Syracuse, New York, July 12, 2016 – The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities elected a new leadership team at their July General Chapter in Syracuse, New York. The team includes:
Sister Barbara Jean Donovan, general minister
Sister Louise Alff, assistant general minister
Sister Pamela Conte, general councilor
Sister Patricia Larkin, general councilor
Sister Jeanne Weisbeck, general councilor
Sister Donna Zwigart, general councilor
The formal installation of the new team will take place on Sept. 17 in Syracuse.
Formed by a union and merger of four independent congregations this was only the fourth general chapter for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. Delegates from as far west as Hawaii and along the east coast as well as Puerto Rico, Peru and Africa, affirmed a directional statement that will give focus to the congregation and its ministries for the next four years.
Pictured from left: Sisters Donna Zwigart, Jeanne Weisbeck, Barbara Jean Donovan, general minister, Pamela Conte, Patricia Larkin and Louise Alff, assistant general minister.
New Leadership Team Featured in Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Two of the new leadership team members are natives of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania region. Sister Barbara Jean Donovan, general minister, who presently resides in Syracuse is from Mount Lebanon while Sister Donna Zwigart, general councilor is a native of Millvale. Learn more about the role of the leadership and the unique gifts Sister Donna brings to the team.
I had the Sisters of St. Francis as teachers at Bishop Ludden H.S. and at Maria Regina College, I was truly blessed.
The Sisters of St. Francis taught me in east Camden, NJ for eight years: Sr. M. Alvera O’Grady , Sr. Myra, Sr. Mary Owen, Sr. Mary Giles, Sr. M. Andres, Sr. M. Cleta, and Sr. M. Christina.
Congratulations and blessings, Sister Barbara Jean, Sister Louise Alff, Sister Pamela Conte, Sister Patricia Larkin, Sister Jeanne Weisbeck and Sister Donna Zwigart. May God bless each and all of you as you begin your years of leadership.
Know that I will keep you in my prayers as you lead your community deeper into our wonderful Franciscan Life.
Peace and all good,
S. Eleanor Granger OSF (Federation Board and member of the Rochester MN Franciscans)