Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart...

Awakening hope

"Merciful Franciscans, 

joyous and poor, 

doing works of neighborly love."


      With deep joy

   we awaken hope

    in our neighbors

through works of love.

Feast of the Sacred Heart Musings

“Come to me all you who are burdened and find rest for your soul.” This quote often associated with the Feast of the Sacred Heart (June 19, 2020) struck a new chord with me this year. I had to embrace the fact that my soul is tired and needs rest. What makes my soul tired? At various times these last few months it has been grief, fear and escapism to name three.


Escapism is tiring. No amount of chocolate will take a pandemic away. Ice cream will not cure racism. And novel reading cannot put an end to police brutality or rioting.


Fear and its companions of worry and anxiety also make my soul tired. They too are a bit useless in the face of a virus, racism and brutality. Fear can only be replaced with trust. “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in you” is the replacement for fear and brings rest to my weary soul.


Grief is a totally different story than escapism or fear. Grief is a process that does hold light. Working through the grief will give rest to my soul. Resting in the heart of Christ allows me to feel the pain of loss but to know that all is not lost. It is there that the Sacred Heart gives rest for my soul. 


During these times it is okay, even good, to feel sad and to grieve. It is not okay to give into fear and escapism. Neither give life, heal a weary soul, or solve any of the troubling situations. Grief is a path to new life and a rested soul.


My prayers for all: Heart of Jesus burning with love for us, enflame our hearts with love for you!                                                                                                                         


Happy Feast!


Sr. Joyce Shanbarger

General Community Leader

 

Nuns & Nones

My Dear "Nones,"

We had such a wonderful time at our first intergenerational gatherings of Sisters and spiritually diverse men and women. We are eager to resume Nuns & Nones once it is safe to do so. In the meantime, keep us in your prayers as you are in ours. You can always reach us by email at sisters@fssh.net. We look forward to when we once again can be enriched through our spiritual sharing!

 

Wishing you Easter peace,

Sister Kathleen Hook


Nuns & Nones  is a movement gaining momentum across the U.S.A., knowing we all have something unique to share

and something to learn from one another.


This movement is:

  • an intergenerational gathering of Catholic sisters & spiritually diverse individuals

  • an opportunity to share personal passions and topics of interest

  • a partnership for creating solidarity and social action

  • that can make a difference in our society

  • a way to energize and feed one’s inner spirit.


“The truly poor in spirit, following the example of the Lord, live in this world as pilgrims and strangers.” 

 (TOR Rule Ch. VI-22)


Like Francis and Clare, we journey in the footprints of Jesus through simple, Gospel living...

  • discerning God's dream for us personally and communally
  • gathering in fraternitas (community) with Jesus as our brother
  • being a welcoming and joyful presence
  • placing our incompleteness in God's transforming heart
  • embracing diversity in our life and ministries
  • furthering the new reign of God

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  • With so many ways to be involved, discover the ways you you can belong here!



    INSPIRATION TO BELONG

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  • Come to this peaceful, 50-acre wooded campus where you can be refreshed in body and soul.


    Unwind by walking our outdoor labyrinth, Cosmic Walk (walking meditation) and Stations of the Cross. Explore our winding wooded paths, benches for resting and enjoying nature, and sacred places graced by inspiring statuary.


        

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