Formerly known as Sister Borgia, Sister Regina Ann Rokosny is shown teaching a class at St. Francis Academy in Bethlehem, Pa., in 1971.
A Letter from Sister Regina
Will You Help Us Build a New Place to Live
... to Pray ... to Continue to Serve?
The School Sisters of St. Francis have been a vital part of the Lehigh Valley’s community and spiritual life for nearly 80 years. We intend to be part of its future, as well. As our devoted Sisters have aged and our ministries have evolved, so, too, have our needs. To allow our retired Sisters to age in place and to ensure that our younger Sisters remain in active ministry for as long as possible, construction is underway on a long-term residential addition at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa.
The addition includes 13 new bedrooms outfitted with private bathrooms and furnishings to safely navigate daily life now and into the future. “This new space is equipped to help us stay safe and secure as we age, and I am so very grateful,” says Sister Barbara DeStefano, who taught at St. Francis Academy and directed our former St. Francis Center for Renewal for many years.
Other important features include a wireless call bell system linking the existing “White House” with the new addition and a dedicated Wellness Station, which will serve as a hub for onsite caregivers and provide secure space for medications, health records and private consultation.
“Now, my ministry is that of prayer … praying for the needs of all of our brothers and sisters throughout the world,” says Sister Anita Kuchera, beloved former faculty member of St. Francis Academy and director of our former St. Francis Center for Renewal. “Here, there will be more time to devote to prayer because staff can tend to our needs, and everything is conveniently placed.”
“As our Sisters continue to age, we are committed to providing them with a safe, comfortable, and faith-filled home where they can receive care and support after a lifetime of ministry and service. ”
While many features do focus on the safe, secure aging of our Sisters, their perpetual commitment to spirituality and service will be enriched by a thoughtfully designed prayer room, spacious community rooms, and multi-purpose rooms suitable for spiritual direction, ministry projects, and collaboration.
Change is never easy. However, it often is necessary. Our elder Sisters are learning new lessons daily about accepting the limitations that come with age and, in turn, adjusting the means by which they minister to those in need.
“The move is a blessing,” says Sister Marguerite Stewart, who, at the ripe young age of 95, is still serving God’s people. “I look forward to connecting with more of our Sisters and to having more space to prepare for and provide spiritual direction.”
Sister Mary Xavier Bomberger, once principal of our former St. Francis Academy and general minister of our international congregation, remains active in her 80s as our provincial vicar and an advocate for the needs of our senior Sisters. While ministry work has often moved her across the state and around the world, she always returns to Monocacy Manor.
“For almost two-thirds of my life, I have lived at Monocacy Manor — my home,” Sister Xavier says. “To know that my home will now be well-suited for my special needs as I continue to deal with this aging process is a blessing and a comfort.”
Speaking of blessings, we have already been blessed with more than half of the necessary funding to undertake essential renovations of the historic White House, as well as to construct our new adjacent residence. These projects represent a significant investment in our future and greatly enhance our ability to continue to serve the community that we — and you — love.
Because you share our commitment to both preservation and progress, we respectfully ask for your help in completing this vital project. Your investment in our future is an investment in the future of our broader community. Will you help us fund the future?
We welcome your donation of any size. For those who may be interested, we also have included information about unique sponsorships that enable you to etch your family’s name in perpetuity on our legacy of continued service in the Lehigh Valley (please see the back page).
We thank you for your consideration and support and look forward to welcoming you to our new home during an open house we are planning for October (please see the enclosed save-the-date card). As always, you are in our prayers. May God bless you.
Sister Regina Ann Rokosny, OSF
Formerly Sister Borgia
Sister Regina (Borgia) today
DONATE ONLINE
With your credit card
or Paypal account.
Mail Your Donation
Send checks payable to “School Sisters of St. Francis” to:
School Sisters of St. Francis
395 Bridle Path Road
Bethlehem PA 18017
PERPETUAL legacy SPONSORSHIPs
In your support of the convent addition at Monocacy Manor, we welcome you to consider some unique ways by which you can perpetually honor or memorialize your loved ones and etch your family’s name on our legacy service in the Lehigh Valley. View details here.
If you are interested in these naming opportunities or have a question about your donation, please contact Sister Bonnie Kleinschuster 610-730-0957.
CONVENT ADDITION ALUMNAE COMMITTEE
Milissa Bolcar
St. Francis Academy 1986
Mary Gonzalez
St. Francis Academy 1973
Sister Bonnie Kleinschuster
St. Francis Academy 1974
Mary Beth Kline Mulica
St. Francis Academy 1974
Sister Regina Ann Rokosny
St. Francis Academy Faculty
Nancy Stephan Hutt
St. Francis Academy 1969