When we kicked off the 2016-2017 school year in September, we not only welcomed some new teachers and new students; we welcomed a new pastor as well. Father James Cruz joined St. Raymond’s on Labor Day. In addition to Fr. Cruz and our new staff members, we also opened a third Pre-K3, a third Second Grade, a fourth Fifth Grade, and a Pre-Honors 6th Grade. St. Raymond remains the largest elementary school in the Archdiocese of New York.
Yudith Pereira, a Spanish RJM, is currently serving as Associate Executive Director of SOLIDARITY with SOUTH SUDAN, a coalition of religious communities working together to help and support this newest member of the family of nations.
One Apostolic Body - RJM Working for South Sudan; Birthdays; Prayer Requests...
Sr. Helen Mary Haigh Provincial of Europe, shared the text of a talk given by one of our Syrian sisters, Sr. Annie Demerjian. During October, Sr. Annie was in England, speaking there to various groups on behalf of her people. An excerpt from her presentation is given below.
“Let me tell you that what we are experiencing in Syria, especially in the city of Aleppo, is indescribable and chilling. All human values given by God to man in order to live in peace and dignity have been obliterated from the scene.
One Apostolic Body; Blessing of St. Claudine Mercy Garden; Nonviolence Justice & Peace...
And it came to pass in the days of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, that Fr. Andrew, pastor at St. Timothy parish in Warwick, RI and Sr. Vivian, RJM conceived the notion of creating a St. Claudine Mercy Garden. Lo, a parish committee of parishioners, Sr. Doris and Sr. Vivian was called forth to meet and “make a plan”. Sr. Vivian sent word to Sr. Patricia Brito who directed her to Sr. Fabian, Provincial of Bolivia, who knew of a sculptor with an extra statue, the first one having been purchased by Sr. Patricia. And, behold, the statue was purchased.
Genesis of a Garden, News From Members of the Province Abroad...
Saturday afternoon Fr Rick Frechette, I and four others made our attempt to go to Dame Marie and Abricot by land, not knowing if we would be able to even reach the place.
5th October 2016: I awoke to at 5.30 this morning as hurricane Matthew continued to rage in Jean Rabel, NW Haiti. The wind howled and the rain poured down. We thanked our lucky stars we were fortunate to be living upstairs over the local school in the town. This meant we were unlikely to have rain coming in the doors regardless of how many inches fell. Many were not so lucky; I saw children busy trying to get rid of about 12 inches of water outside the door of their home at about 9.00 am this morning.
Exactly one week ago today, October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Hurricane Matthew, a category 4 hurricane, hit the southwest Haitian peninsula of Grand Anse with a vengeance.
Hurricane Matthew and Haiti updates, Greetings from Rome, Meeting of Provincials of the Americas (Rome).
Early next week, Srs. Marge, Rosemary and Rita will share a few of their “highlights” on the General Conference. Meanwhile, check the Congregational website, for updates and pictures of our General Conference taking place in Rome from October 4 - 14.
RJM’s GORGEOUS NEW WEBSITE: Our website, rjmusa.org has a new look, but it is still “a work in progress!” There are many sections that are not finished or finalized. But check out our new website and please feel free to send in pictures, news items, suggestions, and ideas to Sr. Rita.
The Catholic Business Network of Washington, DC, has named Sr. Mary Bourdon, RJM, as "Our Religious of the Year." She will be honored at their annual Gala, held in support of Catholic Education, on September 22nd at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Along with UNANIMA’s September bulletin, I would like to share with you some good news that has been made possible thanks to UNANIMA.
In this issue we highlight how your donations are improving Haiti.
Today is the beautiful feast of Bl. Dina and we also celebrate with the Church the Canonization of St. Mother Teresa. Yet, at the same time, we hold in our hearts the pain of the sudden and untimely departure of our dear Isa.
On Sunday, August 28th, the RJMs of the New York region gathered at Cabrini Nursing Center to celebrate Sr. Anne Egan's 82nd birthday and 60th anniversary of vows.
ONE APOSTOLIC BODY - RJM in Pakistan: AT OUR REQUEST, MARIAM WROTE UP THIS ACCOUNT OF HER 50 YEARS IN PAKISTAN. IT’S WORTH NOTING THAT SHE IS THE FOUNDRESS OF THE MISSIONS SHE DESCRIBES IN ISLAMABAD, SHAD BAGH - LAHORE, AND TOBA TEK SINGH.
INTRODUCING OUR CAMP CLAUDINE 2016 VOLUNTEERS: Our four Camp Counselors are on their way to Gros Morne, Haiti, for the start of Camp Claudine which begins July 4th, and runs for four weeks until the end of July.