In this Issue:
Plight of the Immigrant
Events at the Franciscan Center
Meet the Congregational Office Staff
Remembering Those Lost
|
|
|
Motherhouse Presentation on the Plight of the Immigrant
By: Lucy Cardet OSF
|
|
On October 13, 2021 Sisters Margaret Mary Kimmins and Lucy Cardet met with the sisters at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse to share their experience and insights from volunteering in service of migrants at the Catholic Charities respite centers in Laredo and McAllen, TX. They had recently participated in a panel presentation on “The Plight of the Immigrant” facilitated by Jim Mahar, Professor in the Department of Finance and leader of BonaResponds at St. Bonaventure University.
|
|
Events at the Franciscan Center, Tampa |
|
Feast of St. Michael the Archangel |
In honor of the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel (the patron Saint of First Responders) staff members Mary Beth Sabo and Vicky McCarthy delivered baskets of appreciation to local fire departments. They were treated to chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, jalapeno honey (thanks to Seedfolkids) and prayer cards with small blessed medals of St. Michael attached. Our prayers are always with our first responders who serve our community daily with bravery and kindness, and keep us safe and healthy.
Thank you for your service!
|
|
What a great turnout we had for our annual Blessing of the Animals! Over 100 furry friends were blessed by Fr. Stephen Mimnaugh and the friars of Sacred Heart Church Tampa. Guests first enjoyed the musical talents of Ray Gurka at our riverside pavilion, then were treated to a beautiful blessing and songs by our friend Sean Fitzsimmons-Brown. An appearance from “Phinley”, the Clearwater Threshers mascot (a shark!) added to the fun. Thanks to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office mounted patrol and Southeastern Guide Dogs for bringing their amazing and talented creatures to be blessed. Thank you to all the friends, supporters, and Riverside Heights neighbors who came out to celebrate this wonderful annual event in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. |
|
Meet the Congregational Office Staff
Beginning this issue, 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 Harley Nickel (formally Winkleman), Finance Assistant
Background: After studying at St Bonaventure University and earning my BA in Accounting, I began working in the Student Services/Business Office at the university while earning my MBA in Accounting. Once finished with both degrees I knew it was time to move on and began searching until I found the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.
Years on Staff: Three and counting
What I Love: The relationship I’ve built with the Sisters, as well as the support from everyone in the Congregational offices. This is truly a unique place to work and I feel like I’m welcomed with open arms and appreciated fully.
Contact: Motherhouse ext 3223
|
|
Remembering Those Lost During COVID |
|
Sr. Mary Ellen Walsh
March 17, 1927 - April 16, 2020
From her eulogy by her niece, Joan
My Aunt Mary Ellen was so devoted to and loved her family, Irish roots, and her family in God.
Growing up, I didn’t see my aunt a lot, and when I did, I remember being scared of her in her habit and didn’t understand at all why she was dressed that way. As I got older, I started to understand.
My aunt loved baking, especially her Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins, and trying all kinds of dessert recipes. She loved sewing, knitting, and making decorations for all holidays. One of my first knitted gifts was an Irish blanket for my wedding, 40 years ago, and a note explaining what each design and stitch meant. She loved making and showing off her Irish Roots. She later made 2 more for both of my daughters because they loved mine so much. Continue Reading
|
|
Sr. Clare Marie Figueroa
February 23, 1928 - April 29, 2020
From her eulogy by Margaret Jarrett, FSA Associate
The Associates of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany are lay persons who commit to be in relationship with the Sisters in their initiatives in social action . They seek to find ways to be instruments of peace, reconciliation and non-violence, in a broken world. We can see in Sr. Clare Marie’s life and ministry an inspiring example to emulate as we strive to live Gospel values while maintaining our chosen way of life.
We took special note of two instances of Sr. Clare Marie’s response to the call for social action during the turbulent decade from 1970 to 1980. Sr. Clare Marie assumed the role of Principal of St. Anne's Primary School, located in West Kingston, close to the epicenter of the violence that wreaked havoc and fear in the society. Someone told me that she started a Toy Library, a lending library stocked with toys and play resources that were loaned to the neighborhood children on a rotating basis. Her initiative was remarkable for bringing joy and healing to children. It was her way of being an instrument of peace in the broken West Kingston community. Continue Reading
|
|
Sr. Anne Clare Gallagher
September 6,1920 - May 23, 2020
From her eulogy by Sr. Elaine Cote
A few years ago, Anne Clare asked me to do her Eulogy. She said, “I am asking you now so you can have time to think of some nice things to say about me!” My problem was condensing all the nice things I remember about her, so let us begin!
On September 6, 1920, exactly 101 years ago today, little Frances Gallagher made her entrance into the world. At the time when she to be was born, her mother was playing cards at a neighbor’s house. Luckily, she was able to get to the hospital on time. Anne Clare later loved to tell that story that she broke up a card game! Maybe that is why she became such a great card player! Continue Reading
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
