SISTERS of ST. JOSEPH of ST. AUGUSTINE, FL Next Step News Villa Flora Nativity Open House January, 2018 On February 18, 2017, the Villa Flora Project Kick Off for the renovation and restoration was held and the project was underway a few days later. On December 17th, the Sisters opened the Villa Flora to the public for the first time since the renovations and restoration were completed. A Villa Flora Nativity Open House was held from 12-4:00 p.m. Approximately 200 visitors came, able to reflect on the coming of the Savior as they reflected upon displays such as the Jesse Tree, the 3 Magi and over 80 nativity scenes, most of which belonged to Sister Mary Christine Zimorski. The beauty of this 1890 s structure was enhanced by floral designs and displays arranged by the Garden Club of St. Augustine Gaillardia Circle. Father Miguel O Reilly House Museum Sister Bernard Joseph Palmer held Open House at the Father Miguel O Reilly House Museum on December 11th, 12-4 p.m. Open House was in conjunction with the St. Augustine Parade of Homes Bed and Breakfast. She took great pride in moving from display to display sharing her knowledge with the visitors. More than 200 people visited that day! Sister Charlotte Tremoulet served as an additional welcoming presence. Visitors with S. Bernard Joseph Say then with boldness: Now I begin, and go forward constantly in God s service. Do not look back so often, because one who looks back cannot run. And do not be content to begin only for this year. Begin every day, because it is for every day, even for every hour of the day, that the Lord taught us to say in the Our Father, Forgive us our trespasses, and Give us this day our daily bread. Venerable Bruno Lanteri (1759-1830)
New Year s Resolutions in Christ On December 30, 2017, from 9 a.m. 2 p.m., Becket ( Brandon Ghioto) presented several conferences on Your New Year s Resolution in Christ at the Motherhouse chapel. He used St. John s Gospel referencing the Jesus command to Lazarus. He captivated his audience as he spoke, not about the giving up s or the common traditional resolutions, but about our imbalance, our lack of freedom, being bound, like Lazarus and the knots in our lives. He then focused on the Nativity scene. Becket has recently moved to Ohio where he ministers as the Marketing Specialist for Scott Hahn s publishing company, The Saint Paul Center for Biblical Theology and Emmaus Press. Follow the Star On Saturday, January 6th, Sister Kathleen Power presented a morning of reflection entitled Follow the Star, through presentation, song, prayer and sharing on the Gospel invitations presented by the Epiphany passages. The Sister of St. Joseph Associates were among the majority of participants at this morning of reflection! Care of God s Creation On Saturday, January 6th, the Councils of Catholic Women from Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Ponte Vedra Beach, and St. Paul Parish, Jacksonville Beach, met for an Epiphany celebration. Following the potluck breakfast, Sister Carol Stovall spoke to the 50 women on Care for God s Creation. The audience was engaged with the use of powerpoint presentation and handouts and inspiration from Sister Carol. Like happiness, holiness is always tied to little gestures. Pope Francis
St. James After School Enrichment Program Sister Stephanie Flynn, principal, and Sister Kathleen Carr, assistant principal of St. James Catholic School in Miami, are grateful for the grant awarded them by the Sisters of St. Joseph Mission Fund to provide an after school program. More than a hundred students stayed for the After School Enrichment Program held twice a week. Students in the program could choose from a variety of activities that captured their interest. Students participated in art, drama, science, sports and more. Students enjoyed the chance to expand their school day and spend time with friends. That is always enriching! IDignity: Service to People in Need Lynn, S. Kathleen, Maureen Sister Kathleen Power is volunteering monthly at the Orlando downtown Paramore Mission for homeless persons. The ministry is known as IDignity. Sister has been assisting in Intake, Legal, Shepherding and Out of State Birth Certificates. Since May 2008, IDignity has hosted monthly Client Service Events where governmental partners and more than 120 volunteers serve over 200 needy persons. The documents IDignity obtains for its clients give them freedom to apply for work or school, gain access to shelters, seek help from social service programs, open bank accounts, secure permanent housing and many other opportunities. Meeting the young and elderly homeless in the city has given me the impetus to pray for them daily, Sister Kathleen says.
Love Letters From Lourdes The Sisters of Our Lady of Lourdes Convent had an Advent full of prayer and service to the Dear Neighbor. Reflection on blessings gave way to serving others. Nancy Murray, S. Marlene, s. Josephine Marie Together, they created, organized and managed a daily Craft Sale, the proceeds of which will help defray the cost of renovations needed in one of the Sister s bedrooms. While visitors shopped, they had lovely interactions with the Sisters manning the sale, and had the opportunity to enjoy the peace of the convent, even if for a short time. In a collaborative effort, using funds donated for this purpose, the lay staff and Sisters of Lourdes were able to purchase over 80 toys which they sorted and delivered to Catholic Charities for Christmas. Diapers and wipes were also purchased and donated to St. Gerard Campus and to a local family. The Sisters came together for their monthly outreach to the homeless of St. Augustine. They prepared 60 gift bags with fruit, socks, hand warmers and a hand-written gift card. The Sisters of Lourdes are frequently blessed with gifts of time and talent from many friends...entertainment by the school children, visits from church groups, garden volunteering, pet Therapy, bingo and exercise classes, etc. This Advent the Sisters went on the road to a local nursing home where they became the choral group with songs they had sung for many years. The Sisters continue to pray for families, friends, dear neighbors and benefactors. New Year Blessings from us all! Sisters Elizabeth Ann and Lyn The watchful person is one who, in the noise of the world, does not let themselves be overwhelmed by distraction or superficiality, but lives in a full and conscious way with a concern above all for others. Pope Francis Advent 2017