GNSHappenings February 2019

Written on: February 27, 2019

GNSH Associates: Sr. Barbara Schiavoni

The Philadelphia Area Associates have recently begun a process of spiritual reading and faith sharing using the book “Longing for the Holy” from RENEW International.  The process invites participants to reflect on a variety of topics such as spirituality, the Eucharist, the Paschal Mystery, social justice, community and relationships.  At the February meeting, Associates and Sisters broke into small groups to share their experiences and insights, including how St. Marguerite influences their spirituality.  As they shared, the Holy Spirit was very much in evidence!   More pictures here

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!   Happy Birthday to our Sisters who celebrated birthdays this month: Sisters Pierrette Remillard, Mary Sue Thomas, Bernadette Marie Lalonde, Mary Finnick, Kay Healy, Mary Joan Elias, Loretta Wundrok, Anne McKeon, Diane Bardol and Jackie Weigle!  Many blessings in the year ahead!

Pictured here: Sr. Mary Sue on her Birthday, with Sisters Barbara Schiavoni and Denise Roche joining the celebrating. More pictures here

Mission Trips

In March, Sisters will undertake two mission trips.

Sisters Eileen White and Diane Bardol will be heading to El Paso, TX where they will work with people at the border, mainly with those seeking asylum. They will receive hospitality from the Loretto Sisters, and work with Annunciation House in whatever ways they are needed. Click here to read more.

Sister Mary Elizabeth Looby will travel to Ghana, West Africa, to the small village of Sang in northwest Ghana, to Nazareth Home for God’s Children. It is an orphanage for “spirit children,” children who have been put out of their families or villages for being physically or mentally handicapped. They are served by a small Ghanaian Congregation, Sisters of Eucharistic Love.  “I will be working with the young sisters, giving them a retreat, and doing some classes on religious life. I may possibly be working at the  school with the children as well.”  Click here to read more.

Sisters, we wish you Godspeed and send you with our prayers and love! Thank you to all who have made these trips a reality.

Grey Nun Academy Faculty & Staff Retreat: Sr. Diane Bardol

Every year the Faculty and Staff of Grey Nun Academy (GNA) participate in a retreat. This year and last the retreat was done in two parts;  in August and then in February. The ongoing theme is Communication. In 2017-2018 participants had time to learn, reflect and dialogue on how communication keeps compassion alive and well, and what they can do to make this relevant in their classrooms; compassion being a key element of the school’s Mission Statement. This school year, 2018- 2019 faculty and staff spent time in understanding the Spirituality of Communication. They learned the four components on nonviolent communication, and  the essential connection between them and Gospel living. Both last year and this year’s theme were seen as carrying out our Grey Nun directive of living relational integrity. GNSH and GNA are truly partners in mission.

Day of Reflection

A Lenten day of reflection is being offered to GNSH Associates, Sisters and staff members on Saturday April 13.  Sr. Patricia Geary will present on “The Last Days of Jesus: A Spiritual Journey Through Holy Week.”  After spending time pondering the meaning of these days, may we live them with renewed awareness.

Dementia Presentation

A two-part presentation on communication and compassionate interactions with people who have dementia is being offered to Sisters and Staff.  This will include a medical overview as well as identification and self-care for those involved in care giving.

Linda Cusano, currently working with elderly and cognitively impaired Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia at St. Joseph’s Villa as the Life Enrichment Director,  will be the presenter. Linda has extensive experience working with various religious communities and educating around this topic. We are pleased to  have her come and share her insights.

The presentations will be held on March 4 and March 18. Accommodations will be made for Sisters outside the Philadelphia area to view these presentations at another time.

This entry was posted in From our Sisters and tagged: "Longing for the Holy", birthday, communication, compassionate, dementia, El Paso Texas, Faculty Staff Retreat, Ghana, GNSHAssociates, Grey Nun Academy, Mission Trip, Presentation, Reflection Day, RENEW International, Retreat