Spokane's People's Climate Rally
The ad inviting people to the Spokane People’s Climate Rally read “Learn about local problems and solutions at a community rally for jobs, justice, and climate. Show your support for clean air, clean water, good jobs, and renewable energy.” Srs. Patricia Millen, Joanne Clavel, and Patricia Novak and four of our companions—Joyce McCown Cleveland, Louise Gessner, Christine Alexian, and Therese Walden—were among the hundreds who responded to that invitation in Spokane, joining in spirit with folks gathered in rallies and marches throughout the country. This particular rally took place in Huntington Park—also known as the Spokane Tribal Gathering Place. If you click on the link below and scroll through the many photos, you’ll be able to see some of the day’s speakers and, perhaps, a few familiar faces.
https://www.facebook.com/350Spokane/photos/a.601542083371242.1073741829.591587754366675/601542833371167/?type=3&theater
| Sr. Patricia Millen at the Spokane People's Climate Rally |
Chester, Pennsylvania City Council Acknowledges Muslim Holidays
Sr. Jean Rupertus shared information about a big step in the right direction for the people of Chester. In early May Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland declared that Chester would recognize two Islamic holidays each year: Eid as-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The proclamation announcing the decision recognized the diverse population and the desire to be “as inclusive as possible to encourage religious freedoms.” The proclamation was presented to Brother Shakor Abdul-Ali and Imam Haneef Mahdi. Imam Mahdi acknowledge the broader significance of the action when he said, “As long as we continue to have the great leadership that we have in the council, we will get to the goal we are trying to reach as a city.”
| Members of the Chester City Council and the Muslim Community |
Anna’s Place and Sr. Jean Rupertus Acknowledged for Service
In April Anna’s Place and Sr. Jean Rupertus were among the organizations recognized by the City of Chester for their work with victims of Crime. The award was presented by Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland and the Chester City Council. In presenting the award, Mayor Kirkland acknowledged “ your service to the community and assisting survivors of crisis with the highest level of compassion and integrity.” When she accepted the award, Jean said, “ Anna’s Place staff, volunteers and neighbors wish to thank all of the Sisters of St. Francis who unanimously voted to open a ministry to our neighbors in 2009 and continue in a variety of ways to support our efforts to develop trusting relationships.”
| Sr. Jean Rupertus (fourth from right) accepts an award on behalf of Anna's Place in Chester. |
God’s Extravagant Love: Alive and Well!
We all remember the God’s Extravagant Love programs that a group of our sisters—encouraged and guided by Sr. Kathleen Moffatt—planned, developed, and presented to us a number of years ago. We recall also the ways in which the program grew and found its way to groups in various parts of the world. You might remember a Good News article a few years ago which elaborated on Sr. Rose Mary Holter’s adaptation of the program for children. Sr. Jeanne Nisley also adapted the program for use in our Companion in Faith groups. And most recently Sr. Kathleen Moffatt received an email from Sr. Nancy Shively, a Poor Clare sister from the Monastery of St. Clare in Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina. Sr. Nancy explained that she was presenting a GEL workshop at the monastery’s retreat center—the second time she has done this. Nancy also explained that in September she will be doing another GEL workshop for the abbesses of the two Poor Clare federations. In Nancy’s own words, “How cool is that!” Her plans for the future? Nancy plans to offer two GEL workshops each year. Yes, “our” program is alive and well!
