Do you ever wonder about the origin of the lyrics of the hymn, O Come, O Come Emmanuel?

In the last days of the sacred season of Advent, the School Sisters of St. Francis invite everyone — especially families — to join us as we prepare to celebrate the O Antiphons. This ancient tradition includes seven heartfelt remembrances from Scripture that express our longing for Christ. The service includes a procession of emblems, Scripture readings, sung responses, and some short reflections. 

Each family will be given a packet with O Antiphon symbols and verses to be offered with The Magnificat each day December 17-23. With ardent love, let us prepare our hearts for His coming among us in history, in mystery, and in glory!

No registration necessary. Freewill offerings accepted. Please direct questions to Lauren Martin at lmartin@schoolsistersosf.org or 610-867-8890.

Our Franciscan Resource Center in Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Religious Vocation Conference invites you to Las Posadas, a Mexican Christmas tradition that commemorates the journey of Joseph and Mary seeking a room at the inn.

All are welcome. Freewill offerings accepted. Please RSVP by email to frcpgh@schoolsistersosf.org.

Have questions? Contact us at 412-761-2855 or frcpgh@schoolsistersosf.org.

Our Franciscan Resource Center in Pittsburgh invites you to join our Sisters for an Advent reflection program, Weaving Hope This Advent. As Mary wove threads to create little garments for Jesus, we will explore ways to weave fragile threads of hope into a strong garment of compassion. All are welcome, and no RSVP is necessary. Freewill offerings accepted.

Have questions? Contact us at 412-761-2855 or frcpgh@schoolsistersosf.org.

Advent begins the Church year, and the first mystery we are asked to engage in is waiting. Our hearts stand waiting for the Father’s gift. This morning of reflection will invite you to discover new ways to make room in the stable of your hearts for Jesus, as we await His coming. Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

This program will be held in the first-floor conference room (blue room) of St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. Participants are welcome to join us for coffee at 9:30 a.m.

Facilitator: Sister Marie Therese Sherwood, OSF

Registration Details: Freewill offerings accepted. Please click the button below to register online now. If you would prefer to register by phone, please call 610-867-8890.

About the Presenter: Sister Marie Therese Sherwood has been a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis for 61 years. While teaching for 20 years in elementary schools, she continued her studies in pastoral ministry and spiritual direction, earning a certificate in spirituality. Sister ministered in several retreat houses, offering spiritual direction and directed retreats, while also serving as formation director, and participating in classes with the novices in the Franciscan Studies Program sponsored by St. Bonaventure University, in New York. For 17 years, Sister Marie Therese ministered as pastoral associate for social concerns in The Catholic Community of St. Matthias in Somerset, N.J. Residing now in Bethlehem, she is an avid reader, and can be seen on her daily walks along Bridle Path Road.

Mary is not only the Mother of Expectant Hope for her time, but for all of us. She is a beacon of light and a source of encouragement, reminding us to stay close to Christ, even in times of waiting and uncertainty. As we prepare for Christmas, let’s invite Mary to journey with us. Let us ask her to teach us how to hope as she did, how to trust God’s will and embrace His plan with faith.

This program will be held in the White House Chapel at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa.

Facilitator: Most Rev. Alfred A. Schlert, bishop of the Diocese of Allentown

Registration Details: Freewill offerings accepted. Please click the button below to register online now. If you would prefer to register by phone, please call 610-867-8890.

Our Franciscan Resource Center in Pittsburgh invites you to join our Sisters for a discussion of Saints in December. We will reflect on the saints that made an impact on the life of the Church, including who they are and for what they are known. All are welcome, and no RSVP is necessary. Freewill offerings accepted.

Have questions? Contact us at 412-761-2855 or frcpgh@schoolsistersosf.org.

Christians have been celebrating All Saints Day for more than 1,000 years! On this day, we remember those who have been declared saints, but it is also a celebration of all holy men and women who have gone home to God. They inspire us. They encourage us. They remind us that with God’s grace, anything is possible. Saints are people who let the light shine through!

Come celebrate all the holy ones — activists and social workers, apostles, martyrs and theologians, parents, grandparents, and friends. Don’t forget your heroes and heroines. Then discover your own unique call to holiness!

This program will be held in the first-floor conference room (blue room) of St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. Participants are welcome to join us for coffee at 9:30 a.m.

Facilitator: Sister Barbara Brown, OSF

Registration Details: Freewill offerings accepted. Please click the button below to register online now. If you would prefer to register by phone, please call 610-867-8890.

During these difficult times — and as Election Day approaches — many are experiencing a need for healing, respect, unity, and honesty. That’s why it’s so important to pray for wisdom. Ask yourself what you wish for our country and what candidate can do that for us. Allow the Holy Spirit to go before you when you cast your vote. Pray for an acceptance of the outcome so that we can be united as one.

The School Sisters of St. Francis invite you to the White House Chapel at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa., to reflect and pray on the importance of this election. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed during the hours of noon and 3 p.m. No RSVP necessary.

Get into the holiday spirit with the School Sisters of St. Francis 2024 Holiday Craft Fair & Bake Sale, set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, in Mullen Hall at Monocacy Manor, 395 Bridle Path Road in Bethlehem, Pa.

Explore a wonderful selection of handmade crafts, gifts, and treats created by local artisans. Enjoy delicious snacks, festive music, and the joy of community. This is the perfect opportunity to find unique holiday gifts and support local creators!

Admission is $2 per person, and parking is free. Bring your friends and family — let’s make this holiday season unforgettable. We look forward to celebrating the season with you!

Baked Goods Needed: We are seeking volunteer bakers to contribute cakes, cookies, cupcakes, breads and more to sell during the craft fair. If you can help, baked goods can be dropped off at St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor on the following dates:

• Tuesday, October 28 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

• Thursday, October 31 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

• Friday, November 1 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Can’t make these times or need more information? Contact Lauren Martin at 610-867-8890 or lmartin@schoolsistersosf.org.

Throughout our lives we experience hurt, disappointments, losses and moments of great joy. Our October Twilight Retreat will focus on finding hope and building resilience. Attendees will explore personal and collective experiences of pain through discussion, music, and spiritual reflection.

The retreat will include exercises to identify and address emotional challenges, explore loss theory, understand stress and grief phases, and examine family dynamics. Attendees will reflect on their own experiences, their spiritual journey — particularly through the wisdom of St. Francis — to ultimately find hope and strength.

This program will be held in St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor, 395 Bridle Path Road in Bethlehem, Pa.

Facilitator: Robert Olney

Registration Details: Registration is $25 per person. To register online now with a credit card, please click the button below. If you would prefer to register by phone or pay by check, please contact Lauren Martin at lmartin@schoolsistersosf.org or 610-867-8890.

Our Franciscan Resource Center in Pittsburgh invites you to join our Sisters for music, prayer, videos, discussion and community, as we build skills for reducing polarization in today’s society. This is the 14th installment in the series, but no previous attendance is required.

All are welcome, and no RSVP is necessary. Freewill offerings accepted.

Have questions? Contact us at 412-761-2855 or frcpgh@schoolsistersosf.org.

The next meeting of our lay Associates in the Pittsburgh area will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, at the Franciscan Resource Center in West View. Sisters Kevin Berdis and Anece Salay will lead us. Associates are reminded to return their copies of Francis: The Journey and the Dream.

Discover your own rhythm as you connect to the rhythms of your neighbors when you join Monocacy Farm Project and Community Drum Circle facilitator Catherine Campanaro. We will gather on the field at Monocacy Farm on the third Tuesday of each month, June through October 2024.

This year’s sessions are set for:

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15

Joyful and uplifting, drum circles provide an opportunity for individuals to share their spirit, encourage, and empower one another in an act of celebrating community and life as we connect rhythmically. Drumming can be an embodiment of prayer, inviting us to listen deeply to the heartbeat of the Spirit. 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.

No RSVP is needed, but if you have questions, please feel free to contact Maryann Kearns at mkearns@monocacyfarmproject.org or call 610-867-8890.

Our Franciscan Resource Center in Pittsburgh invites you to join our Sisters for music, prayer, videos, discussion and community, as we build skills for reducing polarization in today’s society. This is the 13th installment in the series, but no previous attendance is required.

All are welcome, and no RSVP is necessary. Freewill offerings accepted.

Have questions? Contact us at 412-761-2855 or frcpgh@schoolsistersosf.org.

Join our Sisters on the farm on Sunday, October 6, for the ninth annual Monocacy Farm Food Festival, a family-friendly day featuring local food, artisans and vendors, Bob Swaim’s environmentally-friendly toys, balloon animals, a photo booth, crafts and activities, farm tours, demos, live music, great raffles and so much more!

Bring the kids for fall-themed activities and pick up some unique foods and crafts created by folks in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. There is literally something for everyone!

The festivities run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our suggested admission donation is $5 per person or $10 per family. Parking is free. While you're here, grab some official Monocacy Farm Project merch. All proceeds benefit Monocacy Farm Project.

Monocacy Farm Project is located adjacent to Monocacy Manor at 395 Bridle Path Road in Bethlehem, Pa. Keep an eye on the Facebook event page for ongoing event updates.

Our Sisters welcome you to join them for the Transitus, a special prayer service commemorating the death of St. Francis, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Pa. Held annually on the eve of the Feast of St. Francis, this solemn candlelight service will react the final hours of the saint’s life. No RSVP is necessary.

St Francis’ desire was always to be like Christ. He wanted to love Him totally and all of His creation. The love of Jesus through the Passion made Him desire to love that intensely. Then Francis received the Stigmata. Do we desire to love Jesus so deeply that our whole being is enamored with His love within and around us?"

Join Sister M. Virginelle Makos for our October session of Simply Prayer, as we observe the 800th anniversary of Francis of Assisi receiving the Stigmata.

This program will be held in the first-floor conference room (blue room) of St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. Participants are welcome to join us for coffee at 9:30 a.m.

Registration Details: Freewill offerings accepted. Please click the button below to register online now. If you would prefer to register by phone, please call 610-867-8890.

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.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” — Proverbs 31:10

We invite you to join us in this season of color and change, as we bring into focus our call to become good and virtuous women as described in Proverbs 31. Witness the  virtues found in the women of Scripture, as well as in contemporary times. Then examine your own heart and ask yourself, “What is the virtue I most desire?”

Facilitators: Sister Nancy Iampietro, CPS and Sister Barbara Brown, OSF

Registration Details: Registration is $30 per person, including light lunch. To register online now with a credit card, please click the button below. If you would prefer to register by phone or pay by check, please contact Lauren Martin at lmartin@schoolsistersosf.org or 610-867-8990.

Luke’s portrait of Jesus is a man of mercy and compassion with particular concern for the poor and outcast. Our Franciscan Resource Center in Pittsburgh invites you to join our Sisters for a discussion of the challenge of Luke in addressing those on the margins of society. We will point out examples of Jesus’ teachings. All are welcome, and no RSVP is necessary. Freewill offerings accepted.

Have questions? Contact us at 412-761-2855 or frcpgh@schoolsistersosf.org.

The United Nations International Day of Peace is celebrated annually on September 21 to symbolize the world’s desire for peace and harmony. In creating this observance, the U.N. recognized that peace “not only is the absence of conflict, but also requires a process where dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are solved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.”

In a world with rising tensions and conflicts, there has never been a better time to remember how the U.N. General Assembly came together in 1999 to lay out the values needed for a culture of peace. So many of us have a difficult time watching the daily news. The truth is that we need to know that our family around the world is suffering so we can support them in prayer or in any way that the Spirit inspires.

Therefore, we invite you to join us in prayer at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, in Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel (White House chapel) at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. No RSVP is necessary.

Please direct questions to Lauren Martin at lmartin@schoolsistersosf.org or 610-867-8890.

Discover your own rhythm as you connect to the rhythms of your neighbors when you join Monocacy Farm Project and Community Drum Circle facilitator Catherine Campanaro. We will gather on the field at Monocacy Farm on the third Tuesday of each month, June through October 2024.

This year’s sessions are set for:

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15

Joyful and uplifting, drum circles provide an opportunity for individuals to share their spirit, encourage, and empower one another in an act of celebrating community and life as we connect rhythmically. Drumming can be an embodiment of prayer, inviting us to listen deeply to the heartbeat of the Spirit. 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.

No RSVP is needed, but if you have questions, please feel free to contact Maryann Kearns at mkearns@monocacyfarmproject.org or call 610-867-8890.

Our Franciscan Resource Center in Pittsburgh invites you to join our Sisters for a timely program that examines the story of Francis of Assisi and the Stigmata upon the event’s 800th anniversary. The challenge of St. Francis’ Stigmata offers us an awareness of the wounds of Christ in the poor and the earth. It continues today.

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

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Join our Monocacy Farm Project ministry and our Sisters for a sweet and savory September evening — the fourth annual Pairing for a Cause — set for 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 13, at Black River Farms Vineyard & Winery in Bethlehem, Pa.

Your $60 ticket includes five exclusive wine pairings in the vineyard. Enjoy vineyard tours; delicious chocolates by Chocodiem; specially-selected wines by Black River Farms. gourmet bites by The Marquee Kitchen, Keystone Farms Cheese, Aroi Mango, and feast; live music by Island Time; and scrumptious hors d’oeuvres by Pat’s Pizza & Bistro.

There also will be a wine pull, an Monocacy Farm Project merchandise sale, a silent auction, and a tastebud-tempting raffle. All proceeds benefit Monocacy Farm Project.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available online now by clicking here. Save time and money when you select our VIP Pairing Package, including an event ticket ($60 value), four raffle sheets ($35 value) and a wine pull ($20 value) for just $100. This offer is available only when you purchase your tickets online ahead of the event.

Black River Farms is located at 2472 Black River Road in Bethlehem, Pa. Please note that this is an outdoor event. In the case of substantial rain, Pairing for a Cause will be rescheduled for Friday, September 20, and all original tickets will be honored.

Our Franciscan Resource Center in Pittsburgh invites you to join our Sisters for music, prayer, videos, discussion and community, as we build skills for reducing polarization in today’s society. This is the 12th installment in the series, but no previous attendance is required.

All are welcome, and no RSVP is necessary. Freewill offerings accepted.

Have questions? Contact us at 412-761-2855 or frcpgh@schoolsistersosf.org.

Playing the lottery is a popular pastime of many Americans today. Thousands buy lottery tickets daily in hopes of winning the grand prize. Whether it’s lottery tickets or those church raffle tickets, we like to take chances in hopes to win.

Let’s ask ourselves this question: Am we willing to take a chance on God? We call that hope.

Hope is a wonderful gift from God. But like other gifts, it must be used. That is not always easy given the reality of our world today — realities such as violence, wars, hunger, disease, drugs, economic problems, and environmental difficulties. Knowledge of these difficulties make it difficult to be hopeful for a better future, but Dorothy Day, who worked tirelessly against social injustices, said, “No one has the right to sit down and feel hopeless; there’s too much to do. “

Walking hand-in-hand with being a hope-filled person is having a grateful heart. If we have a grateful heart, we will see all creation as a gift. And if we are grateful, the words “thank you” will often be in our hearts and in our conversations with God and others.

The world in which we live is in great need of hope accompanied by gratitude. And that is the challenge to you and me. Join us for our first Simply Prayer of the season, as we pray and reflect on this wonderful gift of hope.

This program will be held in the first-floor conference room of St. Francis Center at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. Participants are welcome to join us for coffee at 9:30 a.m.

Registration Details: Freewill offerings accepted. Please click the button below to register online now. If you would prefer to register by phone, please call 610-867-8890.

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.

Discover your own rhythm as you connect to the rhythms of your neighbors when you join Monocacy Farm Project and Community Drum Circle facilitator Catherine Campanaro. We will gather on the field at Monocacy Farm on the third Tuesday of each month, June through October 2024.

This year’s sessions are set for:

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15

Joyful and uplifting, drum circles provide an opportunity for individuals to share their spirit, encourage, and empower one another in an act of celebrating community and life as we connect rhythmically. Drumming can be an embodiment of prayer, inviting us to listen deeply to the heartbeat of the Spirit. 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.

No RSVP is needed, but if you have questions, please feel free to contact Maryann Kearns at mkearns@monocacyfarmproject.org or call 610-867-8890.

Our Franciscan Resource Center in Pittsburgh invites you to join our Sisters in meeting St. Francis of Assisi to explore how having less can help us see God, ourselves and the world more clearly. All are welcome, and no RSVP is necessary. Freewill offerings accepted.

Have questions? Contact us at 412-761-2855 or frcpgh@schoolsistersosf.org.

The School Sisters of St. Francis welcome our friends in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley to join us as we remember Saint Clare of Assisi's journey from life through death to new life. We will gather at 7 p.m. this Saturday, August 10, in the White House Chapel at Monocacy Manor, 395 Bridle Path Road in Bethlehem, Pa. No RSVP is necessary.

Our Franciscan Resource Center in Pittsburgh invites you to join our Sisters for music, prayer, videos, discussion and community, as we build skills for reducing polarization in today’s society. This is the 10th installment in the series, but no previous attendance is required.

All are welcome, and no RSVP is necessary. Freewill offerings accepted.

Have questions? Contact us at 412-761-2855 or frcpgh@schoolsistersosf.org.

Discover your own rhythm as you connect to the rhythms of your neighbors when you join Monocacy Farm Project and Community Drum Circle facilitator Catherine Campanaro. We will gather on the field at Monocacy Farm on the third Tuesday of each month, June through October 2024.

This year’s sessions are set for:

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15

Joyful and uplifting, drum circles provide an opportunity for individuals to share their spirit, encourage, and empower one another in an act of celebrating community and life as we connect rhythmically. Drumming can be an embodiment of prayer, inviting us to listen deeply to the heartbeat of the Spirit. 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.

No RSVP is needed, but if you have questions, please feel free to contact Maryann Kearns at mkearns@monocacyfarmproject.org or call 610-867-8890.