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Congregational E-News ~ May 1, 2021

Jesus promised his disciples—and me—that he would always be with us. How strong is my trust in that promise? At times that trust is hard to embrace…especially on days and weeks when nothing seems to go right. I remind myself that God does understand my humanity—the fact that somedays I have a hard time grasping that divine presence in my life. There are days when I say to my God, “I do trust you…but it would be helpful if I had something a little more concrete to calm my worries.” And I also believe that on those days God smiles and holds me a little tighter—even though I can’t see the smile or feel the hug. Indeed, my God is with me—all days!

Disciples

They were amazed and afraid

as they went along their way

Disturbed by the news they were

hearing that day

He began to tell them that

very soon He would die

They couldn’t understand;

indeed they wondered why

Who could comprehend, much less surmise

His upcoming death and how He would rise

It took a great deal of faith for them to believe

The dire words He spoke, so hard to conceive

It was on the road up to Jerusalem

that all this was said

To the disciples of Jesus – they followed, He led

What about us, disciples of the Lord

As we journey up to Jerusalem

and heed His Word

Many times we’re disturbed and filled with fear

Wondering how to cope with the news we hear

But just as with the disciples, our cross is a test

Of surrender and trusting that God knows best

Believe that our Lord is ever so near

And walking beside us –

We have nothing to fear!

(Mark 10:32-34)

Phyllis Petryk

Franciscan Companion in Mission

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Celebrating Earth Day - April 22!

As we celebrate the 51^st Earth Day and the second during a pandemic, protests will be smaller and, of course, masked. Chants will be muffled. Clean-up efforts will be more private, too. But every seed planted, every plastic bag plucked from the ocean, still contributes to repairing the planet.

Not only is Earth Day still important, but the work may be more critical than ever.

At the beginning of April, our Care for Creation Committee invited us all to view the movie, Kiss the Ground, as a way of celebrating Earth Day and to consider responding to the film by planting a garden to extend efforts to address climate change far longer than on just April 22. If you have yet to view it, you can sign up here to get the link to view it. Click here: https://kissthegroundmovie.com/.

One idea the committee suggested was to consider planting trees for special occasions such as a birthdays, anniversaries, or as a memorial for someone who is deceased. See below for some information about tree planting opportunities.

The Canopy Project, $1 plants one tree. www.earthday.org/campaign/the-canopy-project
One Tree Planted – an environmental charity with a focus on global reforestation. Trees planted in North America, Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. $1 plants one tree. www.onetreeplanted.org
Time for Trees - an Arbor Day Foundation Initiative. Their goal is to plant 100 million trees by 2022.
The Sisters of St. Francis Foundation – Plant a tree around OLA in honor of the loss of the a loved one. https://osfphila.org/support-us/create-memorial/

On the actual day, when staff arrived at OLA for work, we were greeted by an Earth Day email from Sr. Eleanor Moore (sent by Florence Smith) asking us to remember what is ours to do to care for the planet. “What commitment will you make? What change are you willing to make in your life that will get us closer to a planet favorable to us? Earth Day should be joyous! It is the birthday celebration for Earth and it is a moment where we can celebrate the Earth because it deserves it. Hopefully, it gives a moment of pause to be gently reminded we have to protect this place.”

Sr. Jean Ustasiewski got us all in the spirit of Earth Day at Our Lady of Angels Convent when she blessed the crops at Red Hill Farm in honor of the day. Many sisters joined her and at the end they all sang “America the Beautiful.” But our Earth preservation efforts don’t stop there. Several of our sisters marched with the Chester Coalition on Saturday, April 24, to protest the incinerator in Chester, Pennsylvania. In addition, the congregation has been doing a lot of impact investing that supports climate change efforts.

Brewing Faith Episode 11: Our Human Sexuality (Part 2)

Sexuality is a powerful/passionate force and that power/passion lies within us as humans. Sexuality is connected with God’s life and love. In fact, Fr. Rolhieser says, “sexuality IS God’s energy within us!” This podcast on sexuality is part two of our February podcast on human nature. I suggest you first listen to that discussion on our nature as both spirit and flesh, since understanding our human nature shapes our understanding of our sexuality. Much of this presentation is pulled from the writings of Fr. Ronald Hohlesier, OMI. So grab that cup of coffee or whatever you like to brew, kick back, and take a listen!

Brewing Faith Episode 11: Human Sexuality

Sexuality is a powerful/passionate force and that power/passion lies within us as humans. Sexuality is connected with God's life and love. In fact, Fr. Rolhieser says, "sexuality IS God's energy within us!" This podcast on sexuality is part two...

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Justice Café – Criminal Justice

Join us for this great Justice Café where we discuss the topic of criminal justice. This is a very timely topic with the recent verdict in the George Floyd case, one that you don't want to miss. Please consider joining us.

May 2, 2021 - 3 P.M. (EST)

Each participant will be given informational materials prior to the meeting. The format on Sunday will involve prayer and information sharing with small and large groups. Join others for a meaningful conversation on the connections between spirituality and justice. Please invite anyone that you know who is interested in criminal justice to this discussion. Other monthly topics will be shared at a later date.

For more information OR to register, contact Sr. Florence Hee at fhee@osfphila.org. Please register ASAP in order to receive information and the Zoom link.

Save the Date - 26th Annual Golf Tournament

SAVE THE DATE!

Monday, September 20, 2021

After taking a year off due to Covid-19, we are happy to bring our annual golf tournament back! We hope you can join us for our 26th Annual Golf Tournament at Penn Oaks Golf Club. Former attendees/guests will receive an invite in the mail. If you have never been to our golf tournament and wish to join in the fun, please email OSFF@osfphila.org to request an invitation. Online registration and more details will be uploaded in the coming months.

1 P.M. – Golf Start (lunch served at 12 PM)

6 P.M. – Cocktails

6:30 P.M. – Dinner/Auction

Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia | 610-558-7726 | communications@osfphila.org | www.osfphila.org