By: Denise Bunk-Hatch, communications director

 

   I am sure by now you have seen the Chapter Planning newsletter, as well as the page on the website for Chapter 2016. If you haven't seen the web page, please visit it (or look for icon shown here on the home page)!

   Both of these items are a work in progress, and will be updated as the Chapter Planning Committee moves forward.

   You may not be aware that the CPC newsletter is being sent in three languages - Portuguese, Spanish, and English. Sending the newsletter in all the languages of our congregation is a concrete step in being attentive of the intercultural reality of our congregation.

   This simultaneous email would not be possible without the hard work of those who have helped to translate the newsletter. A huge thank you is due to sisters Goianira Silva OSF and Lucy Cardet OSF, and to congregational archivist Ellen Winger.  Without their hard work, the multi-language e-newsletter would not have happened. 

Submitted by: Pat Shirley, OSF

   

   On Wednesday, January 14, Bishop Robert Lynch of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, FL, presided over the Dedication and Blessing of the chapel of the new St. Joseph's Hospital - South. 

   St. Joseph's Hospital was founded in Tampa, FL, in 1934. Today, it is part of the Baycare Health System, and includes St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, St. Joseph's Women's Hospital, South Florida Baptist Hospital, and St. Joseph's Hospital - North. St. Joseph's Hospital - South is the newest addition to the Baycare hospitals, and is scheduled to open in February in Riverview, FL.

   For more information on St. Joseph's Hospital - South, click here.

 

By: Mary Laubenthal, FSA Associate

 

   Marie Cameron, former member, became an FSA associate in South Jersey when the Associate program was established 25 years ago. Like other associates, she worked with and for the poor. Among many other activities, she assisted at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia, travelled to Jamaica to work with the poor, and supported The Dwelling Place, a shelter for homeless women in New York, and our St. Elizabeth Mission Society. 

    Recently her twin sent a photo of a plaque that records a tribute paid to Marie:  the gift, made in her memory, by her nephew Michael Friedman and his wife, Adena, of the reception center of the medical services department at The Community of Hope's Conway Health and Resource Center in Washington, DC.

   The Community of Hope describes its mission in this way: "... to improve the health and quality of life for low-income, homeless and under-served families and individuals in the District of Columbia by providing health care, housing with supportive services, educational opportunities and spiritual support. We seek to serve with compassion, integrity and respect."

   Learning of the recent gift of Marie's nephew, one of the associates in South Jersey characterized this plaque and memorial as a wonderful tribute to Marie, and one perfectly in keeping with her values as a Franciscan woman. 

 

Consecrated Life Reflection day at Harvey Ceders, NJ

 

            Maris Stella Retreat Center, Harvey Cedars, LBI, is offering a "Consecrated Life: The Mysticism of Encounter" retreat day for men and women religious from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on February 21.  In honor of the Year of Consecrated life the retreat is free to all religious.  Lunch is included.  Limited overnight accommodations are available at a reasonable cost.  Registration is required.  To register or for information, call (609) 494-2917 or email pdotzaurer@comcast.net by Feb. 5.

   One of the most interesting things about my job as an archivist is the chance to be a "history detective." As soon as a call for information comes in, you can find me rummaging around in the records storeroom, looking for the right puzzle pieces of information to tell a complete story. Like a savvy private eye, I also rely on a network of informants to bring me tips and bits of information. This week, I'd like to introduce you to:

The Case of the Franciscan Center

   The Franciscan Center will be celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. While conducting a routine reference interview with Sister Annie Dougherty, we discovered something troubling: my records for the history of the Franciscan Center were terribly sparse. We realized right away that if we were going to have a complete story to tell in time for the 50th anniversary, we were going to have to start building up the Archives' Franciscan Center file right away!
   Now, as an archivist and a detective, I am turning to you, my informants, to help me tell the story. Do you have material about the history of the Franciscan Center? This material could look like:

• photos
• newspaper clippings
• programs
• posters
• video
• audio cassettes

If you do, please consider sending it to the Archives to become part of the Franciscan Center's file! Material can be sent to: Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, attn. Archives, PO Box W, St. Bonaventure, NY, 14778. If you think you might have material and would like to discuss it, please feel free to call or email the archives for advice! With your help, we will have a fantastic story to tell!