Sustainabyte: As we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, let us also remember the Pope’s legacy of caring for creation. Upon his election as Pope in 2013, then Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio adopted his new name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology and champion of the poor. Protecting the poor and marginalized, especially the Earth herself, was a central mission of Pope Francis’ papacy. Indeed, Pope Francis referred to Earth as “the poorest of the poorest of the poor.” With his encyclical Laudato Si’ in 2015, and its successor Laudato Deum in 2023, Pope Francis called upon the world to respond to the urgent need for collective action to combat the ecological crisis. His writings emphasized the interconnectedness of all creation, inspiring the world to embrace integral ecology and a renewed sense of eco-spirituality.
Laudato Si’ was the first encyclical to really look at the relationship between humans and the natural world as a matter of faith, and to challenge our sense of responsibility to the Earth and to other living creatures as a moral obligation. Pope Francis took a stand, using his position of influence to address the most pressing concern of our time and to push the Catholic Church to expand its mission to include ecological issues. And with Laudato Deum, he was even more blunt—the document was a sharp critique of a world that has not done enough to respond to the threat of climate change.
Taking a stand against climate change was unprecedented for the office of the Pope, and Pope Francis pushed the world forward with his compassion for the Earth and all its inhabitants. However, there is still more work to do to save the planet. May we honor the legacy of Pope Francis by continuing to live into the mission to care for all creation.
Corporate Voice: Individuals are invited to sign an International Multifaith Declaration in preparation for the United Nations Ocean Conference in June to protect and care for oceans. To take action, click here.
UN & You April Newsletter: The Sisters of Charity Federation at the United Nations has published the April 2025 edition of UN & You. To read the April newsletter, click here.
Upcoming Mission Appeals: Sarah Geier, SCN, and Jo Ann Paulin, SCNA, will give a mission appeal at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Altoona, Pa., on the weekend of May 3-4, 2025. Please pray for their safe travel.
REMINDERS
Associate Core Council Members Sought — April 30: The SCN Associate Core Council would like to invite each of you to offer names of SCN Associates you feel would assist us in providing leadership and direction for the Associate relationship and make good Core Council members.
We ask that in nominating an SCN Associate to serve, you consider the following:
- Ability to collaborate and work well as a team member
- Ask them for their permission prior to nomination
- Willing to serve for three years
- Willing to give the time necessary (at least three face-to-face meetings per year, Zoom meetings, and periodic email correspondence)
- Able to maintain strict confidence
- Willing to conduct renewal interviews
- Able to respond to the Director in a timely manner
- Ability to utilize technology for meetings and correspondence (ex. Zoom, Microsoft Office, etc)
As we consider each SCNA recommendation, it is important to reference the Process for Selection of Core Councilors. This process states, “The Core Council will select those nominated to go through the discernment process with a stated timeline. After such time has elapsed the persons selected will complete the SCN Associate Core Council Application and meet with the Director and a Core Counselor. After such discernment, the Core Council members and the Director recommend new members for the Council to the Provincial of the Western Province, who, in turn, appoints new members.”
Please contact the Associate Office at (502) 348-1543 or kmorris@nazareth.org or any Core Council member with your recommendations by April 30, 2025.
Blood Drive at Nazareth — May 8: Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is proud to sponsor our next blood drive with the American Red Cross on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
If you are healthy and eligible, please consider donating. Most donations take about an hour, so book your appointment, roll up your sleeve and become a part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross and Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
To register, contact Amy Wheatley at (502) 331-4551 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.
SCN and Human Resources have agreed that employees may remain clocked in during your donation. This drive is open to the public, so please share it with your family and friends.
Register today and help us save lives!
Nazareth 5K — May 17: The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth 5K – Run with a Mission is Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 8 a.m. on the Nazareth Campus. This year’s race supports the Preranalaya Social Development Center in Musunuru, India, which provides skills training for women and girls. Register by April 19 to receive a T-shirt. A virtual option is available. Learn more or sign up at nazareth.org/5k.
Sisters Only Build — June 28-July 6: Sisters are invited to participate in an upcoming Sisters Only Build, a volunteer opportunity taking place June 28-July 6, 2025, in Jackson, Kentucky.
In partnership with the Nazareth Lay Mission Volunteer Program and Sister Amy at Holy Cross Catholic Church, this experience brings together up to 12 Sisters to assist with home construction projects and repairs for those in need. It is a time for prayer, collaboration, and service alongside one another.
This build is open only to vowed religious. It offers a chance to strengthen Community, live out shared values, and make a direct impact through hands-on work. Space is limited. To learn more and express your interest, click here.
Super Raffle Tickets Available: Tickets for the 2025 Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Super Raffle are now available. First prize is $20,000. The drawing will be held Friday, July 11, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Nazareth, Kentucky, and online at nazareth.org/live. Proceeds support SCN missions. Call (502) 348-1500 or visit nazareth.org/raffle.
SCN/A Vacation at Camp Maria — Aug. 12-20: Join the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and Associates for a time of prayer, rest, and renewal at Camp Maria Retreat Center in Leonardtown, Maryland. The SCN Sisters and Associates Vacation runs Aug 12–20, 2025, and offers a peaceful setting to relax, reflect, and reconnect. The cost is $300 per person and includes meals. Register online at campmaria.org. Space is limited. Click here to view a flyer for the event.
PRAYER LIST
Prayer Requests:
- Betty Jean Lewis, SCNA
- Bill Geier, brother of Sarah Geier, SCN
- Christine Byce, sister of Denise Hibel, SCN
- Jean Gulding, sister of Frances Cecil, former member, and cousin of Mary Eula Johnson, SCN
- Jim Corr, husband of Elizabeth Field, SCNA
- Sheila Connors LeDuc, former member and friend of SCNAs Jo Ann Paulin and Pat MacIssac
- Judy Johnson, friend of Jo Ann Paulin, SCNA
- Pat Goodlett and Larry Tucker, cousins of Sharon Cecil, SCNA
- Myra Crews, former member
- Tommie ”Tossie” Sanders, sister of Sue Bolin, Nazareth employee
Prayers for the Deceased:
- Edith, sister-in-law Sarah Geier, SCN
- Chad Michael Johnson, nephew of Elaine Rhode, SCNA
- Harvey Johnson, husband of Judy Johnson, friend of Associate Jo Ann Paulin
- Terry Weiss, MD, physician and friend of many SCN/As in Louisville
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If you have any items you would like to include in the next issue of the Newsline, please email them to newsline@nazareth.org by 10 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday. Please include first and last names for prayer requests and relation to the person requesting