GNSHappenings: The Way We Were 2018

Written on: December 28, 2018

As one year ends and another begins, we thank you, our faithful friends, for your presence in our lives. Looking back over the year we count our blessings and recall that change is always a part of life.

In January,  the Administrative Staff enjoyed a lovely retreat day focused on the mission shared with the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart in the tradition of St. Marguerite d’Youville. One of the fruits of the retreat was Project Compassion, an outreach to foster a spirit of positivity and noticing the good things happening around us.

In February, we collected diapers for a home for pregnant women in Philadelphia. Sisters Diane Bardol and Ceil Cosgrove made a visit to Kodiak, Alaska to keep our connections there alive through visits and a retreat for the parish and an in-service for the hospital staff. National Catholic Sisters Week was celebrated and Maryellen Glackin represented the GNSH at Give Your Heart Away Weekend in North Carolina.

In March, we mourned the death of Sr. Pat Kelly.  Sr. Rita Margraff and Sr. Karen Marie Volz were recognized for their service to separate organizations, the annual Young At Heart Retreat was held and  Sisters enjoyed the Grey Nun Academy Auction.

In April, Sisters gathered for Chapter meetings and elected 5 new women to leadership: Sisters Denise Roche, Eileen White, Barbara Schiavoni, Bridget Mary Connor and Anne Marie Beirne. Our Associates continued to meet monthly, to pray together, to learn about St. Marguerite and the Congregation, and to plan ministry outreach.

In May, we celebrated the Jubilees of 7 Sisters, and treated staff to an employee recognition luncheon. Sisters Julia Lanigan and Mary Elizabeth Looby were present at the celebration for the elevation of  Mother Elizabeth Bruyère to Venerable with our “cousins” in Ottawa.

In June-July, we celebrated the Feast of the Sacred Heart in Philadelphia and in Buffalo, and the 20th Annual Eco-Spirituality weekend was held. Rev. Jack Nevins, our long time chaplain and friend went to his heavenly reward on June 23.

In July, we installed the new leadership team and welcomed their family and friends at a wonderful celebration on July 1. At the end of July our Sisters organized Circle the City in Prayer events at Holy Redeemer Lafayette and with the Magnificat Community. Sister Irene Murphy passed away on July 31.

In July-August, we collected backpacks for teens in foster care. Many of our Sisters enjoyed time away, either with friends and family on vacation, or on retreats at various spirituality centers.

As summer gave way to back to school time, in September, we marked the Season of Creation on our Social Media sites, along with many other Congregations. Our Sisters planned interesting discussions and our Earth Committee renewed their outreach efforts in support of our vulnerable Earth.

 In October, our Sisters went “Back to School” at GNA for a day of fun and learning, and we collected socks for the homeless in honor of St. Marguerite’s Feast Day. Our Associates celebrated the recommitment of their association with the GNSH and new members were welcomed in Philadelphia and Buffalo. A new GNSH led art class started at Holy Redeemer Lafayette and some Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart went to support the Nuns on the Bus as they travelled through both Buffalo and Philadelphia.

In November, the Plaza Sisters planned a ‘meet and greet’ for their neighbors to meet the recently arrived Sisters in leadership. In Buffalo, the expansion of Gerard Place was a joyful celebration and Grey Nun Academy celebrated 55 Years in Education. Sister Roseanne Walker passed away on November 21.

And, here we are in December once again, looking to the future with hope and at the past year with gratitude for God’s Providence. Wishing you all the blessings of the Christmas Season, good health, peace and joy in the New Year!   

Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart 

Photos available on our Flickr page!

This entry was posted in News and tagged: 2018, Buffalo, Chapter, Circle the City with Love, Eco-Spirituality, Feast of St. Marguerite D'Youville, Feast of the Sacred Heart, GNSHAssociates, Jubilee, Leadership, ministry, Outreach, Philadelphia, Prayer, Project Compassion, Rev Jack Nevins, Season of Creation, St. Marguerite, Venerable Mother Elizabeth Bruyère, Year