"We, the Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, Oldenburg, are women of prayer,
committed to the Gospel values as lived by St. Francis and Mother Theresa Hackelmeier.
From our life in community we are sent to extend the mission of Jesus through our presence and service.
Enlivened by a spirit of justice, reconciliation and peace,
we collaborate with others in responding to the needs of the world."
We fulfill these words by being women of prayer in the ministries we do and the places where we are present. Since Vatican II opened the doors to the many needs of the world, we minister in education, parish ministry, social service, healthcare and social justice.
committed to the Gospel values as lived by St. Francis and Mother Theresa Hackelmeier.
From our life in community we are sent to extend the mission of Jesus through our presence and service.
Enlivened by a spirit of justice, reconciliation and peace,
we collaborate with others in responding to the needs of the world."
We fulfill these words by being women of prayer in the ministries we do and the places where we are present. Since Vatican II opened the doors to the many needs of the world, we minister in education, parish ministry, social service, healthcare and social justice.
Information on visiting the sisters:
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All visitors are welcome and those who have been vaccinated may visit without a mask unless they are visiting in St. Clare Hall rooms. Unvaccinated visitors are welcome but must wear a mask during their visit. Chapel is still closed to the general public.
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News From The Sisters...
While the U.S. military withdraws from Afghanistan and the Taliban gains control, we watch with horror as panic and desperation spreads among ordinary Afghans and especially among groups who will be particularly vulnerable under Taliban rule, including former U.S. allies, women and girls, and religious and minority groups. You can join us in praying this prayer for Afghanistan from Christian Aid.
In an effort to address this unfolding tragedy, we invite you to contact the Biden administration to urge them to greatly expand opportunities for Afghans seeking refuge from violence, including through humanitarian aid and particularly through welcoming the most vulnerable Afghans into the United States. If you want information on who is accepted as a refugee and the process, watch a 5 minute video. Some have the misperception of refugees coming here and getting everything free; this is not the case. https://networklobby.org/welcome-to-networks-summer-immigration-education/ A few other short videos are also on this site - related to immigration. On Wednesday, August 11, several of us attended a Save Our Democracy rally at Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis. The Sisters of St. Francis were one of the many sponsors of this event. The purpose was to raise awareness and rally support for S1, For the People Act; the House has already passed this bill and it now needs a vote in the Senate.
Majority Leader Schumer has said that this will be a top priority when the August recess ends. More than 400 bills have been submitted in state legislatures since January; most of these make it more difficult for citizens to vote. For the People Act would set basic uniform standards across the country protecting our right to vote. For more information on some of these protections, including an end to gerrymandering, greater access to mail in voting and early voting, transparency regarding donors, etc. go to https://networklobby.org/issues/votinganddemocracy/
Afterwards Sr. Annette Grisley and Sr. Noella Poinsette had a good conversation with one of Senator Braun’s aides – although we did not convince him of the urgency of passing this bill. You can help with this. Call 202-224-3121 and ask for your two Senators to urge them to vote “yes” on this bill. The strength of our democracy depends on it. REDISTRICTING WITH INTEGRITY: A MATTER OF FAITH https://faithfuldemocracy.us/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Gerrymandering-Final.pdf Michaela Farm, a ministry of the sisters of St. Francis for over 160 years, is now under the direction of the Greenacres Foundation.
To learn more about this educational and agricultural organization, please visit: WWW.GREEN-ACRES.ORG
Sisters and Associates participated in a grant-funded project to assist children in meeting their basic needs by providing pajamas, socks, underwear, books, and toiletries for the So Loved Clothing Closet.
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PRAY WITH US
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READINGS AND REFLECTION FOR SEPTEMBER 26, 2021
TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME |
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First Reading: Nm 11:225-29
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 19:8, 10, 12-14 Second Reading: Jas 5:1-6 Gospel: Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 |
Our Weekly Reflection...
Reading:
In our readings today I hear the invitation not to judge and not to become jealous of others’ gifts, given by God. We each have our gifts to contribute in God’s kingdom on earth.
In the first reading those gathered were finding fault with Eldad and Medad who were not present when God had bestowed the spirit upon the elders. God loves outside the box—God does not get caught up in rules as we humans do. God knows the heart of each and the desire to give witness to a loving God. Living as God invites give joy to Spirit! We spread goodness and love throughout the universe.
Yes, we can each be jealous, we can be deceitful, cheat others, or judge harshly. Often we are not as compassionate as our God. Yet God calls us to rejoice in the good done in blessing one another and our world! Jesus declares whoever is not against us is for us. We are challenged to live in love, looking out for the “little” ones, giving positive examples.
Prayer:
O God, may we see with Your eyes, the eyes of compassion, and see the desire within each heart to love God in one another and in all that exists in the Universe. We can brighten our lives as we look for the Radiant Son in one another. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the One who walks with us daily. Amen.
“May God give us peaceful hearts, fill our souls with joy, and reserve in us the virtue of patience. (Cf. 1C 42) St. Francis of Assisi
Sister Bernice Stenger, OSF
In our readings today I hear the invitation not to judge and not to become jealous of others’ gifts, given by God. We each have our gifts to contribute in God’s kingdom on earth.
In the first reading those gathered were finding fault with Eldad and Medad who were not present when God had bestowed the spirit upon the elders. God loves outside the box—God does not get caught up in rules as we humans do. God knows the heart of each and the desire to give witness to a loving God. Living as God invites give joy to Spirit! We spread goodness and love throughout the universe.
Yes, we can each be jealous, we can be deceitful, cheat others, or judge harshly. Often we are not as compassionate as our God. Yet God calls us to rejoice in the good done in blessing one another and our world! Jesus declares whoever is not against us is for us. We are challenged to live in love, looking out for the “little” ones, giving positive examples.
Prayer:
O God, may we see with Your eyes, the eyes of compassion, and see the desire within each heart to love God in one another and in all that exists in the Universe. We can brighten our lives as we look for the Radiant Son in one another. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the One who walks with us daily. Amen.
“May God give us peaceful hearts, fill our souls with joy, and reserve in us the virtue of patience. (Cf. 1C 42) St. Francis of Assisi
Sister Bernice Stenger, OSF
