“We must remember
that we are stewards of what God has provided
for us, not owners.”
— Joyce Meyers (author)
“We are not God. The
earth was here before us and was given to us.”
— Pope Francis
Sister Carol Ann Papp’s mornings are often blessed by sights like this sunrise over Pittsburgh, Pa., showing the silhouette of Mt. Assisi Place in the distance. The brilliant colors painted across the sky remind her of God’s presence in nature.
A Fragile Entanglement
When the first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, it was to bring awareness to many of the same issues that, unfortunately we still face – a half-century later and with even greater urgency – on Earth Day 2021. Our Franciscan heritage guides us to live frugally, conserve resources and recycle what we can, making small measures each day to care for creation. Learn what we do and what you can do, too.
Spring Comes to
Monocacy Farm
Leap into Spring with Monocacy Farm Project (MFP) when you join us for the ministry's first ever Spring on the Farm event, set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 8.

Visit the greenhouse sale featuring a wide variety of plants, take a tour of the farm, and have your questions answered by farm staff. Local vendors also will be on hand with great last-minute gifts for Mother’s Day, which is the next day.

Admission is free. Sales proceeds benefit MFP programs. We respectfully ask that our patrons wear face coverings. Be sure to “like” MFP on Facebook for updates as the event approaches.
Nature’s Rewards
I just love gardening, and I remember going to my parents’ home to plant and weed every summer. I then moved on to the homes of some of my siblings and did the same.

I have aunts and cousins who are buried in cemeteries in Erie, Pa. – including our own late Sister Clementine Rostas who died in 1927 – and kept their graves beautiful all summer.

Last summer, during Covid, I had to do something, and so I weeded St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place. I’m also keeping it up this summer.

I would encourage all of you to get out in nature in the garden. It’s very rewarding.
– Sister Roselyn Kuzma
A Fine Array
Poem by Sister Karen Buco | Photos by Sister Roselyn Kuzma

Nature dressed up in fine array spreads its beauty day by day.
With its plants, flowers and trees so tall, a wonderous gift from God, creator of it all.

As this greatness unfolds before my eyes each day,
I treasure all God’s life that comes along my way.

Each blade of grass, rivers, mountains, new life of spring.
Insects, birds and fish give praise to God in everything.

All creation, time and persons exalt the God above.
Joining them I thank you, Lord, for all these gifts of love.

Teach me to respect all life around and within me, too.
Remembering in all these things I’ve really found you.
Pass It On
How we treat the environment matters to those who come after us – our children, grandchildren, students, nieces and nephews. In keeping, Sister Mary Martha Zammatore shares this timely tune that reminds us that, whether we’re speaking of God’s love or our good behavior as climate citizens, we should Pass It On.

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Upcoming Events & Spiritual Programs
April 24
April 27
April 28
May 4
June 18
Yard Sale at SFCR; Details Coming Soon!