Formation House Serves at St. Paul, Jacksonville

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Father George Vaniyapurackal arrived as Pastor the same Sunday as the Sisters and was delighted to know the Sisters were present!

Florence Father asked for assistance with Ministry to the Sick and the Religious Formation of the children.

By surprise, Father George asked her to serve as the Coordinator of the Ministry to the Sick!

After the 11:00 Mass each Sunday, she takes not only the Eucharistic Lord but also her joyful presence and gentle encouragement. At the request of the residents, S.

1 SISTERS of ST. JOSEPH of ST. AUGUSTINE, FL Next Step Newsletter December, 2016 Formation House Serves at St. Paul, Jacksonville With the Formation Community located within St. Paul s Parish, Jacksonville, the SSJ presence has been reestablished through the volunteer ministries of Sister Florence Bryan (novice directress) and Sister Grace Ford (novice). Father George Vaniyapurackal arrived as Pastor the same Sunday as the Sisters and was delighted to know the Sisters were present! The Sisters expressed their desire to be involved in some way in the parish on a volunteer basis, depending on the needs and their own constraints. Loretta Fleming, S. Florence Father asked for assistance with Ministry to the Sick and the Religious Formation of the children. Sister Grace looked forward to ministering to the sick as she had been trained and served in her parish before entering the SSJ s. By surprise, Father George asked her to serve as the Coordinator of the Ministry to the Sick! Sister Grace visits and takes Eucharist to fourteen Catholics at Park Ridge Nursing Home, where no minister was assigned. After the 11:00 Mass each Sunday, she takes not only the Eucharistic Lord but also her joyful presence and gentle encouragement. At the request of the residents, S. Carolyn Tucker Sister and made Grace arrangements for a visit from Father George and negotiated space for a monthly Mass to be offered at the facility. Sister Florence Bryan began Sunday School at St. Paul s in 1946; she attended the program with the Sisters of St. Joseph as a child for four years before enrolling in the school. Ministering as Director of Religious Education is a new venture for Sister Florence as most of her ministries have been with college and postcollegiate programs. Sister s responsibilities include coordinating the Religious Education program, providing the appropriate resources and support, and serving as liaison with the Pastor, school and Diocesan Office. Sister hopes to also offer a program for parents while the children are attending catechetical instructions. S. Grace with F. George after Father says 1st Mass for Park Ridge residents

God s Mercy Endures Forever! On November 5th, Sister Ann Raymond gave a presentation to the members of the North Deanery of the Council of Catholic Women, meeting at St. Matthew s in Jacksonville.

After introducing the concept of Mercy as defined by Pope Francis, Sister Ann Raymond told the story of St. Faustina Kowalska and Divine Mercy, a very wide-spread devotion.

Sister concluded her presentation by referring to Mother St. Teresa of Calcutta, the Saint of Mercy, who gave extraordinary witness to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

2 God s Mercy Endures Forever! On November 5th, Sister Ann Raymond gave a presentation to the members of the North Deanery of the Council of Catholic Women, meeting at St. Matthew s in Jacksonville. Loyce Newton had planned to make this presentation, she was unable due to the sudden death of her brother in Pompano. After introducing the concept of Mercy as defined by Pope Francis, Sister Ann Raymond told the story of St. Faustina Kowalska and Divine Mercy, a very wide-spread devotion. Reminding those present of the role of Scripture in this Year of Mercy, Sister gave several explanations of stories and parables emphasized by Pope Francis in MisericordiaeVultus. Sister concluded her presentation by referring to Mother St. Teresa of Calcutta, the Saint of Mercy, who gave extraordinary witness to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Though Sister Sister wishes to thank Donna Haddaway (president) and the members of the Deanery for their exceptional receptivity and hospitality. She is also grateful to Sister Marilyn Dingman who drove her to St. Matthew s, Sister Marilyn s parish prior to her entrance into the Novitiate. In early August, Sister Ann Raymond spoke with Kathy B o i c e, p r i n c i p a l o f Cathedral School, Parish about giving a presentation for the faculty. Due to other commitments as well as the severe damage taken by Hurricane Matthew, the presentation was postponed. The list of repairs and replacements needed for the school necessitated heroic efforts by the principal and faculty in order to continue to provide an excellent education for the students this year. Sister met with the faculty on November 9th. She offered them the example of the Good Shepherd who exemplified the art of teaching, proclaiming and healing. Using various Scripture selections, Sister reminded the teachers of the example given by Jesus in his ministry; He was the Shepherd who knew the value of affirmation, compassion and sensitivity to the human condition. Though the Jubilee Year of Mercy concluded on November 20th, Sister hoped that the faculty of CPS would only be getting stronger in their efforts to be a Merciful Presence to the school community.

Secretary of Divine Mercy On November 12th Sister Loyce Newton, accompanied by her Sister Joyce, drove to High Springs where Sister Loyce gave a conference to the Women s Guild of St.

Faustina and her mission to be Jesus secretary of Divine Mercy for the whole world. Sister shared some true stories of Divine Mercy from her own ministry as a chaplain.

The conference provided a wonderful experience of delving deeper into this marvelous mystery. S. Loyce, Mary Corbett, S.

Sister Jane Stoecker spoke to the Auxiliary on The Role of the Laity in C u l t i v a t i n g R e l i g i o u s Ladies Auxiliary with Sisters Jane and Carol V o c a t i o n s.

Jane Santapolo, president, presented Sister Carol, Motherhouse coordinator, with a check to be used for holiday expenses.

3 Secretary of Divine Mercy On November 12th Sister Loyce Newton, accompanied by her Sister Joyce, drove to High Springs where Sister Loyce gave a conference to the Women s Guild of St. Madeleine Parish and a representation from Epiphany Parish in Lake City. This 2 hour conference, entitled Divine Mercy in Daily Life, presented an overview of the life of St. Faustina and her mission to be Jesus secretary of Divine Mercy for the whole world. Sister shared some true stories of Divine Mercy from her own ministry as a chaplain. She spoke of the revelations of the Divine Mercy and their meaning for us in our lives and in our world today. The conference provided a wonderful experience of delving deeper into this marvelous mystery. S. Loyce, Mary Corbett, S. Joyce The Role of the Laity in Cultivating Vocations On November 10th, Sisters Jane Stoecker and Carol Stovall were invited to the San Juan del Rio Ladies Auxiliary meeting. Sister Jane Stoecker spoke to the Auxiliary on The Role of the Laity in C u l t i v a t i n g R e l i g i o u s Ladies Auxiliary with Sisters Jane and Carol V o c a t i o n s. Following her talk, Sisters Jane offered time for questions and answers. At the end of their meeting, the Auxiliary was most generous as De De Santopolo presents gift to S. Carol with S. Jane Santapolo, president, presented Sister Carol, Motherhouse coordinator, with a check to be used for holiday expenses. Enjoyable conversations continued over light refreshments provided by the Auxiliary members. Praying with St. Joseph s Dream a Holy Hour for Religious Vocations On November 27th, Sisters Jane Stoecker and Carol Wells led the second in a series of monthly Holy Hours at the Motherhouse to pray for religious vocations. The Holy Hour opened with the Commemoration to St. Joseph. Sister Jane shared a reflection on St. Joseph s dream when the angel announced Mary s pregnancy. A time of silence followed. The Holy Hour concluded with the Litany to St. Joseph and Joseph s Song by Michael Card. The next Holy Hour praying for vocations is scheduled for December 17th from 6-7:00 p.m. at the Motherhouse.

Craft Sale helps with losses from hurricane Craft Sale Committee with Judith Dembowski, St. Francis House director, and volunteers The St. Francis House Ministry to homeless people in St.

Everything on the first floor was covered by 4 feet high sewage waters, ruining everything. On November 16th, the committee members were able to donate a check for $2,283.00.

Our heart felt thanks to so many who supported the Fall Craft Sale. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 28, 2017, and enjoy the next sale of Sisters handmade items!

Mary Victor and Marie Rene Remembering Our Jubilarians Sisters Mary Victor and Rene Azar, have been involved in ministry directly caring for their two blood sisters who are ill and live alone.

4 Craft Sale helps with losses from hurricane Craft Sale Committee with Judith Dembowski, St. Francis House director, and volunteers The St. Francis House Ministry to homeless people in St. Augustine received extensive damage from Hurricane Matthew. Because of this, the Craft Sale Committee chose to donate the proceeds from the sale, held on October 29th, to this community ministry. Everything on the first floor was covered by 4 feet high sewage waters, ruining everything. On November 16th, the committee members were able to donate a check for $2, The donation could mean anything from direct support to clients for work shoes, bus tickets to appointments, supplies for the kitchen or building supplies to replace the walls that were destroyed! Our heart felt thanks to so many who supported the Fall Craft Sale. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 28, 2017, and enjoy the next sale of Sisters handmade items! Ministry To Family Members Bishop Estévez S. Mary Victor and Marie Rene Remembering Our Jubilarians Sisters Mary Victor and Rene Azar, have been involved in ministry directly caring for their two blood sisters who are ill and live alone. They understand their mission as from the Holy Spirit to do the will of the Father and serve the dear neighbor as Jesus did. Sisters Mary Victor and Marie Rene are living with their two sisters in Jacksonville. The neighborhood is quiet; the families around their home are attentive and caring, coming to their aid whenever needed. They spend much of the day cleaning house, washing clothes, cooking and washing dishes. Caring for their sisters who become more frail each day is a 24/7 ministry. Sisters Rene and Victor respond, It is our prayers that pull us through because we enjoy praying together. Each evening we pray the rosary and evening prayer together as a family. Sisters Rene and Victor are grateful for the prayer support that has been given by our Sisters, Associates and many friends. The regular visits by Sister Nancy Keane are deeply appreciated. Even though we are not living at the Motherhouse, we feel the love and concern of our Sisters. Where one is, we all are. On November 28th, Sisters Margaret Mary Lyons and Grace Marie Parker were remembered once again as Jubilarians, celebrating 60 years of service as Sisters of St. Joseph. Bishop Felipe Estevez celebrated Mass in the Motherhouse chapel for the two Jubilarians. The Sisters enjoyed a light breakfast together after Mass.

Celebrating 150 years of Catholic Education Sr. Suzan, V. principal and Todd DeClemente, principal On November 9th, St.

Bishop Estévez Bishop Felipe Estévez St. Joseph Academy students celebrated Mass at the Academy with the Student body and the Sisters of St.

..Reconciliation Jacksonville s Northside will lose two historic Catholic schools in order to gain a new, larger one. St.

Sister Rea Wurmnest continues to teach at St. Pius, supporting the charism of union and reconciliation within the school.

Several of our Sisters proudly participated in the ground breaking photo opportunity!

This very old live oak tree in the new parking lot finally had to be cut down.

5 Celebrating 150 years of Catholic Education Sr. Suzan, V. principal and Todd DeClemente, principal On November 9th, St. J o s e p h A c a d e m y celebrated 150 years of service as the first Catholic school in St. Augustine opened by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Bishop Estévez Bishop Felipe Estévez St. Joseph Academy students celebrated Mass at the Academy with the Student body and the Sisters of St. Joseph present. It was in November that the school opened classes. An elegant brunch was prepared as they continued the celebration. Union...Reconciliation Jacksonville s Northside will lose two historic Catholic schools in order to gain a new, larger one. St. Pius V School was opened in 1921 and the Sisters of St. Joseph entered the classrooms to educate black students in a segregated city. St. Pius and Holy Rosary Schools will merge to form the new Guardian Catholic School. Sister Rea Wurmnest continues to teach at St. Pius, supporting the charism of union and reconciliation within the school. Sisters Elise, Rea, Eileen Therese, Florence Bishop Felipe Estévez presided over the ground breaking in early November. Several of our Sisters proudly participated in the ground breaking photo opportunity! A Reminder of Holy Ground Hurricane Matthew causes us to remember we tread on holy ground. This very old live oak tree in the new parking lot finally had to be cut down. The tree surgeons made sure it carried with it a lasting memory when they spontaneously carved a cross that would remind us of the holy ground upon which it will continue to reside. We also bade farewell to the mulberry tree in the O Reilly Museum garden; it shared memories of our Sisters who first lived here. S. Jane, Catherine, Carolyn, Carol

6 Bless the Sisters and your loved ones when you do your Christmas shopping! To Register with Amazon Smiles in Support of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, please use EIN #:

June Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

June Come, Holy Spirit, Come! SISTERS of ST. JOSEPH of ST. AUGUSTINE, FL Next Step News June 2017 Dear Friends, Come, Holy Spirit, Come! Most of us remember only too well, early October of 2016, when Hurricane Matthew brushed the shores