In this Issue:

Regional Retreat in Brazil

HomeCare & Hospice

St. Anthony's Hospital Foundation

Day of Service

Franciscan Crafters

Poetry for Women - Franciscan Center

Greetings from NC Associates

We Want to Hear from You

Regional Retreat in Brazil

Motherhouse/HomeCare & Hospice Update

The Olean Times Herald newspaper recently printed an article about HomeCare & Hospice moving into St. Elizabeth Motherhouse.

Sister Melissa Scholl, associate minister for the Franciscan Sisters, said everyone is excited about the new partnership with HomeCare & Hospice. During the move, there have been no disruptions to the day-to-day operations, she said.

“As that part of the House became vacant, we looked for a while for someone who could join us with a similar mission and a similar purpose in meeting the needs of people in the area,” she said.

Several of their congregation members are on the HomeCare & Hospice board of directors, Scholl said, and she previously sat on the Total Senior Care board. The two groups have a history of working together, she said, and watching the organization grow over the years has been fun.

“It’s a gift that we can offer and a gift from which we can receive,” she added.

You can read the full article by clicking the link below:

Nearly $1 Million Allocated to Hospital

In 2023, St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation allocated more than $950,000 toward vital medical equipment, patient programs, and team member scholarships.

A major portion of the funds went into acquiring state-of-the-art medical equipment, including dash monitors, a nursing simulation program, an embo guide, and a faxitron. These cutting-edge tools empower healthcare professionals with advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities.

The Foundation also extended its support to community programs like the POWER Wellness Program and the Caregiver Retreat. The POWER Wellness Program is designed for breast cancer patients to empower them with knowledge, emotional support, and whole-body wellness. The Caregiver Retreat provides a much-needed respite for those supporting their loved ones with memory disorders, fostering mental and emotional well-being.

By strategically directing funds towards medical advancements, community-centric programs, and team member education, St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation has played a meaningful role in improving the overall health of the community.

The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany have been the heart of St. Anthony’s Hospital since 1931. The Sisters mission has always been to provide compassionate and superior health care to all. The Sisters work in a variety of capacities around St. Anthony’s sharing their love, dedication and compassion to all who come through our doors.

via http://stanthonysfoundation.org

Day of Service at The Franciscan Center

Volunteers in Tampa commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day by joining in a Day of Service at The Franciscan Center.

The volunteers who united to beautify the grounds are from Seniors in Service Operation: Veteran Connect and Metropolitan Ministries Brigade.

Franciscan Crafters Group Donates Money

The Franciscan Crafters Group recently donated money to a number of groups, programs and events in the Allegany/Olean area.

The group donated $200 each to St. Stephen Episcopal Church for Thanksgiving; St. Mary of the Angels Basilica for Christmas; Operation Warm Hearts, which provides warm clothing for children; and the Olean Food Pantry. They also donated $500 to the Shower for Mary held St. Elizabeth Motherhouse.

Anyone interested in joining the Crafters Group may contact Sr. Judith Terrameo.

Greetings from North Carolina

By Ellen Nash, FSA Associate

The North Carolina Associates celebrated the Christmas season at Ellen Nash's home with a short meeting, then food, fun, a sing along and our 12 days of Christmas song, which we try to act out. 😊

Pictured left to right, back row: Ellen Nash, Lynn Boulter, Pam Socha. Art and Anita, Gayle Hughes, Sharon Dodge, Jay Boulter, Teddy Altreuter.

Seated, left to right: Pat Pell, Teresa Gatton, Rita Canfield, Betty Parbst.

On the floor: Janet Shirdon, Gail Brant.

A grand time was had by all!

We wish all our Sisters, and fellow Associates a New Year filled with hope and trust that our dear Lord will bless us with His constant presence, guidance, love and peace. 🎉🙏🏼💚Happy New Year Y'all .👋🤗🌈

We Want to Hear from You!

We would love to include more news from Brazil, Bolivia, Jamaica and Mozambique in our newsletter. If you have any pictures, tidbits of information or bigger stories you’d like to share please email them to FSA Communications Coordinator Anne Holliday anne.holliday@fsallegany.org. If you have any questions about whether it’s something that could or should go in this newsletter, you can ask Anne about that, too. But she’ll probably say, “Yes, send it.” 😊