Beyond Bricks & Mortar

St. Francis Center for Renewal rolls out
virtual retreats & online programming

Closed since March due to COVID-19, our St. Francis Center for Renewal (SFCR) in Bethlehem, Pa., has adapted to the times with its new Beyond Bricks & Mortar program, a creative effort that meets the School Sisters of St. Francis century-long mission of service.

Originally intended to complement SFCR’s regular programming by offering an online option for the homebound, Beyond Bricks & Mortar made its debut early, connecting retreatants for a wide variety of spiritually-themed mini retreats.

“With so much anxiety, loss and grief surrounding us, we believe that there has never been a time of greater need for the services that we provide,” says Gena Tallarico, SFCR executive director. “The homebound now includes all of us – young, middle-aged and beyond.”

Sister Frances Marie Duncan, provincial minister, concurs. “Our charism has always been to respond the needs of the times. Online programming meets a very real need right now.”

Beyond Bricks & Mortar uses the online meeting application Zoom, with help from SFCR tech guru Maryann Kearns, to connect participants by computer. In most cases, the facilitator offers their presentation, and participants can interact and ask questions over the video-based platform. Even Most Rev. Alfred Schlert, bishop of the Diocese of Allentown, will conduct an online retreat with SFCR participants later this month.

Online capability has also made it possible for some of our Sisters outside the Bethlehem area to take part in SFCR programming. Some offerings have a set registration fee, while others are open to freewill offerings. In addition, Sister Marguerite Stewart began offering online spiritual direction on June 1.

As the inability to host in-person retreats and outside groups at the Center itself has created a financial void for the ministry, SFCR has planned a virtual Day of Giving for June 20, the summer solstice. The daylong campaign will welcome those with the means to make online donations so that virtual and — eventually — in-person programming may continue.

Out of an abundance of caution, SFCR’s 2020 Star Struck Gala & Silent Auction – an important perennial fundraiser – also will be held entirely online this year. Online bidding on a wide variety of silent auction items will begin on August 24, leading up to a live online Coming to America gala fundraiser on August 29.

It’s all part of an ongoing effort to keep SFCR viable during unprecedented times so that the 73-year-old retreat ministry can open its doors again in normal times. For now, in-person retreats and other events are suspended through at least August 2020.

“We are not shying away from our mission or our work,” Gena says. “We are alive and kicking!”

To view upcoming online programs being offered by St. Francis Center for Renewal, visit the What’s New page of the SFCR website at www.stfrancisctr.org.

Coming Up

we are a masterpiece of god

10 a.m. Tuesday, August 4
Join Sister M. Virginelle Makos for a special Simply Prayer online gathering, We Are a Masterpiece of God. God is our Creator. He is the architect of our lives, the Potter. Not only are we His creation, but God dwells in each of us, and He has made His home within us. We are His temples. Each person we meet is God’s dwelling place — a beautiful, unique and ongoing creation.
Cost: Freewill Offering
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PARENTING A HEALTHY SPIRIT

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, August 22
Just in time for the new school year ahead, Father Bernard Ezaki and Wendy Krisak deliver important practical advice for parenting for a family filled with faith.
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