May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.
Romans 15:13
Holy and Loving God, we offer to you the works of our hands and hearts, that you may be present with us in our labors and that you may hear our prayers of thanksgiving and hope.
We can change the lives of others in very significant ways, thanks to the gifts we receive. We ask you to support our ministries and to provide the resources we need to continue serving God’s people with reverence, justice, and compassion.
Dear Friends,
Pope Francis urges us to show gratitude for our past and to embrace the future with hope. As Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, we are truly grateful for all of the blessings the Lord gives us — the opportunity to serve God’s people, and for families and friends who love and support us. We have faith that in the future we will still be able to serve those most in need, and give hope
to thousands.
I am pleased to share with you a newsletter that highlights several of our sisters in ministry. As you consider the financial gifts you will make this year, I ask that you think about the hope that these and other sisters bring to the elderly they visit; the poor they care for at free health clinics, food pantries, and soup kitchens; the children they teach; the aid they give to those fleeing danger and persecution. Think also about our sisters who themselves need compassionate care. I ask that you then include our community in your year-end giving.
Please use the enclosed envelope to make your Thanksgiving gift. Don’t forget to include your special intentions. Prayer is at the center of all that we do, and you can be assured that our sisters will remember you and your loved ones in our devotions.
May the power of prayer and God’s blessings make a difference in your life, and in the lives of countless others needing hope this year. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Peace and all good,
Sister Barbara Jean Donovan, OSF
General Minister
A Thanksgiving Prayer
(especially for the victims of recent natural disasters)
Heavenly Creator, in this season of gratitude and abundance we give You thanks for our many blessings as we pray for all who struggle. Be with them in the dark of the night when all hope seems lost. Keep their faith strong as they await relief, and let your goodness flow through our hands and hearts as we reach out to one another in the full, true joy of Thanksgiving in Christ. Amen
We welcome you to use this prayer at your Thanksgiving meal.
Image: “Smoke Rise” original oil painting by Sister Anne Marie Saphara, OSF
