committee who worked throughout the event, and to the adults and children who helped set up and keep  the day exciting and fun. The environmental focus of the day was further supported by our neighbors at the ReHabilitation Center's Lifeskills Program, whose members provided the hand-built, biodegradable planter cups that were used in seed planting for the container gardens.  

Franciscan Center participates in "Give Day Tampa Bay"
By: Denise Bunk-Hatch, Communications Director
 
   For the third consecutive year, the Franciscan Center of Tampa, FL, will compete with approximately 600 other Bay-area non-profits for donations as part of "Give Day Tampa Bay", scheduled for May 2, 2017. 
   Give Day Tampa Bay began in 2014 as a way to raise money and awareness about the non-profit organizations in the Bay area. It is run by the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, which serves Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando counties. According the Sharon Joller, Marketing and Communications Director for the Center, participation in the drive is a great way to increase exposure and provides networking opportunities. 
   "It gets our name out there," Joller said. Not only does that exposure help the Center on the day of the fundraising drive, but also increases chances for donations from individuals and foundations throughout the year. 
   This year, giving options have changed, and Joller hopes it will entice more people to participate. The minimum donation amount has been lowered to $5, and interested parties can donate in advance, with their contribution going toward the organization's total raised for the day on May 2. Organizations are also eligible to win prizes for raising the most money throughout the day, as well as during certain time frames. 
   For more information on Give Day Tampa Bay, click here
   To give a pledge in support of The Franciscan Center of Tampa, click here

Jubilarians Celebrate at Florida Assembly

   The closing prayer of last weekend's Florida assembly, led by Sr. Nancy Christopher, was the celebration of the area Jubilarians.
    Pictured are Sisters Margaret Rumsey, Gladys Sharkey, Anne Martin Robonie, and Janet Sullivan. Sr.  Joan Burke was not present.
    Congratulations to all!
 
The 39ers Take on the Golden Girls

   The "39ers" (comprised of Sisters Rosemary Higgins, Sandy Teevens, Mary Lou Lafferty, Elaine Cote, Carol Anne Hoppe, and Beth McGinnis) challenged the "Golden Girls" (Sisters Joan Clare Chin Loy, Mary Angela DiCara, Charlotte O'Brien, Therese Joyce, Roseanne Duffy, and Marie Vincent Chiaravalle) in Wii - Bowling. The "Golden Girls" are professionals and the "39ers" are just beginners which showed in the final score. They were good losers, but that is not stopping them for questioning as to whether the game was "rigged"!



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May 3, 2017 - First edition e-newsletter
May 17, 2017 - Second edition e-newsletter