In the psalms we learn to trust, worship, praise, thank and offer contrition. They show us life as it is — with its ups and downs, joys and sorrows. In the times of the Israelites, King David and Jesus, worshippers looked to these prayers to raise their awareness of God’s love. Even in our times, the psalms can speak to us, as well.

Throughout Lent and the coming Spring, Sister M. Virginelle Makos will again host Praying with the Psalms at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. Join Sister each month (February through May) for special programs that spotlight the psalms as centerpieces of prayer.

We will meet in the first-floor conference room of St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor. Sessions are set for 10 to 11 a.m. on the following Thursdays:

• February 15

• March 21

• April 18

• May 16

Registration Details: Register for single sessions or for the entire series. Freewill donations will be accepted in person or online by clicking here. Please note that Praying with the Psalms is offered in person only this year. If you prefer to register by phone, contact Lauren Martin at 610-867-8890 or lmartin@schoolsistersosf.org.

About the Presenter: A teacher for many years in secondary education, Sister Virginelle served as a principal for 14 years in North Bergen, N.J. She also served for 11 years as a caregiver for the elder members of the School Sisters of St. Francis, followed by three years with Holy Family Manor. She has been leading spiritual programs and retreats for many years, including Simply Prayer.

We are pleased to partner with a great local eatery for Monocacy Farm Project’s first Community Day of the year! Stop by Roasted Bethlehem for breakfast or lunch between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, and a portion of your check will be donated back to our Monocacy Farm Project ministry in support of its programs for food insecurity and creation care. Roasted’s menu includes many delicious and healthy vegetarian and vegan options.

Roasted is located at 22 W. 4th Street in Bethlehem, Pa.

To be a member of the fledgling Early Church … what did it mean? What was required? In this sacred Easter Season, let us reflect on the faith, courage, and resiliency of the men and women who continued to live “the way” of Jesus after his resurrection and ascension. What can they teach us for our own times as we wrestle with the challenges of the Christian life in 2024? 

Come and join us for an important night of inspiration and reflection as Sister Barbara Brown leads The Grace of Resiliency in the Early Church. This Twilight Retreat is set for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16. We will gather in the first-floor conference room of St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. Online attendance through Zoom also is available.

Registration: Registration is $20 per person. Click below to register online now with a credit card. If you would prefer to pay by check or register by phone, contact Lauren Martin at 610-867-8890 or lmartin@schoolsistersosf.org.

About the Presenter: A former director of St. Francis Center for Renewal and provincial councilor with the School Sisters of St. Francis, Sister Barbara taught world history, church history and social justice issues at Holy Name High School and St. Peter School in Reading, Pa., for many years. As local minister to the Sisters at Monocacy Manor, she also served as an ESL instructor with ProJeCt of Easton, Pa.

You and I, we are Resurrection People. These words may sometimes seem to us an idle tale. We may find it hard to believe them. But it is true. The challenge is to consider what this means in practical, concrete actions for the here and now? What are the implications of living presently as people of the Resurrection? Let us go back to that tomb, look for that body, let the amazing truth dawn upon us, embrace the life of Jesus, and live the Resurrection. 

Registration Details: This program will be conducted in person and online via Zoom. Please direct questions to 610-867-8890.

Those attending in person are welcome to join us for coffee at 9:30 a.m.

Facilitator: Sister M. Virginelle Makos, OSF

Registration Offering: Freewill offerings accepted. You may donate in person, here online, or by clicking the link included in your registration confirmation email.

About the Presenter: A teacher for many years in secondary education, Sister Virginelle served as a principal for 14 years in North Bergen, N.J. She also served for 11 years as a caregiver for the elder members of the School Sisters of St. Francis, followed by three years with Holy Family Manor. She has been leading spiritual programs and retreats for many years, including Simply Prayer.

Within the Lenten Season, the Passion and the Cross are placed before us in an visceral way. We hear again words that try to capture and understand mystery — words like atonement and ransom and redemption and sacrifice and suffering. At times, these words may block our encounter with the Crucified and Risen Lord. 

Father Ron Rolheiser writes that “there exists a certain secret, a hidden wisdom, a key to unraveling the deep secrets of life. This key is the cross: the wisdom of the cross and the brokenness of the one who died on the cross. If we grasp this we have the key to understanding the rest of life.”

Jesus came so that we might know and embrace a God who loves us beyond our imagination; a God who longs to be one with us. Jesus came so that we may live inside the love that he shares with the Father … that love was rejected and betrayed and so … Jesus wept! What will it mean for us to receive the grace to live inside the tears of Jesus? Inside his Love?

Explore these questions when you join Sister Nancy Iampietro for And Jesus Wept: A Lenten Day of Reflection, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 23. The program will be held in the first-floor conference room of St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa.

Registration Details: Registration is $30 per person, including coffee and pastries. To register online, please click the button below. If you have questions or would prefer to pay by check or register over the phone, contact Lauren Martin at 610-867-8890 or lmartin@schoolsistersosf.org.

About the Presenter: Sister Nancy Iampietro is a Missionary Sister of the Precious Blood from Shillington, Pa. She is a graduate of St. Joseph University, Duquesne University and St. Louis University with degrees in theology, formative spirituality and spiritual direction. Sister has been in ministry since 1969, primarily with inner city outreach, formation, spirituality, spiritual direction and leadership. She has served as novice director, secretary, provincial and general superior for her congregation; retreat director; and teacher of spirituality in the United States, Rome, Africa and elsewhere. Currently, she is in full-time spiritual ministry at Mariawald Renewal Center in Reading, Pa., and wherever invited.

In the psalms we learn to trust, worship, praise, thank and offer contrition. They show us life as it is — with its ups and downs, joys and sorrows. In the times of the Israelites, King David and Jesus, worshippers looked to these prayers to raise their awareness of God’s love. Even in our times, the psalms can speak to us, as well.

Throughout Lent and the coming Spring, Sister M. Virginelle Makos will again host Praying with the Psalms at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. Join Sister each month (February through May) for special programs that spotlight the psalms as centerpieces of prayer.

We will meet in the first-floor conference room of St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor. Sessions are set for 10 to 11 a.m. on the following Thursdays:

• February 15

• March 21

• April 18

• May 16

Registration Details: Register for single sessions or for the entire series. Freewill donations will be accepted in person or online by clicking here. Please note that Praying with the Psalms is offered in person only this year. If you prefer to register by phone, contact Lauren Martin at 610-867-8890 or lmartin@schoolsistersosf.org.

About the Presenter: A teacher for many years in secondary education, Sister Virginelle served as a principal for 14 years in North Bergen, N.J. She also served for 11 years as a caregiver for the elder members of the School Sisters of St. Francis, followed by three years with Holy Family Manor. She has been leading spiritual programs and retreats for many years, including Simply Prayer.

The School Sisters of St. Francis are pleased to present Ever Ancient, Ever New: Lenten Practices for Our Modern Times, a trio of programs that will lend contemporary relevance to the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Join us as, together, we deepen our understanding of these age-old practices and discover meaningful, impactful actions in service to God’s people and all of creation.   

In this third and final installment — What Does God Require of Us? — we will explore the importance of conversion and resilience in our relationships with one another and all of creation. Sister Bonnie Marie Kleinschuster and Maryann Kearns, Laudato Si’ animator, will lead the discussion.

Attend in person at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa., or from wherever you are via Zoom. Either way, you will have an opportunity to learn, share and reflect in a supportive community of our Sisters and friends. Select just this program, or register for the entire three-part series. Registration is $20 per session or $50 for the entire series.

Those attending in person will gather in the first-floor conference room of St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor.

Have you ever experienced losing something you really treasured? We start searching … “Did I put it somewhere for safekeeping?” … “Did I throw it away by mistake?” If we go deeper and look into our hearts — beyond material things — is there something in our spiritual selves we may have lost? Our patience or our integrity? Our respect for ourselves or others? What about hope? Or the desire to pray?

Lent can be the very time we need to find what is missing — that which we put aside, misplaced or ignored — so that our lives can once again reflect the Gospel that Jesus encourages us to live. 

Lent also is a time to better know the One who continuously searches for us … God. God communicates with us in many ways but best through prayer. We come together this month to reflect on how important prayer is to us and how we can grow in our gift of prayer and, thus, better live the Gospel. Please join Sister Marguerite Stewart for a morning of quiet prayer and sharing.

Registration Details: This program will be held in the first-floor conference room of the former St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, as well as online via Zoom. Freewill offerings accepted. If you would prefer to register by phone, please call 610-867-8890.

Those attending in person are welcome to join us for coffee at 9:30 a.m.

About the Presenter: For 12 years, Sister Marguerite served in Rome as vicar general of the School Sisters of St. Francis international congregation, as well as formation director. With more than 30 years of experience, Sister ministers as a spiritual director and workshop presenter. She holds a bachelor’s degree in pastor counseling and spiritual direction studies and, in 2021, celebrated 70 years in religious life.

The School Sisters of St. Francis are pleased to present Ever Ancient, Ever New: Lenten Practices for Our Modern Times, a trio of programs that will lend contemporary relevance to the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Join us as, together, we deepen our understanding of these age-old practices and discover meaningful, impactful actions in service to God’s people and all of creation.   

In this second installment — Recognize, Repair, Relate: Clearing a Path for the Common Good — we will explore the importance of conversion and resilience in our relationships with one another and all of creation. Sister Barbara Brown will lead the discussion.

Attend in person at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa., or from wherever you are via Zoom. Either way, you will have an opportunity to learn, share and reflect in a supportive community of our Sisters and friends. Select just this program, or register for the entire three-part series. Registration is $20 per session or $50 for the entire series.

Those attending in person will gather in the first-floor conference room of St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor.

The School Sisters of St. Francis are pleased to present Ever Ancient, Ever New: Lenten Practices for Our Modern Times, a trio of programs that will lend contemporary relevance to the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Join us as, together, we deepen our understanding of these age-old practices and discover meaningful, impactful actions in service to God’s people and all of creation.   

In this first installment — Exploring Lent Beyond ‘No Chocolate’ — we will examine prayer, fasting, almsgiving and conversion for individual growth and the common good. Sister Bonnie Marie Kleinschuster and Maryann Kearns, Laudato Si’ animator, will lead the discussion.

Attend in person at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa., or from wherever you are via Zoom. Either way, you will have an opportunity to learn, share and reflect in a supportive community of our Sisters and friends. Select just this program, or register for the entire three-part series. Registration is $20 per session or $50 for the entire series.

Those attending in person will gather in the first-floor conference room of St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor.

In the psalms we learn to trust, worship, praise, thank and offer contrition. They show us life as it is — with its ups and downs, joys and sorrows. In the times of the Israelites, King David and Jesus, worshippers looked to these prayers to raise their awareness of God’s love. Even in our times, the psalms can speak to us, as well.

Throughout Lent and the coming Spring, Sister M. Virginelle Makos will again host Praying with the Psalms at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. Join Sister each month (February through May) for special programs that spotlight the psalms as centerpieces of prayer.

We will meet in the first-floor conference room of St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor. Sessions are set for 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the following Thursdays:

• February 15

• March 21

• April 18

• May 16

Registration Details: Register for single sessions or for the entire series. Freewill donations will be accepted in person or online by clicking here. Please note that Praying with the Psalms is offered in person only this year. If you prefer to register by phone, contact Lauren Martin at 610-867-8890 or lmartin@schoolsistersosf.org.

About the Presenter: A teacher for many years in secondary education, Sister Virginelle served as a principal for 14 years in North Bergen, N.J. She also served for 11 years as a caregiver for the elder members of the School Sisters of St. Francis, followed by three years with Holy Family Manor. She has been leading spiritual programs and retreats for many years, including Simply Prayer.

God is referred to often as a God of compassion. We read in the Scriptures how Jesus was a man of compassion. We have read many passages about the love of God for us. Jesus came to teach us how to live in this world. He saw, heard, taught, welcomed, healed, reached out, and forgave. Is Jesus asking the same of us? Are we prepared to “love one another as I have loved you?”

Registration Details: This program will be conducted in person and online via Zoom. Please direct questions to 610-867-8890.

Those attending in person are welcome to join us for coffee at 9:30 a.m.

Facilitator: Sister M. Virginelle Makos, OSF

Registration Offering: Freewill offerings accepted. You may donate in person, here online, or by clicking the link included in your registration confirmation email.

About the Presenter: A teacher for many years in secondary education, Sister Virginelle served as a principal for 14 years in North Bergen, N.J. She also served for 11 years as a caregiver for the elder members of the School Sisters of St. Francis, followed by three years with Holy Family Manor. She has been leading spiritual programs and retreats for many years, including Simply Prayer.

The next meeting of our lay Associates in the Pittsburgh area will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 21, at the Franciscan Resource Center in West View. Associates are asked to bring their worksheets from October and their copies of Francis: The Journey and the Dream. Sisters Kevin Berdis and Anece Salay will lead us as we review what we have done over the last four months and share our insights on our Franciscan reading. We also will evaluate our recent service projects and, if time permits, begin discussion of our community Charism.

A sense of the sacred enlarges our life experience with spaciousness and mystery. St. Francis Center for Renewal is pleased to offer Sacred Listening Circles, a series of gatherings designed to build our awareness of the sacred in the ordinary. Series I includes four monthly gatherings set for October 2023 through January 2024. As part of a group, our sense of belonging is enhanced as we collectively tune to the aliveness which is simultaneously within and all around us. Gatherings will be held the first Wednesday of each month. Our time together will include — but not be limited to — prayer, silence, sharing, sacred reading and meditation.

Meeting Times:

• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4, 2023

• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2023

• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2023

• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Facilitator: Maureen DeBellis

Registration Information: Registration is $120 per person for Series I, which includes gatherings on October 4, November 1, December 6 and January 3. This program is offered in-person only. To register, please click the button below. If you would prefer to register by phone or pay by check, please contact St. Francis Center for Renewal at 610-867-8990.

About the Facilitator: Maureen DeBellis is a spiritual director, personal retreat guide, and teacher of meditation and contemplative prayer. She believes that spiritual formation is ongoing and multi-faceted.

Each time a New Year greets us, we have a new opportunity to pause, to see where we have been, and to notice how far we have traveled on this journey of life. No two Januarys are the same; the New Year is always unique. We may feel free, alive or joyful … or we may feel stuck, struggling with life, or finding that life is just ordinary. Yet, if we pause and look deeper, we will see reason for gratitude for the many people and events that have helped us to grow and become the good and unique individuals we are.

As this new year begins, three words come to mind — Live Life Fully. The words of St. Irenaeus of Lyons apply well here: “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.” This new year beckons us to be persons fully alive with the glory of God. During this first Simply Prayer of the new year, Sister Marguerite Stewart helps us discover if we are ready to love life and to step wholeheartedly into whatever it holds for us.

Registration Details: This program will be conducted in person at St. Francis Center for Renewal and online via Zoom. Please direct questions to 610-867-8890.

Those attending in person are welcome to join us for coffee at 9:30 a.m.

Facilitator: Sister Marguerite Stewart, OSF

Registration Offering: Freewill offerings accepted. You may donate in person, on the St. Francis Center for Renewal website, or by clicking the link included in your registration confirmation email.

About the Presenter: For 12 years, Sister Marguerite served in Rome as vicar general of the School Sisters of St. Francis international congregation, as well as formation director. With more than 30 years of experience, Sister has ministered as a spiritual director and workshop presenter with St. Francis Center for Renewal for eight years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in pastor counseling and spiritual direction studies. In 2021, she celebrated 70 years in religious life.

It was in the village in Greccio, Italy, that a living Nativity scene was created by St. Francis of Assisi, and the people gathered to celebrate Christmas. Join our Sisters at 1:30 p.m. next Wednesday, December 20, at our Franciscan Resource Center in Pittsburgh as we recall the story of Greccio, the meaning it had for St. Francis, and the significance it has for us today. You are invited to share a photo of your nativity at home or, if you’d like, to bring along the actual set.

All are welcome, and no RSVP is necessary. Freewill offerings accepted. Have questions? Contact us at 412-761-2855 or frcpgh@schoolsistersosf.org.

Share a special Sunday with our Sisters and a soul-stirring Christmas choir under the inspired direction of Charles Briggs. Together, we will celebrate the season with song and story. No RSVP necessary. This gathering will be held in the Monocacy Manor White House Chapel, located at 395 Bridle Path Road in Bethlehem, Pa.

Eight hundred years ago, St. Francis of Assisi invited the people in the town of Greccio “to enact the memory of the Babe born in Bethlehem. To see as much as possible with bodily eyes, the discomfort of his infant needs, how he lay in a manger, and how, with an ox and ass standing by, he rested on hay.” From this live-changing event in the life of St. Francis came the tradition of the Christmas creche.

In this milestone anniversary year, the School Sisters of St. Francis welcome you to Make Your Heart a New Bethlehem, as we remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ with a live reenactment of Greccio. Join us at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 15, at Monocacy Manor, for a visit to our century-old convent with its majestic tree, to spend some prayerful time in our chapel, and to sip some hot chocolate with us. Bring your family, and bring your favorite Nativity figure for a special blessing.

We are pleased to share our Franciscan heritage with the people of the Lehigh Valley!

Join our Sisters for a special Advent program, as we reflect on the reality that the seed of Christ’s life grows within each of us. How to we bring Him to birth today?

No RSVP is necessary, and all are welcome. Freewill offerings accepted. Have questions? Please contact us at 412-761-2855 or frcpgh@schoolsistersosf.org

Countdown! Preparation! What has Christmas become for us? It wasn’t even Thanksgiving, and yet, the stores were ready for Christmas. Candy with red and green coloring is on display, as are trees, wreaths and decorations. You worry that if you don’t make gift purchases now, the items will sell out. Have we become so accustomed to holidays and holydays that we forget the gifts we have received? God calls us to open our eyes and hearts to the wonder of His love for us. Mary and Joseph had to do this. Let us remember that, if we allow God to work within us, we will discover the love and peace that all those Christmas cards proclaim.

Registration Details: This program will be conducted in person at St. Francis Center for Renewal and online via Zoom. Please direct questions to 610-867-8890.

Those attending in person are welcome to join us for coffee at 9:30 a.m.

Facilitator: Sister M. Virginelle Makos, OSF

Registration Offering: Freewill offerings accepted. You may donate in person, here online, or by clicking the link included in your registration confirmation email.

About the Presenter: A teacher for many years in secondary education, Sister Virginelle served as a principal for 14 years in North Bergen, N.J. She also served for 11 years as a caregiver of the elder members of the School Sisters of St. Francis, followed by three years with Holy Family Manor. She has been part of the SFCR retreat team for many years, leading Simply Prayer and other programs throughout the year.

Join our Sisters for an examination of the story of St. Francis and the Sultan and how it speaks to us today. No RSVP is necessary, and all are welcome. Freewill offerings accepted.

Have questions? Contact the Franciscan Resource Center at at 412-761-2855 or frcpgh@schoolsistersosf.org

True joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that we all want to see flourish in ourselves. During this special evening, we will discover the difference between joy and happiness. We also will explore how to better predispose ourselves to the indwelling Holy Spirit as we pray, play and work and consider the role of optimism in the steadfastness of our spiritual lives.

Facilitator: Diane Rice

Registration Details: This program will be conducted in person at St. Francis Center for Renewal and online via Zoom. Registration is $30 for in-person attendance or $20 for Zoom attendance. Click below to register online. If you would prefer to register by phone, please call us at 610-867-8890.

About the Speaker: Diane Rice holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from DeSales University and a master’s degree in theology from LaSalle University, as well as a certificate in spiritual direction. She has presented mini-retreats, Catholic school teacher retreats, senior group retreats, and women’s groups retreats at various retreat houses and parishes. She has also taught classes for Catechists for the Diocese of Allentown. A lifelong member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Parish, Diane is a wife, mother, and grandmother to three awesome grandkids.

A simple definition of a grateful person is one who takes nothing for granted. If we have a grateful heart, we will see all of creation, including life itself, as a gift from God. We will find ourselves frequently saying “How Lucky I am.” It is one thing to be grateful for the obvious blessings in life — sunny days, good health, lasting relationships. It is quite another thing to thank God for the hardships of life — cloudy days, poor health, struggles. Yet, even life’s hardships can be viewed as blessings. They can strengthen us, help us grow in compassion, and keep us aware of our need for God.

November — in particular Thanksgiving Day — leads us to reflect deeply on all that we have been given. God has been very generous in lavishing us with an outpouring of His goodness. Can this lead us to examine our own generosity and ask, “How generous am I in my life?” Join us as we gather to reflect, with gratitude, on our many gifts and pray together for our world and for those in need, including those who will not be sitting down to a plentiful Thanksgiving dinner. 

Registration Details: This program will be conducted in person at St. Francis Center for Renewal and online via Zoom. Please direct questions to 610-867-8890.

Those attending in person are welcome to join us for coffee at 9:30 a.m.

Facilitator: Sister Marguerite Stewart, OSF

Registration Offering: Freewill offerings accepted. You may donate in person, on the St. Francis Center for Renewal website, or by clicking the link included in your registration confirmation email.

About the Presenter: For 12 years, Sister Marguerite served in Rome as vicar general of the School Sisters of St. Francis international congregation, as well as formation director. With more than 30 years of experience, Sister has ministered as a spiritual director and workshop presenter with St. Francis Center for Renewal for eight years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in pastor counseling and spiritual direction studies. In 2021, she celebrated 70 years in religious life.

The annual Holiday Craft Fair & Bake Sale at our St. Francis Center for Renewal is back for an eighth spectacular year! Join our Sisters and friends on Saturday, November 4, for a festive day of shopping at Mullen Hall, located at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. We are pleased to welcome back many returning artisans to share their work with you, as well as a host of new crafters.

More than 70 artisans will display unique seasonal décor and handcrafted goods and gifts. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus while you’re here. Admission is $2 per person, and parking is free. Yummy baked goods will be available, and we will be serving lunches to power you through your shopping. While many of our crafters do accept credit cards, cash is preferred for food purchases.

A limited number of crafter spaces remain available. Please contact Lauren Martin at lmartin@schoolsistersosf.org or 610-867-8890 before they’re gone!

Enjoy a glass of wine, and make a difference at the same time! Sleepy Cat Urban Winery in Allentown, Pa., is partnering with Monocacy Farm Project — our farming ministry in Bethlehem, Pa. — throughout November to donate a portion of proceeds from select wines in support of the farm’s good works. Stop by between 4 and 9 p.m. on Friday, November 3, to enjoy a glass or bottle of wine, meet members of the MFP team, and check out sweets by White Squirrel Kitchen.

Sleepy Cat will donate 25 cents per glass or $1 per bottle of its Cutie Pie Apple, Kitty Kisses, Red Whiskers, Starry Slumber and Helping Meow-t wines back to MFP on November 3 and throughout November. Sleepy Cat is located at 1840 W. Allen Street in Allentown, Pa.

Join Father Keith Laskowski for a special October Twilight Retreat, as he shares his journey in the footsteps of St. Paul through stories, pictures and prayer.

Facilitator: Father Keith Laskowski

Registration Details: This program will be conducted in person at St. Francis Center for Renewal and online via Zoom. Registration is $30 for in-person attendance or $20 for Zoom attendance. If you would prefer to register by phone, please call St. Francis Center for Renewal at 610-867-8890.

About the Speaker: Father Keith Laskowski was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Allentown in 2002. He currently serves as pastor at St. Anthony and Our Lady of Mercy parishes in downtown Easton. In serving Easton’s Catholic community since 2008, Father was previously assigned to St. Jane Frances de Chantal. Before his studies at St. Charles Seminary, Father Keith earned a degree in chemistry from Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales (DeSales University). He taught high school chemistry, physics and religion at St. Michael High School on the Navajo Reservation. He enjoys the outdoors and observing the beauty of God’s creation.

Discover your own rhythm as you connect to the rhythms of your neighbors when you join Monocacy Farm Project, our Sisters and spiritual drummer Catherine Campanaro for a Community Drum Circle. We will gather outdoors at Monocacy Farm on the third Tuesday of each month, June through October. Joyful and uplifting, drumming is an embodiment of prayer, inviting us to listen deeply to the heartbeat of the Spirit. Come experience group drumming, as we create wonderful music together. No experience necessary. Drums and percussion instruments provided (or you are welcome to bring your own)! Please do bring your own lawn chair or mat. All donations benefit Monocacy Farm Project, our farming ministry in Bethlehem, Pa.

The desert has always instilled a fascination in those of Jewish and Christian faith as a place where one struggles with demons — both internal and external — and meets angels … and God! From Moses to Jesus, to the early desert fathers and mothers, to contemporary “desert saints” like Carlo Carretto and Charles De Foucauld, people have ventured (or been pushed) into the wilderness to deepen, expand and simplify their faith. To some, such pilgrims are cranks and fanatics; to others, they are exemplars of holy living.

Join Rev. Dr. Stephen Simmons for a special October Twilight Retreat, as we explore the writings of such desert pilgrims and discuss the lessons they can teach us about encountering God in new ways and creating an interior space for prayer and discernment in our own complex and stressful times.

Facilitator: Rev. Dr. Stephen Simmons

Registration Details: This program will be conducted in person at St. Francis Center for Renewal and online via Zoom. Registration is $30 for in-person attendance or $20 for Zoom attendance. If you would prefer to register by phone, please call St. Francis Center for Renewal at 610-867-8890.

About the Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Stephen Simmons is a retired professor of theology, ethics, and community ministry at Moravian Theological Seminary, having taught and directed the continuing education program there from 2001 until 2017. An ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church USA, he has served congregations in Oregon, Illinois and Pennsylvania. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary and an AB and PhD from the University of Chicago. In retirement, he continues to serve as an editor for the International Journal of Practical Theology, and is a parish associate at First Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem, Pa.