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Blessings

 

My Gift to the IHM Sisters

The Will of God will never take you where grace will not protect youWe have so many things to be thankful for – the beauty of new life that surrounds us in nature, and the love of friends like you. Your past support has been so important to the Sisters of IHM, especially those residing at the Pascucci Our Lady of Peace Residence and the IHM Center, where you are remembered in our daily prayers.

During this sacred Easter Season, our sisters are grateful to you for the blessing you are to our congregation. I ask that you prayerfully consider a gift to support the IHM sisters as a way to increase your positive impact on the world. Your support helps our sisters to minister to those in need. IHM supporters help IHM sisters like Sister Mary Rassley and Sister Lila Marie Sciabica to carry out their important ministries.

Sister Mary RassleySister Mary is 91 years young and celebrating her 70th Jubilee this year! A teacher and principal for over forty years, Sister Mary taught students in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York and Idaho. Sister Mary was raised in Idaho and returned home when her mother needed care. She served in home ministry for six years and was so moved by the care her mother received in hospice that she decided to minister as a hospice volunteer. Sister Mary serves Hospice of Sacred Heart in Scranton, PA as a receptionist and all-around helper. She says that the motto of Hospice is “We hold every moment sacred,” which is what she tries to do for every patient and family member. Imagine the number of lives touched by Sister Mary!

Sister Lila Marie SciabicaSister Lila Marie entered the IHM Convent in 1985. She grew up in Bellefonte, PA and is a Penn State Alum. Sister Lila was an elementary teacher from 1988 through 2010. Sister is also a gifted musician – she plays guitar and uses her beautiful voice as a cantor and choir member, enhancing prayer and liturgy. Currently, Sr. Lila ministers as a unit desk clerk and liaison at the Geisinger Community Medical Center’s ICU, where she is a blessing to so many families in times of crisis. She believes in Alphonsian Spirituality declaring“ I am passionate with a Spirit, remembering who I am.” In her residency at Geisinger, Sr. Lila also worked as a Certified Chaplin. She often ministers to families in the ICU and is always a calming and important presence to patients and families in need. Sr. Lila sometimes even sings to patients. She says she has witnessed miracles within the ICU. A woman of great faith, Sister Lila is certain that “The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.” (A famous quote attributed to Bernadette Devlin.)

The community impact that Sisters Mary, and Lila Marie and all the IHM Sisters have on the lives of God’s people through their ministries is truly inspiring. As sisters advance in age, they still possess a passion for the mission and a desire to continue in ministry well past retirement age. Sisters are:

  • Carrying God’s message of hope and love to those dealing with life’s most stressful situations (i.e. prison, addiction, unemployment, poverty);
  • Helping homeless families find safe, affordable shelter;
  • Teaching English as a second language and citizenship preparation;
  • Managing pantries that offer food, clothing, and household items to those in need;
  • Assisting physically and mentally challenged individuals maintain their independence.

Benefactors like you reach out with your blessing, compassion, and sharing and give the IHM Sisters a sense of hope. Your support for our mission makes you a part of all that we do, and we are ever thankful that you are a member of our IHM family. I wish you and your loved ones a joyous spring and Easter season. May the joy of the Risen Christ fill your heart with peace and bring you new life.

With gratitude and prayers,

Sister Ann Monica Bubser, IHM
Director of Development