Section:
ministries
How We Are In Ministry
“ … As vowed women of the Church, we respond with diverse gifts in a spirit of collaboration and of mutual service to the needs of others, especially the economically poor, the marginal, and the oppressed …”
(Excerpt--Mission Statement, General Chapter, 1986)
One of the ways we further the mission of our congregation is through our diverse ministries. As Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, we are called in our Commitment Statement to:
“… ‘rebuild the Church’ by living the passion of the Gospel …”
“… take the necessary risks to be a healing, compassionate presence in our violent world especially with women, children, and those who have no voice …”
(Excerpt—Commitment Statement, General Chapter, 1996)
Each sister discerns with the congregation how she can best serve God, the congregation, and the people of God. Furthering the congregation’s mission with the blessing of the congregation and with a loving heart and spirit is to be in ministry.
Sisters “rebuild the Church” through the following ministries:
- Parish ministry
- Religious education (all levels)
- Spiritual ministry and retreats
- Prayer ministry
- Diocesan ministry
- Education (all levels)
- Social ministry
Sisters “take the necessary risks to be a healing, compassionate presence in our violent world” by ministering in the following areas:
- Healthcare
- Eldercare
- Social ministry
- Pastoral ministry
- Counseling
- Advocacy
- Immigration
- Homelessness
- AIDS ministry
- Caregiving
Sisters’ Gifts and Contributions Recognized
Over the years our sisters have served in many types of ministries. When the need arose, we responded whenever it was possible. Although we no longer serve in some of these same ministries today—or perhaps do so in different capacities—the influence of those early sisters is still felt. Echoes of that influence were heard in recent celebrations on both the east and west coasts.
Humanitarian Service Recognized in Eastern Washington
A number of our sisters on the west coast were present when the Inland Northwest Chapter of the American Red Cross recognized the congregation for its 120 years of humanitarian work with orphans, developmentally disadvantaged children, and teen mothers in eastern Washington. Spokane’s mayor issued a proclamation of thanksgiving for the congregation’s work and Denise Ashcroft, Director for Major Gifts for the Red Cross Chapter, presented the Humanitarian Award. “As we near the Universal Children’s Day observance on November 20,” Ms. Ashcroft said, “it is well for us to remember that in Spokane we have among us outstanding examples such as the Sisters of St. Francis who epitomize international goals of compassion for the world’s children, regardless of their circumstances.” In Spokane’s Fairmount Memorial Park, a commemorative wreath was placed on the congregation’s monument. Following the ceremony, attendees attended on a reception and historical presentation.
Parishes Recognize Long History in Education
The weekend of St. Francis Day found two parishes in the Diocese of Wilmington giving special recognition for the long-term service rendered by the Sisters of St. Francis. This year Immaculate Conception Parish, Elkton, opened a pre-school program for four-year-olds—a move which necessitated a need for more classroom space. These tiniest students remained in the school building and a modular building on the school property became home to the kindergarten and first-grade children. Recognizing the 80 years that the Sisters of St. Francis have served in the parish in one capacity or another, Fr. Joseph Piekarski blessed and dedicated the new building, designated as the Franciscan Center. The ceremony, held on October 3, preceded the parish’s annual outdoor Transitus service. Following the conclusion of Transitus, parishioners gathered for a special dinner celebrating their new center and anticipating the celebration of St. Francis Day.
A few miles to the north, St. John the Beloved Parish also honored the congregation by the dedication of the new Our Lady of the Angels Early Childhood Building. St. John the Beloved School was founded 50 years ago and was staffed by our sisters. A number of the sisters were on hand for the October 4 dedication, including several former principals. Although Sr. JoAnn McPolin is now the only sister ministering in the school, the Franciscan charism continues to flourish there.
Artistic Gifts Celebrated and Displayed
For the past month and a half, Sr. Matthew Cola’s paintings have been on display at the Pequannock Township Public Library in Pompton, New Jersey. Her showing includes a wonderful collection of original landscapes, seascapes, and still-life paintings. The story behind the special showing was part of an article in the local New Jersey newspaper. Check it out at http://www.osfphila.org/http%3A/%252Fwww.osfphila.org/inthenews.
Alumni Association Recognition Award
Congratulations are also in order for Sr. Patricia Kerezsi. At this year’s homecoming events at Neumann University, she received the Alumni Association Recognition Award. A 2002 graduate of Neumann, Sr. Patty was chosen for this award because “her work is the work of God and her dedication to Neumann is profound.” The statement announcing the award commented that “the impact of just reading what Sr. Patty has accomplished and her absolute humility is powerful in and of itself….she gives of herself unselfishly and embodies the core values of the institution.” The statement went on to imagine the founders of Neumann thanking Sr. Patty not only for choosing Neumann but also for using that education in the service of others.
Principal of the Year: Twice Over!
And finally, congratulations are also in order for Sr. Mary Farrell. Not once but twice, Sr. Mary has been honored at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Annual Principals Conference as one of six persons chosen as Principal of the Year. The award recognizes great leadership in Catholic education and acknowledges the work that Sr. Mary has done and continues to do at St. Francis de Sales School in Lenni, Pennsylvania. The letter of congratulations states that Sr. Mary was chosen in recognition of her efforts in keeping the school “on the cutting edge in faith formation as well as academic rigor and relevance.” The letter also acknowledges her contributions in numerous other projects and describes her as a team player who keeps the school in line with recommendations from the Office of Catholic Education.
