Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God

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Affiliations of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God

St. Francis Academy Alumnae Association (SFA)

St. Francis Academy may have closed its doors in 1991, but the spirit of SFA and its hundreds of alumnae remains strong through the school¡¦s dynamic alumnae association.

The SFA Alumnae Association is a group of energetic women who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the Sisters who nurtured and encouraged them during their formative years as Academy students. Because of this recognition and respect for the Sisters who taught them, the SFA Alumnae Association has repeatedly directed their fund-raising energies in support of our Franciscan community and their ministries.

The SFA Alumnae Association is governed by an Advisory Board of 16 SFA graduates that meets five times each year to plan activities for the organization.

Through the years, the major social event and fund raiser for the alumnae has been the annual Tulip Luncheon. The next Tulip Luncheon is scheduled for April 2009, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe (Canonsburg). Information regarding this luncheon will be mailed in late January 2009 to all alumnae on the current mailing list. The SFA Alumnae newsletter is published three times a year with SFA Academy Picture information concerning upcoming activities, plus news of the Sisters and alumnae.

Other alumnae activities include:

Blessing of Animals (held on the Academy grounds the Saturday nearest the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi).
Masses offered twice yearly for living and deceased alumnae.
Make and Take Arts and Crafts Project held in the fall and spring.
A Quilting Group that meets every Monday in the Academy Building. The current quilt being created will be raffled at the 2009 SFA Tulip Luncheon.
Support for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God through participation in events such as the Autumn Gala (planning committee) and Spring Fling (SFA Open House).

SFA alumnae are encouraged to participate in all alumnae activities and suggestions for new activities are always welcome.

If you are an SFA Alumna and would like to join the Alumnae Association, or not currently receiving a newsletter or other mailings, or if you are planning a class reunion and would like a class list, please email SFA Alumna President DeDe Metro at dedemetro@comcast.net (please mention SFA in your subject line) or call her at 412-343-1359. If want to attend the Tulip Luncheon, please contact Joan Binek at 412-341-3334.

St. Casimir Alumni Association (SCA)

St. Casimir's School in the 1940s

There are currently 264 members of the Alumni Association. No matter what the event or activity, there exists among the alums a wonderful sense of fun and camaraderie. The St. Casimir Alumni Association has a very faithful and dedicated Board of Directors, which meets four to five times a year. John Foley, the Association's president, does a fine job in uniting the members to work as a team.

The St. Casimir Alumni Association has been very generous to the Sisters of St, Francis in many ways, most recently with their support of our Autumn Gala. We as a community are truly grateful for their generosity and goodness to us. If you went to the former St. Casimir’s school or church on the South Side and would like more information about membership, please contact Theresa (Wozniak) Ziemski at 412-881-0539.

Associates

Recognizing the needs of the 13th Century, St. Francis began a lay movement to bring the Gospel to the people. These lay people could be thought of as the first Franciscan Associates. Today’s lay people continue to be called to share the Gospel with a world in need of healing and peace.

As Associates, women and men having a vision and desire to embrace the values of Francis can do so while maintaining their individual lifestyles. This desire is expressed through a non-vowed commitment with the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God in answer to a call to holiness, mission and service.

Being an Associate means participating in the formative experiences and spirituality of our Franciscan congregation. Members are enriched by the many aspects of community life and share their gifts through work, prayer and social experiences with us as well as with other Associates. Members chose to be involved through prayer, shared spirituality, volunteering, ministry, community life and any number of other activities within the tradition of the Congregation. Regular gatherings and newsletters help bring Associates close to our community. For more information please call Sr. Maria Rainaldi at 412-885-7228 or email us at associates@osfprov.org .

Pittsburgh Auxiliary

One of the dictionary¡¦s definitions of "auxiliary" is providing help. Such is the role of the Sisters¡¦ Auxiliary, an organization of enthusiastic women whose main purpose is to see to the joy and comfort of the Sisters, especially our infirmary residents.

First formed in 1985, the Auxiliary has grown from its original eight members to nearly 300 women residing in all 50 states and Canada.

The Auxiliary has a long history of financial support for the community, having purchased a number of much-needed items. Members also mark the holidays with special treats for the Sisters. On the personal side, programs for spiritual growth are offered to Auxiliary members.

For more information about joining this Auxiliary or participating in any of their activities, please contact Sister Mary Ann Lostoski at 412-885-7403.

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