Fall at the Monstery of Saint Clare in Chesterfield, NJ

Thoughts from Evelyn Underwood

Everything is sacrament and spirit finds Spirit in the lilies of the field and the fall of the year, no less than in the unknowable God.
Underhill quotes Clement of Alexandria,"A beautiful breathing instrument of music, the Lord made us, wheron the spirit of Life"makes Melody to God". ..the freshness of eternal  springs would speak to us in the primrose and the trees...all things rush on, they stop not, they look not behind, no power can hold them back, they rush on. Keeping steps with that restless rapid music, seasons come dancing and pass away-colours, tunes and perfumes pour in endless cascades in the abounding joy that scatters and gives up and dies every moment...be glad with the gladness of this rhythm. 

Posted by Sister Florence Vales OSC

Sister Natalie Hayes Celebrated a Milestone- 95 Years Young

Our dear Sister Natalie celebrated her 95th birthday October 6th.
We had a wonderful Mass with Father Steve Schuler SVD and a delicious dinner prepared by Sister Nelia and Karen.  
The dinner was  followed by a prayer service arranged by Sister Mary Frances and after this Sister Natalie opened her gifts from each Sister.  
As you can see from the pictures Sister Natalie loves to read and some of the gifts included about four books.
Congratulations, Sister Natalie from your Poor Sisters.
Tonight we are having a party and live entertainment which should give Sister Natalie a good laugh.
Peace 
Posted by Sister Florence Vales OSC

October 4th Feast of Saint Francis-

October 4th celebration of Saint Francis was low keyed but beautiful.

Below is a collage of our dining room with Saint Francis ,front and Center, our dining room table , Father Peter Cebulka , an Oratorian priest and friend of the community for years, our Abbess, sister Miriam and our good friend, Bernie McClain, with his German Shepherd dog, Marcus.

Marcus did not get blessed so one of the sisters did the honor.

The evening of October 3,1226, Francis of Assisi

serenely finished his earthly pilgrimage intoning

the praise of our sister Bodily death.

To the Friars, anguished for his immanent transitus, he confided,

"I have done my part:

May Christ teach you yours."

Francis asked that the book of the Gospels be brought. 

He wanted to hear the Gospel of St. John beginning at the words:

"Before the festival of the Passover..."

John 13:1-17

Intercessions :

Leader: We have remembered the passing of St. Francis. Mindful of the wonders the Lord has worked in him, we confidently approach the Father in Prayer.

Reader- For Church and Civic leaders that they seek the counsel of God and pursue the ways of peace, justice, harmony and the common good.

For all men and women, that they honor praise the most High and good God in all of His creatures, especially animals.

For all followers of St. Francis that they follow the Gospel way of life in humility.

For all the faithful departed, especially among our friends and family, that Sister Death lead them to the Most High and may they intercede for us here on earth.

Prayer:

Good and gracious God, you called our Father Francis to reflect the image of Christ so may we follow the Gospel Way in humility and peace.

Amen

Posted by Sister Florence Vales OSC