GNSHappenings- December 2022

Written on: January 3, 2023

GNSH Associate News: The first Associates Zoom meeting of the New Year will take place on January 14, (10:30am-12 EST) All are welcome; contact Angel Conicelli for more information.

Special Retreat for Our Staff: On Thursday, December 8, the GNSH staff enjoyed a retreat day at the Cranalieth Spiritual Center in Philadelphia. The morning session was facilitated by Sister Mary Elizabeth Looby, who shared the story of St. Marguerite’s life, her legacy, and the history of the Grey Nuns. Sister Mary Liz connected the work of the lay staff to the mission of Jesus and the Grey Nuns, and the staff shared ways they have seen St Marguerite’s mission at work. Quiet time was allowed for reflection and to walk the beautiful grounds. After lunch, the staff gathered for a question and answer session followed by some teambuilding activities. The staff is appreciative to GNSH leadership for affording them a quiet day away from their daily responsibilities, and especially grateful to Sister Mary Liz for her informative presentation.

Centennial Singers: Sisters Anne Zita Crudden and Mary Karen Kelly sang with the Centennial Singers and enriched their performances of holiday music with the theme of “Go Light Your World.” Having rehearsed for months every Tuesday evening for 90 minutes, the singers were wonderfully entertaining and the music really put us in the holiday spirit. The group came to Redeemer Lafayette to share their talent with all the residents there, bringing good cheer and wondrous sounds of both Christmas and Hanukkah. Their main concert on December 10th was at a middle school in Warminster. Several Grey Nuns enjoyed the evening of joyful music as did a veritable crowd of Mary Karen’s relatives two of whom are pictured here- her niece Colleen and Colleen’s granddaughter. We all left the concert full of beautiful melodies. Sisters Karen and Anne Zita get a short break and then begin rehearsing in a few weeks for the next concert. Asked if they find it taxing, they both respond, “We love it!  It’s life-giving to sing with the Centennials!” 

The Spirit of Giving! Two boxes of necessities were taken to Bucks County Opportunity Council, which serves Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Donations were made by both employees and Sisters. Thank you for your generosity!

Celebrating You!  Wishing the following Sisters and staff member very happy birthdays in January: Sr. Marita Campbell (2); Sr. Ellie Martinez (7); Beth Fisher (8); Sr. Nancy Kaczmarek (12); Sr. Sheila Stone (12); Sr. Mary Brendan Connors (13); Sr. Mary Mulligan (19); Sr Mary Salvadore (25); Sr Cathy Bleiler (31). May God’s love protect and bless each of you in the year ahead!

This entry was posted in News and tagged: activities, Associates, birthday, Bucks County, Centennial Singers, Christmas, concert, generosity, Giving, Grey Nuns, Hanukkah, history, holiday music, Jesus, joyful, legacy, life-giving, melodies, mission, Montgomery County, Presentation, Reflection, St. Marguerite, Staff retreat, Warminster