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2010 General Chapter at our Motherhouse in Vienna
Cultivating Hope for the Future and Continuing the Vision of Mother Hyacintha!
 | | Painting in our Motherhouse Chapel in Vienna |
Those of you who have seen our renovated chapel in Panhandle in person or on our website will now understand where we get our taste for breathtaking art. The beautiful image above graces the chapel in the Austrian Motherhouse and has for many decades (over 150 years). Our Lady and Jesus, our holy Father Francis, and St. Charles Borromeo are the featured subjects drawing us to contemplation of the Sacred Mysteries. Several of us were privileged to see it every day for almost a month as we traveled to our General Chapter in July. This was an exciting time for myself, Sister Jean Marie, and Sister Mary Katherine who accompanied me as delegates to the meeting held every six years. The General Chapter, required by Canon Law for every religious congregation, is a critical time as it is the highest governing body for that congregation while it is in session. Delegates represent each branch of the Order to pray, to study, and to make decisions that are for the good of all now and in the future.
Spending time with our Sisters from around the world is a joyful experience. We spend time together sharing our cultures and trying to understand one another's languages! Seeking to find common ground within our charism is challenging and rewarding. We can only thank God for HIs gifts in the course of those four weeks, for they were many. We ask your prayers for our newly elected General Superior, Sister M. Herlinde Eberhard, and our outgoing General Superior and new General Vicaress, Sister M. Petronilla Herl. Pray for the success of the new initiatives that we now embrace and for all that the Holy Spirit has in store! A part of the General Chapter message that was formulated by the delegates says, "Our desire for real unity is called to reflect the exchange of love in the Holy Trinity." The newly adopted logo portrays just that with its three rays streaming behind the Franciscan tau.
Truly only gratitude can accurately reflect the graces we have received. As we move forward into the future, trust in God's Mercy and Goodness will be the hallmarks of our holy vocations.
Sister Mary Ana |
 | | Fr. Jordan with some of the Sisters after Retreat |
Annual Retreat --
"Starting Afresh for Christ"
with Fr. Jordan Kelly, OP
Every year, we are blessed with the time of retreat for the entire community. It is much anticipated by all as the Sisters look forward to a time of physical and spiritual renewal. God Himself seems to choose the retreat master; we were very blessed this year with the presence and gifts of Fr. Jordan Kelly, O.P. Father's unique blend of humor, candor, love for the religious life, and knowledge of Scripture and the Church documents made the six days enjoyable and fruitful. We have only to take to heart all that he gave to us. The recordings of Father Jordan's talks will help us to experience again and engage even more fully in the wisdom thast the community received. It is also a reality that every retreat master now becomes a new friend who will pray for us and for whom we will pray. The School Sisters love the precious gift of the priesthood in the Church, and we value and spiritually support each priest in our daily prayers. God bless you, Father Jordan. Thank you for your love of the priesthood and your faithfulness.
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Catholic Schools --
Worth any Sacrifice
 | | Sr. Mary Grace on her first day of school |
Testimony from one of our Catholic school parents: "My name is Doug Schmidt. I have five children that all attend Catholic schools. This is one of the many blessings in our life that I am most proud of. Four years ago we knew how wonderful Catholic schools were. However, we just didn't know how important it really was to us. While living in Dalhart, our oldest daughter, Brandi, attended St. Anthony's and graduated from 6th Grade. Our oldest two boys, Derian and Dawson, both got their start in school at St. Anthony's.
In July 2007, my wife Rhonda was offered a job in Borger. This job opportunity came at the same time her mother discovered she had cancer. This move would bring us closer to my wife's family. Soon our family was on the move. Leaving St. Anthonys was one of the hardest things we have ever done.
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School Sisters of St. Francis
119 Franciscan Way
Panhandle, Texas 79068
806-537-3182
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- Come and See Retreat, October 2010 -
 | | Experience the Love! |
Facebook Page for RetreatWe are VERY excited about our upcoming "Come and See" retreat. The agenda will concentrate first on enhancing each retreatant's love relationship with God.
"Receive Love -- Be Love"
High Schoolers: Dec. 17-19 Retreat for you!
Pray for us and the retreaters. |
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Sisters' Day Out Includes a Trip to the local "Wildlife Refuge"!
 | | Sr. Celine Talking With a Cockatoo |
 | | Chubs, Boss of the Cage |
Every so often, the Sisters like to take a fun day out together. On Labor Day, after the Celebration of the Holy Mass and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, one of our first stops was the local Wildlife Refuge. We had a great time visiting the exotic animals, watching their behavior, and talking with their owners. There's nothing like a day with your community to learn how precious religious family is. Of course, you would have to ask Sister Mary Regina about her up-close-and-personal encounter with a mischievous chimp to get a full picture!
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Seekers and Discerners
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Guests come to find out more about Religious Life and the School Sisters of St. Francis. We enjoy every one of them and are happy to help as we can with their personal journeys.
In November, we will be making our "Texas Tour". Maybe we'll see some of you on our trip!
- Nov. 3 - University of Texas Catholic Student Center for Mass and "Carbs for Christ"
- Nov. 5 - Our Lady of the Gulf in Port Lavaca, TX (former school mission and home of many good friends)
- Nov. 6-7 Texas A&M - St. Mary's Church and Discernment Group
- Nov. 7- Tarleton University in Stephenville, TX at Evening Mass & Catholic Student Center
- Nov. 9 - University of Dallas,
"Dinner and Discourse"
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