Community of St. Francis American Province

Sr. Ruth, CSFJune 29, 1949 September 7, 2020 Memorial Service Thursday, December 17, 2020 11 a.m.St. Francis Episcopal Church San Francisco, California, USA ... https://youtu.be/vhJNtgclccc

Sr. Ruth, CSF June 29, 1949 September 7, 2020 Memorial Service Leaflet https://drive.google.com//1eTvpZhcTzERq4xqKwEMfzgmAO/view

ADVENT. As San Francisco comes under a Stay at Home order again this week, we can identify strongly with the deep longings and hopeful expectations of the Hebrew people that God would come and save them. Here is our Advent Wreath and the Mary icon (depicting the moment Mary heard or intuited the presence of the angel who would tell her of the babe who would be born). A poem by Dean W. Nelson (Hymn #721 in Wonder, Love & Praise.) Signs of endings all around us, darkness, death, and winter days Shroud our lives in fear and sadness, numbing mouths that long to praise. Come, O Christ, and dwell among us! Hear our cries, come set us free. Give us hope and faith and gladness. Show us what there yet can be."

Nov. 9 Sr. Jean's 90th birthday. We had a serial celebration - 3 small socially distanced with masks tea parties on 3 days and, next Friday, a luncheon with the SSF Brothers. How many 90 year olds prepare all the food for their own parties? Jean was surprised at the Nov. 9 tea party when a group of folks from the church arrived to sing "Happy Birthday" from the sidewalk.

Sr. Ruth, CSF, 1949-2020. We are very sad to announce that our beloved Sr. Ruth died Sept 7 of cancer. She was in the 47th year of her Profession of Vows. As the founder and program director of The Family Link, she is known by people around the world. Her ashes currently reside in our chapel since she requested burial in England and the Covid-19 Pandemic travel restrictions don't allow that at this time. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

Sr. Jean celebrated the 50th anniversary of her taking vows as a sister of the Community of St. Francis. August 29 at San Damiano Friary with our SSF Brothers. Jean's first Eucharist in 6 months, socializing after so long in isolation, and good food! Congratulations, Sr. Jean.

Our Summer 2020 newsletter, The Canticle, is now available. Our theme is "Shelter in Place." While you are at it, you can check out our new website. Communitystfrancis.org. https://static1.squarespace.com//1594769/Canticle+7-20.pdf Spoiler Alert: The punch line is that we Shelter in Place in Jesus' Sacred Heart of Compassion.