GNSHappenings- April 2022

Written on: May 2, 2022

Grey Nun Associate News:  Associates and Sisters meet by Zoom each second Saturday of the month for prayer, faith sharing and conversation. This year, Associates and Sisters have been sharing their faith journeys as the springboard for contemplative dialogue. The diverse experiences are inspiring and enriching, reminding us of the many ways St. Marguerite’s spirit is alive today. In April, Associate, Mimi Palkovics, was our faith sharing volunteer. She shared with us some history of her childhood and family upbringing, education; how her life and work as a nurse connected and led her to relationship with the GNSH, St. Marguerite D`Youville, and with the Associates. Sr. Diane Bardol will share her faith journey at the next meeting. Associates from Kodiak, and those in Kodiak who are preparing to make their commitments will join the meeting. Because of these special guests, our next Zoom gathering on May 14 will begin at 1 pm EDT to accommodate the time difference! All are welcome! Contact Angel Conicelli  to be added to the Zoom invitation, or if you would like more information about the Associates.

Easter Season Reflections: Our reflections, begun during Lent, will continue through Pentecost. These serve as a reminder to all of us that we are truly an EASTER people– people of resurrection and hope, despite anything that went before. We hope these have enriched your faith journey. They are shared with our Constant Contact subscribers—who continue to  increase! We also post to Social Media, reaching an even larger group of individuals. Reflections are sent out on Wednesday prior to the Sunday they are written for. For the most recent reflection, click here.

“Proof I’m still working!” Sister Karen Marie Voltz sent this recent photo suggesting that we might not know what she is up to in Buffalo! Sister Karen, it is nice to see the good things you are and do for the people of Buffalo. She is pictured here distributing ashes at the North Buffalo Community Center to Senior Matriarch, Josephine Shamrock, along with a blessing. You are a blessing to Buffalo!

Ever Faithful: These beautiful flowers were spotted on a recent visit to Sr. Eileen Murray. Without looking, anyone would know they were from Ben Brusco! Sr. Eileen cared for Ben when he was at an orphanage as a little boy and he is eternally grateful for her kindness.

From a Friend: This darling bunny Easter greeting was sent to all of the Sisters from Grace Bordi former co-worker at the Motherhouse. The card reads: Hope many warm sweet moments are yours this Easter. Grace wrote a short note inside: To everyone, Special Easter Blessing always! Peace. I miss everyone. Love, Grace Bordi.

Grief and Loss Presentation: Sr. Anne Myers, SSJ, shared her spirituality and wisdom on grief and loss with us on Monday morning, April 4th. We reflected on how we are called to support one another as we experience all the “letting go’s” that our God and our life call us to embrace. The presentation, Grieving Our Losses Together in the Spirit of Compassionate Love focused on a variety of losses we have experienced. These include individual losses, but also our communal losses such as the Motherhouse sale and attendant moves, the losses we endured during the height of the pandemic, and the decision for completion of our mission. Sr. Anne reminded us of two friends who always accompany us in our grieving Jesus and St. Marguerite.  They help us as we also see other exterior losses within our own religious circles of friends and in the larger world around us. Sr. Anne described the complexities of grief beyond tears and sadness, manifested in unique ways: psychological, social, physical and spiritual. There are always people available to help us through our losses, both professional and personal– we are not alone. Thank you, Sr. Anne, for sharing your knowledge, wisdom and compassion with us.

Spiritual Animation Committee:  Sister Marie Michelle Donnelly, RSM began her series of talks on THE WOMEN and MEN of EASTER on April 22. Her first reflection focused on the Apostle to the apostles, Mary Magdalene. Sr. Marie Michelle shared her insights into this often misunderstood saint! The “retreat in daily life” will  continue on Wednesdays, May 4, 11 and 18 from 10:30-11:30 in the RCR at Holy Redeemer Lafayette. They will also be available by Zoom.  All are welcome. (Pictured here, Sr. Marie Michelle and Sr. Jean Liston who are long-time friends!)

Please be sure to look at the Spiritual Animation Committee page on our website. It has been updated with new retreats– especially summer! -as well as easier to use categories. We hope you have also been able to watch some of the suggested YouTube videos, and listen to some of the Podcasts. If you find something you think others would appreciate, please be sure to share it with the Committee.

Celebrating You! Wishing the following Sisters very happy birthdays in May: Sr. Frances William Avery (8) and Sr. Mary McMahon (29). May the Lord protect and bless both of you in the year ahead! 

This entry was posted in News and tagged: Alaska, Apostles, Birthdays, Buffalo, communal loss, Easter, Easter Season, flowers, greetings, Grey Nun Associates, grief, loss, Mary Magdalene, podcasts, presentations, Redeemer-Lafayette, reflections, religious, retreats, Sr. Anne Meyers, Sr. Eileen Murray, Sr. Frances William Avery, Sr. Jean Liston, Sr. Karen Marie Voltz, Sr. Marie Michelle Donnelly, Sr. Mary McMahon, YouTube videos