Extending Our Hearts & Hands: Counting Blessings — The School Sisters of St. Francis

Counting Blessings

sister regina ann’s ministry is
filled with both fiscal responsibility and franciscan spirituality

Managing finances may not seem like spiritual work, but Sister Regina Ann Rokosny begs to differ. She was the only woman on staff when she started at St. Francis Retreat House in Easton, Pa., in 1995. She has seen the environment diversify and finds herself enriched by so many of God’s people that she encounters every day.

“The Franciscan spirit pervades the ministry,” she says. “I am humbled often by the faith of these people — men, women, students, workers — in spite of their struggles. Their pure, simple faith has made me reflect on my love for God.”

Sister also coordinates housekeeping at the retreat house, most of which is bathed in natural light pouring in from outdoors. “I try to make it feel like home. It’s my way of saying, ‘Welcome, rest awhile,’” she says. “It keeps me balanced.”

Math was her forte during her teaching days at St. Francis Academy in Bethlehem, Pa. In her current ministry as finance manager, her days are still filled with numbers — bookkeeping, payroll, tax reports, contracts. But she’s also been blessed to connect with those around her in ways that cannot truly be calculated, whether its fellow religious or retreatants who frequent the retreat house on their spiritual journey.

“I have had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people,” Sister says. “There have been numerous times when I’ve listened to someone sharing their pain that I was the one who walked away feeling humbled and blessed.”

*Sister Regina Ann in the smaller Portiuncula chapel at St. Francis Retreat House in Easton, Pa.*

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