Peace & Justice Update
IT Check Up Reminder: Land Justice Program
All Sisters, Associates and Staff who are taking part in the November 23 Land Justice Program are asked to do a quick system check up with the IT team before the call. The IT team will sit in on open Zoom calls to help you make sure that your Zoom program is up to date, and to do a quick review of the skills you need for this online event. These skills include how to mute, how to hide and unhide your video, and how to raise your hand during a call.
You can review how to update your Zoom program by reading the document here.You can review how to raise your hand during a call by viewing this video.
You can do your system checkup on:
Monday, November 18, 2-3 pm EST by clicking here.
Or
Wednesday, November 20, 11 am to 12pm EST by clicking here.
Thank you for taking the time to prepare your computer and make this day as effective and educational as possible!
Congregational News
Eucharistic Liturgy and Rite of Perpetual Profession of Vows
Sr. Ellen Alexis Coates, OP, professed her final vows at the Columbus Motherhouse Chapel on Sunday, November 10. It was an emotional occasion for Sr. Ellen and it was wonderful to celebrate with her, whether in person or virtually. Thank you to all who contributed to making this day a beautiful memory. You can watch the ceremony by clicking here.
Saturday Social
It truly was a weekend full of joy for Sister Ellen and those who got together with her on Saturday, prior to her profession. Her family, friends and Sisters had a little pre-celebration party in the dining room of the Columbus Motherhouse. Delicious goodies provided by the kitchen staff were wonderful treats for everyone as they enjoyed visiting with one another. Thank you Sister Michelle Sherliza for providing a video of the fun. Please click here to view.
Events
Celebrating Faith and Community in Louisiana
The Archdiocesan Spirituality Center’s Annual Gala was a heartfelt celebration in New Orleans, uniting friends and supporters. This year, the gathering honored Doris Melito, OPA, who moved attendees with her words: “Each of you has shown me something of God that no one else has shown. I have had my share of suffering, as we all have, but I always knew that I was loved and that is my foundation.”
The evening commenced with a Mass celebrated by the Roman Catholic Archbishop of New Orleans, Gregory M. Aymond. The community gathered for a meal, shared stories and experiences that highlighted the impact of the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center (ASC) on their lives.
The keynote address was delivered by Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, SJ, who spoke about the gift of discernment. He reflected on the guidance he received from one of the center’s founders, Sr. Noel Toomey, OP, emphasizing the importance of spiritual mentorship and the shared journey of faith. His insights inspired others to consider how discernment plays a crucial role in navigating life's challenges and decisions. Please see some images from the event here.
Prayer Requests
- Sr. Diane Kozlowski (Columbus, OH, diane.kozlowski@oppeace.org) requests prayer on behalf of Elaine Rose, Assistant Director of Nursing at Mohun (Columbus, elaine.rose@mohun.org) for 34-year-old Michael Watkins, who is on life support after a life-threatening asthma attack. Additional prayer is requested for his family.
- Sr. Diane Kozlowski (Columbus, OH, diane.kozlowski@oppeace.org) requests prayer for Sister June Engelbrecht who has entered Hospice Care.
- Sister Mary Hope Sieron (Columbus, OH, maryhope.sieron@oppeace.org) asks for prayer for the family of a five-year-old who died during the weekend. She is also grateful for all prayer said on behalf of Pete, the little boy who passed away.
- Sr. Margie Davis (Columbus, OH, margie.davis@oppeace.org) requests prayer for Sr. Rebecca Nolan's (Pittsburgh, PA, rebecca.nolan@oppeace.org) sister-in-law’s twin, Jan, who has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer.
- Associate Geneva Brungardt (Storm Lake, IA, genevabrungardt123@gmail.com) requests prayer for her stepson, Tom, who was admitted to the Buffet Cancer Center in Omaha NE after a diagnosis of multiple organ failure and advanced leukemia. The request is to also pray for the entire family as they navigate the days ahead.