GNSHappenings- October 2022

Written on: October 27, 2022

Alaska Associates Commitment: We extend a warm welcome to Brian Cleary, Colleen Helligso and Marylynn McFarland. On Saturday, October 1, they formally entered the GNSH Associate relationship, making their initial commitments in the presence of Kodiak Convener Fru Finn. Fru hosted a gathering at her home where the group prayed together, asking St. Marguerite “to continue to be a part of our lives and guide us as we continue our journeys, spreading her message of love and compassion.” The new Associates were presented with medals of St. Marguerite d’Youville and small plaques with her icon image. They shared brunch and hospitality afterward. We are delighted to widen the circle of those who share and promote St. Marguerite’s charism!

Pictured here: Fru Finn, Colleen Helligso, Brian Cleary and Marylynn McFarland (and one of Sr. Bridget’s paintings!)

The next Grey Nun Associate gathering will be Saturday November 12 at 10:30– Noon Eastern time, by Zoom. All are welcome. Contact Angel Conicelli for more information about participating in the Zoom meeting, or learning more about the Grey Nun Associates.

When Dreams Come True. A Memoir: Sister Anne Zita Crudden has often told the story of how she learned she was adopted, and then reunited with her birth family. Now, she has completed the full story of her life in a self-published memoir. It is a delightful and heart-wrenching tale that clearly demonstrates Sister’s storytelling ability, her eye for detail and her Irish humor. As they say, “You will laugh, and you will cry” but you won’t be able to put this delightful page turner down! Even if you know the story, there is something new to be found in the reading. Thank you, Sr. Anne Zita for sharing the story of your life with us. You have given us all a great gift and a reminder that family comes in all shapes and forms.

Feast Day and Jubilee Celebration for Sr. Barbara Harrington: Submitted by Sr. Sheila Stone. This celebration was originally planned for August 28^th but then Covid struck Sr. Barb and Sr. Ellie that week! So we were doubly excited to finally celebrate together on October 16^th, Marguerite’s feast.  The eight Grey Nuns currently in Buffalo joined together for Eucharist at St. John the 23^rd Parish to celebrate Sr. Barbara’s 70 years as a Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart.  Father John Stanton congratulated Sr. Barbara and the Grey Nuns and mentioned our ministries in Buffalo and our presence to this parish. Following Mass, we enjoyed time together and good food at Pasquale’s Italian Restaurant.  Many memories of Sr. Barbara’s past life and present service to those in the complex where she and Sr. Ellie live were shared. The Buffalo Bills also rose to the occasion, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs, a perfect closing gift for Barbara’s special Day!

Laudato Si’ Action Platform: Our next gathering will take place on Monday, November 14 as we officially begin our second year of delving deeply into Laudato Si’ and moving toward the total elimination of single use plastics. We hope you have had a chance to read Laudato Si’ Chapter 4, Sections I, II, and III and have discussed with others what you have read and learned from the suggested videos and questions. We are focusing on the topic of Integral Economy to be more aware of how our purchasing (or refraining from purchasing) choices are connected to our care for Earth. Please click here for the questions which were distributed at our last meeting in August:  4th quarter August-November.  A brief survey about your experience of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform work we have done over the past year is available. Your responses are valuable to us and our future planning. If you have not completed the survey, please click here. Thank you!

LCWR Region 3:  The leaders of religious congregations in Region 3 are moving forward with a significant initiative. This year, they are pooling resources to support two environmental organizations, one in New Jersey sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace called Waterspirit, and the other based in Philadelphia and Pittsburg, PennEnvironment. They have pledged to split about $4000 between the two groups not only this year, but also in 2023 and 2024. The proposal for this unified action came from justice promoters and leaders in LCWR Region 3 as a way to make a greater impact by collaborating to alleviate the harm caused by climate change.

Spiritual Animation Committee: During October, we have been entertained and enlightened by a series of talks titled Meet the Mystics. This second series of talks by Sr. Marie Michele Donnelly, RSM, has been well received. We have almost doubled the attendance from the first series in May on the Women and Men of Easter. Both series are available on our YouTube channel—clicking on the above titles will take you to the videos. Please note, these are private videos for your use only. We hope to continue this type of programming in 2023. Our next offering will be the weekend Advent Retreat December 3-4 with Sr. Christine Koellhoffer, IHM. Please contact Sr. Eileen Spanier or Sr. Mary Elizabeth Looby for more information.
A new podcast Leading With Tenderness has been added to our list. It features Fr. Greg Boyle who is well known for his work in L.A. with former prisoners. Check out our Podcast page by clicking here.
If you find a video or podcast that others might appreciate, please be sure to share it with the Committee. We always welcome your suggestions!

November Birthdays: Wishing the following Sisters very happy birthdays in November: Sr. Maureen Quigley (2); Sr. Patricia Geary (06); Sr. Karen Marie Voltz (11); Sr. Joan Daly (12); Sr. Anne Marie Beirne (30). May God’s love protect and bless each of you in the year ahead!

This entry was posted in News and tagged: adoption, Advent retreat, Alaska, biography, birthday, Buffalo, Buffalo Bills, Eucharist, Family, Feast Day, Grey Nun Associates, humor, insightful, Integral Economy, Irish, Jubilee Celebration, Kodiak, Laudato Si' Action Platform, LCWR Region 3, LSAP, Meet the Mystics, November, Pasquale's Italian Restaurant, PennEnvironment, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, podcast, podcasts, recommitment, reflection days, Sister Anne Zita Crudden, Spiritual Animation Committee, Sr. Marie Michele Donnelly, story, Waterspirit, When Dreams Come True: A Memoir, Women and Men of Easter