The recent news that St. John’s was among the 20 schools being closed by the Archdiocese of New York came as a shock to many, including numerous RJM who had been students, teachers or administrators. Archdiocesan officials cited the impact of the current pandemic as the immediate cause of the decision to close, saying that the health concerns and unemployment consequent upon Covid-19 have led to a low rate of re-registration.
JULY 4th - San Diego, CA
On July 4 we not only celebrated our country's birthday but we celebrated the 82nd birthday of Sr. Martha Torres, RJM.
Just two days before, St. Paul's Rehabilitation Center began welcoming two guests at a time to visit with patients in the patio area after a 4-month lockdown.
There are only two tables with plexiglass at least 12 feet apart, now available for short visits. Sr. Martha was thrilled to finally visit with Srs. Bernadette and Rosie on her birthday.
For several years our school has been gifted with a program called, "Read Haiti" which gives 1st and 2nd graders a great beginning in both Creole and French. The program includes extensive teacher formation, supervision, and evaluation and they also provide reading and writing books as well as library books.
Since COVID-19 has stopped classes and most of our families do not have computers or internet access, let alone electricity, "Read Haiti" is now using radio broadcasts to reach the students!
Syria is dealing with the pandemic in the midst of continued war and international sanctions - with more expected to come - that have brought the country's economy to its knees.
June 6th, the first day of the Ignatian Retreat at Plainville promised perfect weather, as well as the collective desire of the community to begin.
Birth: March 3, 1932
Profession: February 23, 1953
Death: June 7, 2020
The invitation came on Sunday, the 7th: “Please join the Catholic faithful in a public witness to pray for the soul of George Floyd and the soul of America.” Should I go?
Please take the time to read, reflect and pray with this statement. May what is happening in our country move us to take heart the call of GC 37 to “live forgiveness,… to act with passion for justice…”
Racism is a learned behavior. May we be led through the eyes of a child. (TMS Facebook posting)
Following upon last week’s sharing from those who participated in workshops and webinars, we are offering the comments and reflections of other JPIC Committee members who took part. It is hoped that these contributions will arouse our interest and lead us to explore the many resources that can help us to respond to the call to care for our planet.
It all started with Covid 19 and the request by the governor of Rhode Island to wear a mask in public. We quickly realized that the paper version we had received at the last doctor’s appointment would not survive a week. This realization led us to the trusty Internet —source of all useful information. There we discovered sewing patterns for face masks that met the governor’s recommendations.
The women at the Atelier in Jean Rabel, have responded to Coronavirus by making masks, which can be washed and used for many a day.
May 24th will mark the 5th anniversary of the publication of Laudato Si, Pope Francis' call to care for our common home. The Holy Father is renewing that call by inviting Catholics everywhere to participate in 'Laudato Si' Week, May 16-24.
Birth: January 8, 1937
Profession: February 22, 1957
Death: May 1, 2020
WELLESLEY HILLS, MASSACHUSETTS - Marillac and Elizabeth Seton Residences
This parade - a joyful witness to love - happened on at 11:30 on April 28th, as the sisters living in the surrounding area, associates, and coordinating care team formed a car parade to thank the staff and to “visit” the many sisters at the Marillac and Elizabeth Seton Residences.
Our experience during this pandemic is one of feeling cut off from our people, teachers, children, workers and parents in schools and at the parish level ... Yet, there is an experience of spiritual hunger and thirst by our people, particularly during the Holy Week and now at Eastertide.
VIRTUAL CONNECTING… beyond our borders: "How are we living this historical moment? In fact, what we are living is kind of 'unreal.' "
In these days of crisis, we are all threatened, few more than those fleeing violence in search of refuge in the U.S. Let us not fail to act to protect the most vulnerable among us.
Birth: June 9, 1922
Profession: August 20, 1945
Death: April 7, 2020
Sr. Patricia Brito, Principal of St. Frances de Chantal School in the Bronx, has nothing but praise for the response of her teachers and staff to the challenge of “distance learning” which the current pandemic has imposed. March 13th was the first day that St. Frances was closed to students, and the faculty took advantage of the previously scheduled conference day for that Friday to have a five-hour in-service on the tools and practices that would help learning to continue.