“Do not go where the
path may lead. Go instead where there is no path
and leave a trail.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
“With faith in God, they
did what every pioneer does
– they stepped forward
into the unknown.”
— Dallin Oaks
CATHOLIC SISTERS WEEK IS MARCH 8-14
Some had barely reached adulthood when, in 1913, they left behind all they knew in Europe and bravely set off for a whole new world, to bring faith and education to the children of Eastern European immigrants in America. They were our courageous and visionary Pioneer Sisters (photographed with Mother Xavier Furgott in 1914.
A Firm Foundation
As holidays and observances go, Catholic Sisters Week (March 8-14) is in its infancy. Only in the past few years has a special time been set aside to recognize the historical influences of Catholic Sisters in our society, but also to learn about the many unique and evolving roles they still play today. You may not find them in as many schools and hospitals as in decades past, but they are still working in diverse ways to improve the lives of so many.
 
The Sisters of our United States Province owe their legacy of influence to our Pioneer Sisters, six women who came from Europe in 1913 to establish schools for the children of Eastern European immigrants who had settled near Pittsburgh. Carrying only meager possessions and facing a significant language barrier, these brave ladies overcame early challenges so that, more than a century later, today’s Sisters could continue their mission of service to God’s people.
Throughout Catholic Sisters Week, we are collecting nonperishable food items, grocery store gift cards and monetary donations for local families in need. To learn how you can help no matter where you live, please click here.
March is Women’s History Month and includes Catholic Sisters Week (March 8-14). What better time than for our alumnae to honor members of the School Sisters of St. Francis who touched their lives back then and who they consider to have been particularly influential in who they are now. Let’s start with Jeanne Madej, who reflects on the influence of Sister Mary Xavier Bomberger at the former St. Francis Academy in Bethlehem, Pa.
Sister Mary Xavier Bomberger today (above) and back in her principal days (below).

A Soft-Spoken Voice Still Echoes
Then: “Sister Xavier was the principal of St. Francis Academy (SFA), where I was part of the last graduating class in 1987. Throughout my life, I have looked back upon my days at SFA with fondness for the special place it was. Sister Xavier was the matriarch of that special academy. She always treated the girls with love and respect and taught us that sometimes speaking more quietly rather than yelling louder over the noise around – and there was a lot at an all-girls school – is the most effective way to be heard. I can still picture her saying, “Girls, girls, girls” in ever-quieter tones to get our attention amid the chaos. Although I have not always been able to remember that lesson in moments when I most need it, I do often reflect on how much more effective I might have been had I employed her lessons. I am still influenced by her kind manner, calm demeanor and love 34 years after having graduated. What a gift!”
– Jeanne Madej (St. Francis Academy Class of 1987)
 
Now: Retired from a career in finance, Jeanne lives in New York City with her husband and two children, ages 15 and 12. Sister Mary Xavier went on to serve at general minister of the Sisters’ international congregation, as well as in other ministerial roles. These days she is back on the old SFA campus, caring for the elder Sisters at Villa Clare.
Spring Raffle All Sold Out!
Our Sisters extend their gratitude to the overwhelming number of people who showed their support for our 2021 Spring Raffle fundraiser. Our 3,333 tickets sold out in record time, and we can no longer fulfill any requests. If you would like to support our community by other means, please click here. Thank you for blessing us with your generosity.
Sister Georgette
When Spirituality
Conquers Stage Fright
Lent was always a significant teaching time, inviting the students to make special resolutions and sacrifices because of Jesus’ love for them. Back in 1989 when I was serving as director of religious education at Transfiguration Church in Russellton, Pa, we asked our parish youth group to do a live Stations of the Cross for the first time. They were all excited and responded well to the idea. 

Knowing I had the youth committed to it, I needed to ask the pastor for permission to do this very different way of praying the Stations on a Friday evening. He was totally unfamiliar with this, but gave us permission to do it and even offered us use of the big cross and candles that were part of the entrance procession at Mass.  
 
Stations of the Cross Live was advertised by the parish and, to our surprise, a great number of people attended! The pastor was there, too, in the very back of the church. The young people did a wonderful performance. Afterwards, Father came to tell me how excellent it was and asked the kids to do it again on Good Friday! To the surprise and delight of all, after the Good Friday performance, Father even ordered pizza to treat the young performers for how well they did! 
— Sister Georgette Dublino

Transfiguration is now part of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish.
Upcoming Events & Spiritual Programs
March 13
March 13
March 29-30
April 15