GNSHappenings- November 2020

Written on: November 20, 2020

GNSHAssociates: Angel Conicelli and Sr. Barbara Schiavoni

Thirteen Associates and nine Sisters, from different areas, participated in the November Associates Zoom Gathering. They utilized the new book Heart Stirrings for the Reflection. The topic was Thanksgiving and the Thanksgiving reflection from the booklet  (p. 166) was used as the starting point.

In keeping with November as the month we fondly remember our deceased members, we prayed for and remembered Associates Joan Almendinger (Buffalo) and Mary Ann Knorr (At a Distance) who passed away recently. We shared memories of other Associates and sisters who were active in past years and have also passed away, giving thanks for their lives and dedication.

We will use some of the Advent materials from Heart Stirrings for the December call. The Associates were very happy to receive Heart Stirrings and look forward to using it for personal prayer as well.

A reminder that Sisters are welcome to join these gatherings, please let Sr. Barbara Schiavoni know of your interest.

GNSH Meetings Ongoing: from Sr. Eileen White

Before Covid-19, Grey Nuns planned to gather as a congregation in June. Now that precautions against the spread of the virus have been in place for months, Grey Nun Leadership has made arrangements to meet with the community in a series of small group meetings – some in person, and some virtual, by Zoom or telephone conference. It’s a new experience! The Sisters are grateful for the opportunity to “meet” whether spread out six feet apart in a circle of 8-10 Sisters or in those rectangled faces on a computer screen. They reflect on seeking to find God in the challenges of these months, in solidarity with those whose hardships are monumental compared with theirs, and in the story of their foundress’s life and her trust in God’s Providence.

Sr. Loretta Wundrok, GNSH

We were able to celebrate a Funeral Liturgy for Sr. Loretta on Wednesday, November 11. We are grateful to the priests and staff at Maternity B.V.M. Church who welcomed us so helpfully and warmly to the Church.

Our dear friend, Fr. Charles Noone was the celebrant. Sisters Mary Lee Farrell and Julia Lanigan provided the singing for the liturgy.

Many from Sr. Loretta’s family were able to attend. A private video was made so that Sisters unable to attend in-person were able to witness the liturgy. Click here to read the words of remembrance shared by Sr. Bridget Connor, and the full obituary.

She’s gone, she’s gone. I can’t believe it, she’s gone…

We sent our dear friend Pat Cohen off to her retirement in Texas with a lovely luncheon and a few other smaller celebrations.

Pictured here: Pat was gifted a coffee-table book with photos, stories, letters and good wishes from Sisters and co-workers. We want Pat to always remember how loved she was!  View more photos here.

COVID-19 OFFICE CLOSURE:  FROM GNSH LEADERSHIP

Because of the recent revisions to restrictions in Philadelphia, we have decided that the Administrative offices should close. Our co-workers will resume the “work from home” mode beginning at the close of business on Friday November 20 until January 4, 2021. They will be able to come to the office to pick-up materials and messages, and to respond to external needs.

This decision is made in an attempt to reduce the possibility of infection from Covid-19 and to cooperate with the efforts of Philadelphia to limit the spread of the disease.

Given the circumstances, please be patient if you have dealings with our work colleagues. They will respond to you as soon as they are able.

We urge everyone to limit travel and outside exposure  by staying safe at home, wearing masks and frequent hand washing.

In light of the closing of our offices and citywide restrictions on gatherings, it goes without saying that we will not be gathering our GNSH colleagues for a Christmas luncheon this year. Instead, we will be using the money we would have spent on the luncheon to donate to an organization that feeds those made poor. Our hope is that this small sacrifice will provide a happier Christmas for our friends and neighbors in need.

Marguerite’s Pantry

On Saturday November 21,  Marguerite’s Pantry volunteers gathered at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Queens, NY. They served 494 families with food including turkeys and fresh produce, as well as diapers and a wide selection of clothes for children. Please consider a donation to help keep us serving those in need from the local community. Please contact Sr. Anne Marie Beirne, GNSH for how to donate, or use their Facebook Fundraiser by clicking here. Thank you!  More photos here. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to You!

Happy Birthday to Sister Eileen White (12) and Sister Barbara Ann Pollock (24) as you celebrate your December birthdays!

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

This entry was posted in News and tagged: challenges, Christmas gift, Congregation, Covid-19, feed the hungry, Funeral Liturgy, GNSHA, God, God's Providence, Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart Associates, Happy Birthday, Heart Stirrings, Maternity BVM Parish, meetings, office closure, Philadelphia, precautions, retirement, Sr. Loretta Wundrok, telephone, Texas, thanksgiving, virtual, work from home, Zoom