Region I:� Pennsylvania
♦��
The friars of Region I joined
the friars at Saint Bernardine�s for Christmas dinner.� Some of the
local diocesan priests graciously accepted the invitation to gather
with the friars, who are known for their hospitality.� A delicious,
festive meal warmed the hearts and palates of all.� After the rigors
of a tightly-packed series of Advent/Christmas liturgies, the friars
and their diocesan neighbors enjoyed a relaxed and delightful
evening, renewing old friendships and relating colorful stories of
the friars they once knew.
(From
Christopher.)�
�♦�
As a show of appreciation for
their service to our community, the lay staff, with spouses and
guests, were invited to join the friars at Saint Bernardine�s for a
Christmas party and dinner on January 2, 2007.� Welcomed into the
warmth of a beautifully festooned Motherhouse, merry-makers were met
with a warm crab/artichoke dip, bruschetta, assorted Italian meats
and cheeses, warm and chilled beverages.� Dinner was prepared by
Christopher Panagoplos and
his sister, Peachie, and was served by their nieces.� It featured a
center-cut loin of pork with pear chutney, roasted root vegetables,
and string beans.� Dessert included an Italian cream and biscotti
parfait, home-made Greek and Italian cookies, and candies from local
confectioners.�� A highly-charged and spirited round of Crazy Bingo
followed, with fascinating gifts chosen by the winners.� The evening
of appreciation and delight, in the beauty and glow of the Christmas
season, ended with praying the Blessing of Saint Francis.
(From
Christopher.)
�♦��
Stephen
Baker, Regional Minister,
reported that the friars from Region I gathered on February 18 to
complete the �The Five Wishes� document.� They also have scheduled
the date for their regional retreat.
�
Region II:� West
Virginia,Virginia, Washington, D.C.
♦
After four years of
planning,�the completion of their first pledge campaign, and
receiving enthusiastic support from the local bishop,
Cyprian Mercieca
and the people of Saint
Vincent de Paul parish began construction on the new worship space
of their church in the latter part of November 2006. Much necessary
time was spent finding the right architect.� The architect, in turn,
brought in competent engineers, a good construction company, and
other professional advisors to make up an expert�team. The inner
walls began going up the first week in January. Mild weather and
lack of snow has enabled the work to progress rapidly until
recently. The capacity of the present church is 150 people. The new
worship space will accommodate 440. A balcony is being built now for
the time when even 440 seats will not suffice. The balcony will seat
an additional 88 people. It will not be used until needed. The work
is expected to be completed by September, 2007.�
(From Cyprian.)

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Construction is
underway on Saint Vincent de Paul parish in Berkeley Springs, WV.��
As Franciscans we continue the tradition of �building up the
Church!�
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