GNSHappenings- October 2020

Written on: October 28, 2020

In Celebration of the Feast Day

Sister Denise Roche, GNSH, President, addressed the Grey Nun community, Associates, and Staff on a YouTube video on the occasion of the feast day of St. Marguerite d’Youville, Foundress of the Grey Nuns.  Denise invited us to consider the last decade of Marguerite’s life, all the challenges she faced, and the way she kept going with trust in God’s Provident care.  We see the parallels in our own lives and hear God calling us to continue to trust.

GNSH Meetings take on new look

Since the Grey Nuns were not able to have a congregational meeting in the summer nor area meetings in the fall, they are meeting in SMALL GROUPS between October 26^th and November 24^th.  Some SMALL GROUPS are meeting in-person, socially distant in groups of 7 or 8. Others are meeting virtually on ZOOM. Members of Grey Nun Leadership are facilitating conversations about our experiences since March, how our lives are inspired by St. Marguerite’s faith and fidelity, and what changes will need to take place in Grey Nun life in years to come. It is wonderful to be together even in SMALL GROUPS, after so long.

GNSHAssociates

Every October, Associates renew their annual commitment with a special prayer.  On October 10th , eighteen Associates made their re-commitment as Associates for the coming year. Currently, there is one person discerning becoming an Associate. Sisters are always welcome to join in and 6 were able to be present for the October gathering. The next Associate Zoom gathering will be November 14 from 10:30– Noon. The Associates will be using reflections from Heart Stirrings for upcoming Zoom gatherings.

Annual Sock Drive

Our annual sock drive to honor St. Marguerite’s Feast Day resulted in the collection of $560 donated directly to The Joy of Sox, the purchase or 470 pairs of socks with cash donations that totaled over $500 and about $400 through a Facebook fundraiser. And, that is only what we know about! Thank you for supporting our efforts to help others in the spirit of St. Marguerite.

Wedding Congratulations

to the new Mr. & Mrs., Kevin and Beth Fisher.  Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together! October 17, 2020. Beth cares for the GNSH as part of the health care team.

Happy Retirement and Welcome

With gratitude and heavy hearts, we wish Ms. Pat Cohen, Director of Finance, much happiness in her retirement. After seventeen years with the GNSH, Pat will soon relocate to Dallas, TX to start her second career as grandmother to Dalton and his new baby brother. Pat has served the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart with dedication, kindness, sensitivity and generosity, and will be missed by all.

We also extend a Warm Welcome to Ms. Marianne Kitzmiller who joined the GNSH staff as Director of Finance in early October.  Marianne said, “I am very excited for the opportunity to work with this group of talented Sisters and women to help ensure their safe financial future. It is a blessing to be able to have a small role in helping to make that happen. I look forward to developing relationships with all the Sisters!”

Recently, sisters gathered in small groups at Lafayette and the Bustleton Office to bid Pat farewell and to welcome Marianne.

Photo: Unsplash. Becca Tarter

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to our Sisters who will celebrate their special day in November:  Sr. Maureen Quigley (2); Sr. Patricia Geary (6); Sr. Karen Marie Voltz (11); Sr. Joan Marie Daly (12);  Sr. Ann McKee (14); and Sr. Ann Marie Beirne (30).

May the year ahead hold many blessings for each of you!

Speaking of Birthdays. . .

The Sisters at the Plaza gathered on Monday October 19th to celebrate Sr. Mary Dee’s birthday. In order to maintain social distancing, Sisters were invited to come for a short time to allow others to visit with Mary and offer birthday wishes.  A short Celtic prayer was offered followed by silly fun gifts including a dancing bobble head, bubbles and card games.  It was wonderful to be able to celebrate Mary Dee and Joan’s presence among us.

“I am deeply grateful for everyone’s generosity, love and support. It was a really fun, happy day.”“ Sr. Mary Dee

This entry was posted in News and tagged: Associates, Beth Greiner Fisher, birthday, celebration, challenges, changes, community meetings, Dallas TX, Director of Finance, Employee News, Faith, Feast Day, fidelity, GNSH Leadership, GNSHAssociates, God, Heart Stirrings, inspired, Joy of Sox, life, march, Marianne Kitzmiller, meetings, Pat Cohen, Provident care, re-commitment, Sister Denise Roche GNSH President, small group, sock collection, St. Marguerite, St. Marguerite d'Youville, support, trust, Zoom gatherings