Our sisters are involved in numerous ministries--all of the serving the needs of others in one way or another. Below are just a few examples of how their work has been recognized recently! Sr. Grace Andrew Jeffery was among a group of catechists being honored for their years of service in the Diocese of Wilmington. During the ceremony, John Collins, a national speaker for W.H. Sadlier Publishers, commended the catechists. “It’s not all about facts and memorizing.” he explained. “It’s about getting to the heart and then the action of living our faith.” For Grace Andrew, that “getting to the heart” and the “action of living faith” is what has made her 35 years as a catechist so successful!When Sr. Domnica LoBianco renewed her yearly membership in the Franciscan Federation’s Region 2, she added a note to the region’s Outreach Ministry Drawing form, saying simply, “I want to win.” Such faith is not to be undone! Sr. Dominica recently received a letter from Sr. Wilma Kramer, treasurer for Region 2, a check for $150, and a letter that began, “Dominica, you must have said your prayers to the great saints.” Sr. Dominica explained that the money will be used for diapers, wipes, and other necessities. “Thank you, Franciscan Federation, Region 2,” she said, “for supplementing our Hispanic ministry and assisting our new immigrants in caring for their families.” |
| Sr. Dominica (far right) with one of the families with whom she ministers. |
Everyone at Immaculate Conception School in Towson, Maryland, knows the significance of the Gold Apple—an award given annually “to an individual who shows a strong dedication and commitment: to the school. Sr. Dolora Taylor is the most recent recipient of the award. An article published by the Baltimore Sun and carried by several of their local affiliates gives credence to Sr. Dolora’s worthiness as a recipient. And the Golden Apple is not the only recognition rendered to Sr. Dolora this year. In January a refurbished pew from the parish church was dedicated to her in recognition of her 20 years of service. The pew (now a bench) has a place of honor in the school’s main hallway. Principal Madeline Meaney described Dolora as the school’s “heart and history”—a fitting acknowledgement in light of Sr. Dolora’s 20 years of service as the school’s administrative assistant. Click on the link to access the newspaper article. There are some great photos. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/towson/ph-tt-sister-dolora-taylor-0301-20170315-story.html
Srs. Deanna Bartolomei and Noreen Buttimer were at the center of a celebration that acknowledged 119 years—the length of time that our sisters have ministered in the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina. In March Bishop Robert Guglielmone, knowing that both Sr. Deanna and Sr. Noreen would be leaving, not only their current ministry at Neighborhood House but would actually be moving on from the Charleston Diocese, held a reception in the Diocesan Pastoral Center in recognition of the 119 years of service rendered to the diocese by the Sisters of St. Francis. Srs. Marie Colette Gerry and Ruth Bernadette O’Connor represented the congregation at the celebration and Sr. Marilyn Sands, who had served in the diocese some years ago, was also present for the occasion. In addition to Deanna’s and Noreen’s years of service (42 and 38 respectively), many of our sisters ministered in the Diocese of Charleston in education, parish ministry, and various areas of social services. |
Photo: (l-r) Bishop Robert Guglielmone, Srs. Noreen Buttimer, Deanna Bartolomei, Marilyn Sands, Colette Gerry, Ruth Bernrdette O’Connor, Rev. Dennis B. Willey |
Sister Corda Marie Bergbauer was once again invited to the Catholic High School of Baltimore to address the Newly Inducted Members of the English honor society that was named in her honor. After congratulating the newly inducted members, she pointed out that the motto of the society is “Duty goes with honor,” reminding them of their responsibility as members. She also stressed the importance of the liberal arts, stating that they are vital in today’s world because they develop intellectual capacities such as reason and judgment for life as opposed to other skills. |
| Sr. Corda Marie Bergbauer with the newest inductees of the Sr. Corda Marie Berbauer English Honor Society |
