Franciscan Farewell

On Sunday, October 30, the community blessed and sent forth 18 pilgrims on a 10-day pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, Italy. The pilgrims included Sisters, Covenant Companions, Our Lady of the Angels staff, and their spouses.
 
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Franciscan Pilgrimage

At the airport in Rome, the USA-based group met Sr. Magdalena Schmitz and Sr. Emma Sitorus from the General Council of our international congregation and the pilgrimage leaders. The group spent 7-days in and around Assisi, visiting the holy places connected to the lives of St. Francis and Saint Clare, growing deeper each day in love with Franciscan spirituality, and creating a bond with one another. The final three days were spent visiting holy sites in Rome, and a marvelous lunch, prayer service, and photo opportunity at the Generalate, the general headquarters for our international congregation.

Associate Recognition Luncheon

On Wednesday, November 16, Sisters and staff gathered for an early Thanksgiving dinner to celebrate and give thanks for our Region Associates celebrating work anniversaries. This year we recognized 

  • Melanie Teska, Director of Liturgy, celebrating 5 years
  • Joe Wesolowski, Maintenance Supervisor, celebrating 15 years;
  • John Seabolt, Maintenance Coordinator, celebrating 20 years;
  • Jack DeRose, Director of Building and Grounds, celebrating 30 years.

We are grateful for their generous spirit, humor, commitment to our values, experience, and years of service.

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St. Clare Garden

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As we head into the winter season, work in the St Clare Garden will pause until Spring. Major hardscape projects, including all paths, shade structure on the main patio and water feature are in place, with installation of the paver Labyrinth planned for April.  Due to the commitment of Jack DeRose, Ray Ward and the entire Buildings and Grounds crew, berms on the west side were built while planting of the first trees and shrubs continued late into November; furniture for the small group areas was also assembled. Ray, Sharon Devo, and Covenant Companion Shirley Justin-Wolff will continue their design work in anticipation of spring planting and completion of the garden in 2023.
 
With gratitude for all who are involved and have contributed to this project – your gifts are a blessing to the Community. More updates to come with the winter thaw!

Blessing of the Crèche and Tree Lighting

Sisters, Covenant Companions, and staff gathered on the Feast of St. Nicholas (December 6) to bless the crèche and the lighting of the 8,904 lights in the courtyard at Entrance #5.

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