Dear Friends,

In her meditation on St. Clare in this newsletter, Sr. Bernadette Marie reminds us that living poverty means being totally dependent on God’s providence. What a challenge, but also what a privilege. Our provident God has taken care of us over the summer in many and exciting ways. Three of our members, Sr. Maryann, Nancy and Patti took part in a three week program at St. Bonaventure’s University in NY. The program was designed for and participated in by Poor Clares from around the country.

Our two postulants, Nancy and Patti have asked to be received as Novices. With grateful hearts on September 17, the Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis, we will embrace these two generous women as they are clothed in our Poor Clare habit and brought more fully into our community. Patti and Nancy will be giving up their status of “new kid on the block” just in time. Two other women are asking to begin their candidacy. In the coming months first Anna Marie and then Sharon will join us for a three month live in experience in which the candidate and community discern together if God is indeed leading these women to this community.

God is blessing us so abundantly with vocations we have added two additional bedrooms to our monastery design. These bedrooms along with the rest of the monastery are steadily moving from design on paper to the actual thing. If you pass by 37 McCauley Rd (our future address) you’ll see what I mean.

There is a new face in our development office. Sr. Kathy has joined with Sr. Rucia and Anne Dantzler to form the Monastery Development Ministry. Ruotolo Associates has been retained on a part time basis to mentor the sisters in their efforts to promote our mission and raise the funds necessary to complete the second phase of our capital campaign. You are most welcome to stop in the development office and check on our progress.

Perhaps you have heard that Miracle Hill Ministries is interested in buying our present monastery and grounds. What an answer to prayer it will be if this indeed goes through and the property is used for such a wonderful Christian ministry. And speaking of answered prayer, be sure to notice the article from Mary and Jay Reynolds. We share their joy and want to share it with you.

As I conclude this letter in which we recall God’s provident care for us, I pray that each of you will know in the depths of your heart just how much you are loved and cared for not only by God but by your Poor Clare Sisters as well.

May God hold you in peace.