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F R A N C I S C A NS I S T E R SO FO U RL A D YO FP E R P E T U A LFranciscan SpiritH E L PSpring2019VOL 29See inside.Our Sisters in action:Mission trips forSisters Colleen & RosalieSister Mary Anne's serviceSpirituality through artWinter event follow-upRise.Break through.Fear not.w w w . f s o l p h . o r g3 1 4 - 9 6 5 - 3 7 0 0
Sister Stories: No place too far. . .REFLECTIONSFROMRenitaConversations with Sister Colleen Olsen & Sister Rosalie WisniewskiSister RenitaBrummer, OSF, isMinister Generalof the FranciscanSisters of Our Ladyof Perpetual HelpDear Franciscan Friend,It’s coming. Spring. We can all identifywith seeds and buds struggling tobreak out. A power within calls, “Rise.Break through. Fear not.”We Sisters also experience an innerpower calling us forth to risk, to speak,to press forward, to abandon safety sothat new life can emerge. When SistersHilaria, Solana, and Ernestine beganour congregation in St. Louis in 1901,they were consumed by the desire tobe God’s compassion, hope, and joyamong people. They said, “No placeis too far, no service is too humble,no person is too lowly.” That set forthour community mission. We were tobe a transforming Gospel presence ofhope, joy and compassion — no matterwhere, no matter who, no matter how.We Sisters have always been like thosespring seeds and blossoms heedingthe call to “Rise. Press through. Fearnot.” That’s why we’ve found ourselvesat the heart of desegregation in theSouth, in the struggle of coal miningtowns in West Virginia, among NativeAmericans in the Southwest, on theMidwest plains of amber waves ofgrain, in inner city and suburb schools.Today, that Spirit still impels us: Goamong your discarded or disregardedbrothers and sisters. Repair thedestruction in Creation. Be agents ofhope. Heal wounds. Honor God insilence. Create circles of community.Embrace beauty. Rise. Break through.Fear not. In this issue of FranciscanSpirit you’ll recognize ways we are partof God’s rising.I am confident that you, too,experience a call to life and “the more”deep inside you. Despite fear, struggles,and uncertainty, you, too, press on. Yourise, and God’s power of Life and Lovebreaks through. Happy Rising.Sr. Renita2"No place too far, no service too humble,no person too lowly, and do everything tothe Glory of God." This prophetic challengewas put forth by one of our foundresses,Mother Ernestine Matz, who helped to startthis community in St Louis, MO, in 1901.These inspiring words continue to guide theFranciscan Sisters of Our Lady of PerpetualHelp to this day, as demonstrated mostrecently by Sister Colleen and Sister Rosalie.News from Tau CenterAs we announced in the Winter edition ofthe Franciscan Spirit, Jack Zimmerman hasjoined our Franciscans For Earth program asFranciscan Farm Coordinator. He officiallybegan his service at our property in DeSotoon November 26, 2018. Check out page 8 forhis tips on following Creation's cues in thegarden.On February 22, 2019, Brian Moeller servedhis last day as our Director of MissionAdvancement. Brian brought a deep spirit ofsincerity and mission to his time with us. Hisquestions always invited us to more clearlyreflect on who we are and how we want tolive and share ourmission.We’re grateful for allthe ways he helped usexpand our developmentoffice and for his endless hoursmanaging our E-tapestry database program.We will miss our lunch conversations abouthis seminary classes as he works toward aministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church.From the very beginning we knew therewas a deep call and passion for the Gospel inBrian, and we pray for him and his family ashe pursues his call.Come & Be RetreatSat, March 30, from 9am to 2pm at Tau Center(behind PNC Bank) in the of Kirkwood with theFranciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual HelpJoin us as we come together to experience:- contemplative engagement,- dwelling in the present moment,- and prayer as intimacy with Divine Mystery. 20/person, 30/couple includes lunch & parking.Open to men and women of all ages and faiths.Registration is requested by March 22.To sign up, or for more information,contact Sister Renita at (314) 965-3700, x102or srrenita@fsolph.org.Sister ColleenIn November of 2018, Sister Colleen once againfilled a suitcase with candy and kiddie baublesand made her way to the South Americancountry of El Salvador. This was her tenth yearserving on a medical mission trip reachingout to some of the poorest countries in SouthAmerica.Sister Colleen is originally from Chicago. Shewas the fourth of seven children born to a familyrich not in the earthly sense, but in the highergifts of faith and love. She describes herself as'mischievous to the core' as a child. Onlookersthrough the years have added adjectives suchas fun-loving, a beam of sunshine, and beautifulboth inside and out.Q – What inspired you to become aFranciscan Sister?A – I had a tonsillectomy when I was oldenough to be left overnight at the hospital,but not brave enough to exert my needs ona busy nurse. I had had an accident in mybed and was sobbing from embarrassment.A nurse-nun saw me and gently whisperedthat we would clean it up before anyone elsecould know what happened. She showedsuch respect and kindness — I knew thatI wanted to be like her, to treat people thesame way.Then on my first day of school, a teachernun recognized me from my oldersiblings and welcomed me with abig bear hug. As I embraced herback through all those layers ofclothing, I learned the secretthat Sisters are real people,and I realized that I couldactually 'be' one of thosewomen I wanted to "be like."When I was in junior high,we moved to the 'burbs'and my younger siblingsattended Our Lady ofthe Ridge Parish Schoolsponsored by the FranciscanSisters of Our Lady of PerpetualHelp. They had discontinued theupper grades, so I attended thepublic school. About the time I hadto decide where to go for high school,my mother 'made' me go with her to a teaat which Sister Sylvia, our then Directorof Vocations, spoke. She painted such aninspiring picture of religious life, that I knew Ihad found my path.Q – Tell me about nursing and medicalmissions?I began as a teacher as was customaryin our community, but when offered theopportunity to obtain a Masters degree, Iasked and was eventually given the chanceto go to St Mary's for nursing school. I workedfor three years as an LPN, and returnedto school, earning a BS in Nursing fromMaryville University.I was assigned to a hospital in Milwaukeewhere a team was preparing to make amedical mission to Nicaragua. I asked togo, thinking it would be a vacation - haha! Iwasn't prepared for the depths of deprivationand inhumanity I found. People were deniedthe basic needs of human survival. I didn'tspeak the language. All I could do was followdirections to assist the hundreds lined up atthe clinic door each morning. Nothing wassterile — surgical sponges hung in the opento dry. Living conditions were miserable.Everyone works so hard just to survive,including children, yet I never saw a sadface. I returned a second year, before my jobSisterColleenin El Salvador thispast November with two of her 'followers.'was transferred to St Louis. I became an ERnurse at St Mary's in Clayton. One of thedoctors there invited me to join a mission toEl Salvador. I became a part of the HelpingHands Organization (hhmm.org). This groupworks with international health practitionersto ensure that medical mission teams areproperly staffed and arrive with all the rationsand medical supplies necessary. I have madeeight more trips to El Salvador, and each tripnearly 5000 patients are seen.In spite of the fact that lines arrive each dayearly in the morning until late at night, I knowthat I receive much more than I could evergive. The faith of the people is so real.The people of El Salvador have nothing in theway of material possessions. Yet, they havewhat keeps them going, what makes themradiant with joy. Stripped of everything, theyhave 'only God.'Sister Colleen worked at St Mary's until 2008when she became medical coordinator for theFSOLPH Community. She oversees the careof her senior Sisters living at Cardinal RitterRetirement Community.3
Sister RosalieThe holiday break turned into an opportunitythis year for Sister Rosalie. With all the talk ofwalls and immigration problems, she choseto be part of a loving solution. She left St Louisto volunteer in El Paso, TX, for the Catholicimmigrant outreach center, AnnunciationHouse. She worked the 2-10pm shift offeringa welcoming smile, some creature comfortsand helpful direction to migrants and refugeesarriving mostly from Honduras and Guatemala.The oldest of four children, Sister Rosalie grewup in Ferguson, MO, and her siblings continue toremain close to their St Louis County roots. Shecurrently serves on our Community's LeadershipTeam at Tau Center in Kirkwood.As you will learn, Sister Rose is gifted with areciprocated love for 'little ones.' Her eyes light upand her businesslike demeanor melts when sheis in the presence of a youngster.Sister Rosalie greets ayoung visitor atTau Center.Excerpts of Sister's texts from El Paso12/22/18: Last night I was busy looking for babysocks, none found and no baby food either. Wewelcomed 46-50 refugees. They are so tired andhungry. and are so silent that I didn’t realizethey had arrived. After they see we are kind,they smile. I played peek-a-boo with a preciouslittle girl and gave medicine to a baby boy. Wentwith Sister Amelia to the bus station. There wasso much confusion, we had to bring the familyback to the shelter. Tonight will be a crunch forspace. A lot of sponsors could not get tickets(for the families entering the US) until afterChristmas.12/23/18: Doing well. Just got back from aSpanish Mass. Yesterday was crazy but good.We received 42 guests. With the day-before'sfolks, I wasn’t sure I’d have enough rooms.That’s my job – assigning rooms. I have alsobecome the nurse. God multiplied the beans,4Sister Rosalie poses at the SolunaHotel in El Paso, TX — one of theoverflow sites during Sisters' tripfor Central American immigrantsseeking US refugee status.Asylum-seekers were shelteredthere by Catholic relief agencyAnnunciation House. Whenlarge groups are released fromICE (Immigration & CustomsEnforcement) without notice,regular shelters often overfill withpeople awaiting buses, planes,and trains to travelto their sponsors.rice, lettuce and taquitos. We were sent sixoverflow families. We fed them before sendingthem to the budget hotel next door. Manysmiles. I was given a gum ball by an 8-year- oldgirl. This heart is filled with 'gracias.' We havesome families leaving today, but a lot (leave) onChristmas Eve. We probably won’t receive newfamilies on Christmas.12/24/18: Last night’s shift was intense, onlythree of us working. Local volunteers arecelebrating the holidays. Needless to say, therewasn’t a moment for a breath. We couldn’tfeed our guests until about 6:30 and therewasn’t enough food. Annunciation Housesent some potatoes and beans. I packed foodbags for those starting their journey. Can’t tellyou how many PBJ sandwiches I made. In oneof our bathrooms, half the counter is first aidand meds; the other side is where we makesandwiches. On our way home we took a dadand 2-year-old boy to Children’s Hospital. Thelittle one was burning up with fever and holdinghis tummy. Also, ICE released 100 people to thestreets last night, lots of police out. The blessingof yesterday is seeing the welcome the familiesgive to another family when I tell them they willhave to share their room or their bed. It bringstears to my eyes and heart. Mi casa, su casa!Humble people. No wonder Jesus loved beingwith the poor.12/25/18: Christmas Eve and Day have heldtouching moments of Love-Come-Down,Emmanuel. Volunteers just showed up withfruit, food, medicine and Christmas gifts forthe children. Our prayer wish-list was filled. Thehotel desk manager, a big burly teddy bear ofa man, gave a mom with a sick 8-month-oldbaby boy a break. He held and rocked thatbaby. Then three boys, 7-10 years old, took turnscarrying the baby up and down the halls. At10:30pm sitting in the airport, hearing O ComeAll Ye Faithful over the speaker, Jesus had longeye lashes, dark hair and he was sick. Gifts frommy purse were a pack of Kleenex and lip balmfor his cracked and bleeding lips. I sat thereknowing he was the Christ Child for me. “Christhas not come for few or some, the Holy Onewears the skin of everyone.”12/26/18: Merry Day-After! Yesterday theLoretto Community hosted us for Christmassupper. The welcome is big, warm and genuine.Sister Judy and I cleaned out the refrigerator thismorning. I am still well and trying to be cautiousbecause germs are everywhere you turn. Rumorhas it we will be overwhelmed today withmany released from ICE. If you Google, 'releaseof immigrants in El Paso' and Google 'anotherchild dies in US custody' you will get the stories.These people are so mistreated and frightened.Will write again soon.12/28/18: After two days of sickness, I am finallyon the mend. A friend went with me to UrgentCare yesterday and I am advised to take onemore day for recovery and recoup.12/29/18: I have been reflecting on all that ishappening here. The media may call it a crisis.But it is much more. It is a tsunami of painfulinjustice. It is physically draining, emotionallydisturbing and psychologically unnerving. Somany are good and caring for our immigrants,but the US government should hang its headin shame. In my imagination I see Lady Libertyand Uncle Sam in tears hugging saying, “Whathave they done to us?” Last night a dustingof snow. The sisters said the children weresquealing with delight.12/31/18: Happy New Year’s Eve! I am well andenergy has returned. Our shift was quiet, nonew guests. Rumor has it we will receive twobuses today. Presently we are well stocked.Stanford is here to play in the Sun Bowl, andthe coaches' wives brought lunch, supper,hats and gloves. The blessing of the shift was a2-year-old boy who would come and put outhis hand. I would give him 3 popcorn kernels.We did this off and on throughout the shift. Helooked like a Teddy Bear in his black fuzzy coatand hat. It’s these precious moments that makeLove real. The Loretto School gym was set upfor 118 guests! Annunciation House has about15 shelters in El Paso, TX, and about five in LasCruces, NM.1/1/19: Yesterday the bus came early so ourduties were very light. We put together a smallparty for our guests who gathered at 11:30pm.We honored their tradition of eating 12 grapesat midnight and making a wish for each monthof the new year. Even more touching was sittingin the midst of everyone praying in their nativelanguages; it was a deep touching of the Spirit.A Pentecost moment for sure! I just saw a busarrive. It is caged like a jail transport vehicle.These poor people. They are moved arounda lot. One of the men last night expressedhis deep relief when he realized he and hisdaughter were with kind people. At 1:30am atthe airport, the hugs and kisses were heartfelt.1/2/19: The bus had just arrived when we cameon shift. The evening was uneventful and theguests were very tired, but we did not haveenough food. Pizza was ordered for those thatdid not get cold rice and beans. In this situationwe become Sisters very quickly. I will miss theguests, the work, the Sisters and the generousspirit of the people of El Paso. God is Good.Perhaps, I will be able to come back againsometime.Until we meet again .Sister Jovita Chierek, OSF, October 2, 1920 – February 16, 2019Our dear Sister Jovita went to her rest in the arms of ourloving God on February 16. Sister Jovita received all of hersacraments and elementary education at St StanislausParish in St Louis. It is here that her spirit was touched bythe Franciscan Sisters. She entered the Franciscan Sistersof Our Lady of Perpetual Help in 1935 and professedperpetual vows in 1942.Sister Jovita was a kind, generous person who was everready to assist others with a happy heart. It's no wonderthat the Gospel reading for her Mass of Resurrection wasthe account of Jesus visiting with Martha and Mary.Sister Jovita taught hundreds of children at theelementary level in Illinois, Missouri, West Virginia, Ohio, and Texas. In her lateryears, she shined as a volunteer. She tended her own journey, never judging others,always giving praise and glory to God.A wake and Mass of Resurrection was held in the Lally Room on the CarberryCampus in St Louis, and she was buried on February 22nd at the St. Louis Chapel inResurrection Cemetery.who would announce the Southwest numberseating. It is my guess that she explained thatthis man would not understand and wouldneed some assistance. The woman typifiedgenerosity, care and love for this obviouslyfrightened man and his boy. She knelt in selflesslove! She was the Magi — all three wrappedinto one Love.Sisterly ExpressionsFinal entry: The huge star of Texas on the sideof El Paso's Franklin mountains shone brightlyin white lights. It called us and guided us homeeach night. At a highpoint, we could see the starso clearly. For that moment, it was “my” star —beckoning me to peace, to silence, to quiet, toyou, O God!Mixed media by the lateSister Cecelia Vasquez (1945-2008)1/3/19: The woman at the airport — she wasthe Magi! She knelt before 6-year-old boyand his Dad, a Guatemalan with a deer inthe headlights look holding a plastic grocerybag with all of their belongings. She spoke inSpanish in a gentle low tone. She left the manand returned with food and water. Once againshe knelt in front of the man and his son. Shebrought her son of about 12 years of age. Theyhad bought the boy a stuffed animal. She leftagain. She came back a third time, kneelingand speaking gently. She left with the man’spapers and his tickets. She went to the person5
Pictures worth .Joy tothe WorldDec 15 - Jan 6NATIVITY DISPLAYAt least 400 guests enjoyed more than 250 uniquenativities from around the world at Tau Center!Celebration of Peace & All GoodBENEFIT JAZZ CONCERTJanuary 19(Above) Several Sisters (front) line up under the spotlights with Dawn Weber & Friends and event Gold SponsorPoettker Construction Company representatives Lynn and Floyd Hollenkamp (top center).(Below) Dawn Weber draws the lucky winner of the Sisters' Beauty of the World 2500 Trip Raffle,6Baby SupplyJanuary 21DONATIONSThanks to nativity viewers, we deliveredcarloads of supplies and 2222 to Birthrightand Our Lady's Inn!a thousand words7
The Good Lord's Garden CuesEach change of season gives us a chanceto marvel at the beauty of God’s Creationand the sublime artistry of how it all workstogether. Weather, soil, animals and plantseach sing their unique part in a magnificentchorus of praise (see Psalm 98). Here inMissouri, the increasing temperatures andlonger days bring welcome signs that springis surely on the way. Pussy willows grow theirnamesake “fur” and fragrant hyacinths add asplash of color to the brittle, gray landscape.Pretty soon, geese are arrowing north abovethe quickly greening branches of trees andshrubs. Can the nightly music of springpeepers be far behind?Observing these signs in nature is a wayto connect with God by deepening ourunderstanding and love for the world Godmade. Jesus instructed us to observe the birdsof the air and consider the lilies of the field(Matthew 6:26-28). St Francis famously praisedour Creator for all he saw and felt around him— the elements, celestial bodies and everyby JackZimmermantype of animal. But there is practical value insurveying the environment, too. For manyyears, gardeners have carefully observed thetiming of natural cycles — a practice calledphenology — to know when to plant theirfood crops. As climate change alters calendarbased planting dates, following nature’s clockgets us in tune with the rhythm of life, lettingour eyes and ears tell us the right time to getto work in the garden. It’s not foolproof, butusing the wisdom accumulated over yearsof observation offers some fairly reliableguidelines to follow.Signs may differ where you are, so seekout information specific to your local area.Examples from Zone 6 include: Radishes, spinach and parsnips can beplanted when crocuses bloom. Plant lettuce, peas and onions sets whenforsythia flowers or when the red-wingedblackbird females return. The cue to plant potatoes is when the firstdandelions bloom. Plant carrots, cabbage family crops, andbeets when lilac leaves unfurl or daffodilsblossom. Cucumbers, squash, beans, and tenderannual flowers can be planted when lilacsare in full bloom or apple blossoms fall. Peppers and eggplants can be transplantedwhen irises are in full bloom. Set out tomatoes when lily of the valley ordogwoods are in full flower. When oak leaves are the size of a squirrel’sear, plant corn. Plant heat-loving melons when peonies arein flower.Watch the seasonal cues where you live andtalk to other gardeners about the signs theylook for, and soon you’ll be gardening inharmony with Creation.Volunteer SpotlightPerpetualPrayer CardsNeed a special gift or remembrance?Consider enrolling your loved one forPerpetual Remembrance in Our Lady ofPerpetual Help Membership of Prayer. Eachmember shares in the graces of the EucharistCelebration offered monthly, and in thedaily prayers and good works of each of ourSisters. For the 25 donation, the enrollee (ora family member) will receive a beautiful goldpresentation booklet with a personalizedcertificate inside. Visit our website or callMission Advancement at (314) 965-3700, x109,with your name, address, phone number,email address and credit card information, aswell as the recipient's mailing address, andthe name of the enrollee.Nature IS Healthy!Ideas to think about from the February2019 edition of Missouri Conservationistmagazine (shared with permission):"Common Home" Conference, March 9Join us to learn ways to help save our “Common Home,” our Earth! The Franciscan Sistersof Our Lady of Perpetual Help will co-host this conference on Saturday, March 9, from 9amto 2:30pm at Nerinx Hall High School. We are pleased to join with other members of theEcological Consortium Conference Collaborators including Oblate Ecological Initiative ofGodfrey, IL; Jamie Hasemeier of Holy Redeemer Parish in Webster Groves, MO; Mark Etlingof St. Nicholas Parish in O’Fallon, IL; and Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves, MO.This event is offered in cooperation with Byrne Catering and St. Louis Composting.The exciting program was inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ and was prepared forparishioners, educators, administrators, and high school students. The agenda includesdiscussions of the importance of caring for our Earth, and attendees will come away withpractical solutions to get started. The keynote address will be offered by Dr Ed Biersmith,a Climate Ambassador with the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change. Dr Biersmith isformerly of the Diocese of Shreveport, LA, and currently lives in Colorado. He will provideinformation on why we are called to care about climate change and its impact on thepoor of the world, and on Catholic teachings regarding environmental issues. Break-outsessions will feature local environmental advocates.Register today! Head to our events tab at www.fsolph.org. A light breakfast & lunch isincluded. Registration fees are 25 for adults, 15 for students.8Center, Sister volunteers with the St VincentThe current Treasurer General of the Franciscan de Paul Society at Little Flower Parish inSisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (FSOLPH) Richmond Heights, MO. She has served since2009 when she signed up on StewardshipSister Mary Anne Eckstein was nominated forSunday because she recognized the nameour Spotlight. She reluctantly agreed, only tobring attention to two of the outstanding orga- — her father had been part of the Society inChicago when she was young.nizations with which she volunteers.Sister grew up on Chicago's west side. She was According to the National website, svdpusa.org,very active in her parish for decades, but didn't the St Vincent de Paul Society began in Paris inhear her 'calling' until she had earned a degree 1833 to help the poor. The Society came to theUS in 1845 by way of St Louis. Fr Ambrose Heimin business/finance, established a career inserved as the first spiritual advisor through thebanking operations, purchased a home inOld Cathedral on the riverfront.the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates, andstopped going to church for several months. A Little Flower's eight Society members meetchance encounter with a fellow choir member twice a month, and take turns answeringat a funeral brought her back to Mass at herthe hotline where people call with requests.former parish, where our Sister Dolores (Doe)Members visit with each client and get to knowSanchez had in the meantime started working. them, their situation and needs. Clients can beThey grew to be friends, and Sister Doe eventu- from any faith background, but must live withinally asked Mary Anne to chaperon some young Little Flower Parish's boundaries. Local prowomen on a trip to the FSOLPH Motherhouse, grams are funded through parish donations,located then in Ferguson, MO. Mary Anneand larger programs are provided through theagreed. She eventually heard her calling andArchdiocesan level of the Society.relocated for formation, earning a Masters inSister Mary Anne enjoys this ministry becausePastoral Studies from Aquinas Institute. She"it's a way to stay connected and serve themade first vows and became Pastoral Minister poor." Members are committed to fightingat St Anselm's where she served for ten years.hunger, homelessness, and poverty by reachIn 2005, she accepted the position as Treasurer ing out to offer assistance with utilities, rent,General for the Community, and in 2006 Mary food, clothing, automobile, healthcare, legalAnne finished an MBA in Finance from Webster services and many other needs.University.Sister Mary Anne also volunteers as bookkeepIn addition to her Community duties at Tauer for Nia Kuumba, a position shehas held since 2015. Accordingto the website niakuumbacenter.com, the mission of this Catholicorganization is to provide anatmosphere in which African andAfrican American women:Sister Mary Anne Eckstein Feeling tired? Spending just 20minutes outside can give your brainan energy boost comparable to a cupof coffee. Spending time in nature, conservationareas, woods, backyards, and urbanparks may ease stress levels. Getting away from busy schedulesallows people to connect with natureand themselves in a way that bringscalm and a sense of well-being. Taking a nature walk may increaseattention spans & creative problemsolving skills by as much as 50 percent. Exposure to nature contributes tophysical well-being, reduced bloodpressure, heart rate, muscle tension,and the production of stress hormones.Visit mdc.mo.gov/places-go or download the free Missouri Outdoors app formore ways to enjoy the great outdoors! Can come together in communityto be challenged and encouragedto live as fully as possible, livesof purpose (Nia) and creativity(Kuumba). Can be nourished spirituallythrough prayer, mentoring, spiritual direction, body-mind-spiritpractices, and mutual support. Are empowered to express theiruniqueness as women of visionand hope.The group offers a monthly bookclub, luncheons for retired professionals, a prayer group and more."I enjoy working with such an inspiring groupof women, deeply rooted in the Catholic faithand active in their communities."9
UPCOMINGEVENTSPAVING PATHS FORPEACE & ALL GOODIn 2018, we presented stories of St Francisand explored their lasting lessons with folksin Effingham County, IL; Monroe, LA; Omaha,NE; and Kirkwood, MO. We plan to expandin 2019, as we hit the road to examine anew story — The Picnic of Francis and Clare— and look for its relevance in life today.Spring dates follow. In the fall, we will alsohost this event for those in the St Louis, MO,and Clinton County, IL, areas. Please plan tojoin us for this simple evening of hope andconnection, and invite your families andfriends to do the same. There is no cost toattend and rsvps are NOT REQUIRED, butwe would love to know approximately howmany to expect. For email reminders prior tothe evening, please register on our website atwww.fsolph.org/event:Mon, March 4 - West Monroe, LASt Paschals Parish Hall, 6:30-8pm711 N 7th, West Monroe, LAMon, Apr 8 - Effingham County, ILSt Aloysius Hall-Bishop Creek, 6:30-8pm19812 E 1000th Ave, Dieterich, ILMon, May 6 - Chicago, ILOur Lady of the Ridge Parish, 6:30-8pm10859 Ridgeland Ave, Chicago Ridge, ILOUR COMMON HOMESat, March 9Nerinx Hall High School, 9am-2:30pmPlease join us!There is no cost to attend:Mon, March 4 - Monroe, LA areaSt Paschals Parish Hall, 6:30-8pm711 N 7th, West Monroe, LAMon, Apr 8 - Effingham Cnty, ILSt Aloysius Hall-Bishop Creek, 6:30-8pm19812 E 1000th Ave, Dieterich, ILMon, May 6 - Chicago, ILOur Lady of the Ridge Parish, 6:30-8pm10859 Ridgeland Ave, Chicago Ridge, ILWe are pleased to co-host a conferenceinspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ forparishioners, educators, administrators,and high school students to discuss theimportance of caring for our Earth andpractical solutions to get started today.Keynote speaker is Dr. Ed Biersmith, a ClimateAmbassador with the Catholic Coalition onClimate Change. Dr. Biersmith, formerly ofthe Diocese of Shreveport, Louisiana andcurrently living in Colorado, will help answersuch questions as why we are called to careabout climate change, its impact on thepoor of the world, and Catholic teachingson climate change and environmentalissues. Break-out sessions will feature localenvironmental advocates including our ownSister Connie of St Anthony's Food Pantryin South St Louis. To register, head to ourevents tab at www.fsolph.org! Light breakfast& lunch included. Adult Price 25; StudentPrice 15.LET YOUR EYE SEECome learn how to pray with the eyes of theheart. Experience visio divina, "sacred seeing"— an ancient
immigrant outreach center, Annunciation House. She worked the 2-10pm shift offering a welcoming smile, some creature comforts and helpful direction to migrants and refugees arriving mostly from Honduras and Guatemala. The oldest of four children, Sister Rosalie grew up in Ferguson, MO, and her siblings continue to
