Congregational E-News ~ Jan. 15, 2022 |
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We all know what it feels like to experience an unpleasant disagreement or hurtful moment with someone, especially with a friend or relative. And yet, it happens. The important thing, however, is taking steps to face, to deal with, and most importantly, to heal the hurt. One of the most significant aspects of our Franciscan spirituality, in my experience, is the concept of ongoing conversion. The very realization that I can start over…and over. . . .and over brings with it a sense of peace and an awareness of the tenderness of our loving God—a God who is always forgiving, always “new.” |
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What Time Bestows
What hurts was the unexpectedness
of your arrival,
with its welcome, instead, turned
into an unanticipated twist
of faked friendliness.
What hurts more is my inward reply,
with its rage and revolt,
swept away by demon thoughts of
unforgiving.
But in the end, another Welcome,
taut with tenderness and
then remembrances that
ought to redeem
our heartfelt recognition of what is
good in both of us.
Bernadette McInnis, OSF
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Meet Sister Joanne Clavel |
Through her knowledge and skill, her experience, and her strong Franciscan values, Sr. Joanne Clavel is helping the Franciscan spirit to thrive in Spokane, Washington, and beyond. Sr. Joanne grew up in Spokane and attended St. Charles School, which the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia opened in 1951. During her years at St. Charles, she would often help the sisters in their classrooms after school and on weekends.
These elementary-school years nurtured the Franciscan seed that had been planted in her family when her parents were married. The Franciscan priest who married her parents told them he would pray that one of their children would become a Franciscan. His prayers were answered, and Joanne became the third in the family to become a Franciscan. Sr. Joanne heard and responded to the call to religious life, and after high school she entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia at Palatine Hill (Portland).
Her first years of ministry were spent in elementary education, teaching at schools in California and Washington. After many years, she became the office manager at the provincial office and later became the province treasurer. When the provinces closed, she moved to Notre Dame, Indiana, and completed the Master of Nonprofit Administration graduate program. She remained in South Bend for several years in social ministry. Since returning to Spokane 14 years ago, Sr. Joanne has continued her active involvement in Franciscan ministries. She served in the finance office of St. Joseph Family Center until its closure in 2016 and began a new ministry by opening the Little Portion, a small spirituality center in the convent of St. Charles Parish. (The Little Portion will be the subject of a future Good News article.) Read more
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Life Decisions Discernment Zoom Retreat
We will be offering our online Life Decisions/Discernment in the Franciscan Spirit retreat via Zoom on Saturday, Feb. 12. This well-received online retreat is open to women and men discerning any major life decision (vocation, relationships, faith, education, job, volunteer year, relocating, etc.). Sr. Christine Still, OSF, will guide participants through a Franciscan discernment process that can assist with their own unique life choices.
Participation is free but space is limited. For more information or to register, please contact Sr. Diane Tomkinson, OSF at dtomkinson@osfphila.org.
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The Sisters of St. Francis are accepting donations for the victims of the tornados in Kentucky during the month of January.
If you would like to contribute, kindly mail payment to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation marked “Kentucky Donation” in the memo line.
Sisters of St. Francis Foundation
609 S Convent Rd.
Aston, PA 19014
All donations are due by January 31, 2022.
Thank you and God Bless!
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Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia | 610-558-7726 | communications@osfphila.org | www.osfphila.org |
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