Widening Our Tent for Charism and Mission: Felician Leadership Summit 2025

Between November 2nd and 4th, 150 people representing the Felician Sponsored Ministries, Felician Services, the Our Lady of Hope Provincial Council, and other collaborating partners gathered in Rosemont, Illinois for our triennial Felician Leadership Summit. The event opened with a liturgy celebrating the Feast of All Souls, with Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, founder of Homeboy Industries (Los Angeles, CA) as celebrant. Felician Services then treated all the guests to a scrumptious Tastes of Chicago dinner. The agenda next two days explored how we are called as Catholics to Widen Our Tent for Charism & Mission. Guests heard from Julianne Wallace (Executive Director – Franciscan Federation), Michael O’Loughlin (former Executive Director of Outreach; incoming Executive Editor of National Catholic Reporter), Gloria Purvis (Special Advisor for Integral Human Development and Dignity – Providence College), Fr. Bryan Massingale (Professor – Fordham University), and Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ. The summit also featured panels on ministry transformation as well as one on peace and restorative justice with panelists including Phil Andrew (PAX Group LLC), Dina Thompson (Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition), Fr. Dave Kelly (Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation), and Fr. Greg Boyle. The summit also offered an evening reflection with the Ignatian Spirituality Project focused on how God walks with leadership. Affinity group lunches, a festive group dinner Monday night, and a group photo really capped off the event. Felician Services leadership looks forward to accompanying ministry leadership in continuing to widen our tents to live our Felician charism and mission.

MY26 Felician Leadership Summit

Education Ministries

Felician Sisters Child Care Centers Retreat

A reflection by: Chandler Gimson, Assistant Program Director of St. Mary Child Care Center (from Facebook)
This fall, our team came together for a day of reflection, connection, and renewal during our annual Mission & Heritage Retreat. Rooted in the legacy of the Felician Sisters of North America, this retreat offers our staff an opportunity to pause, step away from daily routines, and realign with the mission that guides all we do.
Our theme this year “Widening Our Tent” draws inspiration from the call in the scriptures: “Enlarge the space of your tent… lengthen your ropes and make firm your pegs.” It invites us to deepen our capacity for welcome, expand our hospitality, and strengthen our commitment to the charism and mission of the Felician Sisters.
In practical terms, “widening our tent” means opening our hearts and our work to all children and families who come through our doors, embracing diversity, inclusion, and the spirit of service that has been part of our heritage since the founding of the Sisters.
We were honored to welcome staff from all three Felician Sister Child Care Centers (Livonia, MI and Pontiac, MI) representing the full network of our ministry in early childhood. Coming together from our different sites allowed us to share insights, spark new ideas, build connections, and renew our sense of shared mission.

OLSH Newman Scholars Visit Rome

The Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School (Coraopolis, PA) Class of 2027 Newman Scholars has returned from a transformative pilgrimage to Rome, where they immersed themselves in the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the Catholic faith. Highlights included visits to historic churches, a deep dive into the Vatican’s treasures, and meaningful moments of reflection and fellowship. The journey strengthened their connection to God and to one another, leaving lasting impressions on their faith and community.

Madonna University Celebrates Homecoming

Madonna University’s (Livonia, MI) campus came alive this weekend as alumni, students, and families gathered to celebrate tradition and togetherness. From heartfelt reunions to new memories made, the event was a vibrant testament to Crusader pride. Attendees embraced the spirit of community, keeping cherished traditions strong and reaffirming what makes Madonna feel like home.

Senior Living and Health Care Ministries

Villa St. Francis Honors Veterans

On Veterans Day, Villa St. Francis (Milwaukee, WI) honored veterans. One veteran celebrated the event, resplendent in his uniform.

St. Anne Home Warms Hearts and Hands

Throughout October, the St. Anne Home (Greensburg, PA) community—residents, families, and staff—rallied together in a heartfelt effort to collect hats, scarves, and gloves for their Felician service project. Their generosity culminated on November 6, when residents assembled over 70 care bags for Feeding the Spirit, a local organization supporting individuals and families in Greensburg. The project not only provided warmth to those in need but also filled participants with a deep sense of purpose and joy. SAH continues to shine with the compassion and kindness that define its spirit

Social Service Ministries

Community Scores Big for Response to Love Center

Response to Love Center (Buffalo, NY) thanks David Kaprosch and the “Hit The Showers” Facebook Group for their incredible support. Thanks to their efforts—and the generosity of many, $2,116 was donated to the Response to Love Center. With football season still underway, even more contributions are expected. SM Johnice, President, was assured that the giving spirit is just getting started. The community’s compassion continues to make a powerful impact.

St. Brendan School 7th Graders Support St. Anne’s Family Services

St. Anne’s Family Services (Los Angeles, CA) proudly celebrates St. Brendan School as today’s Community Champion! The spotlight shines on their remarkable 7th grade students, who organized a donut sale to raise funds for a heartfelt cause. With the proceeds, they purchased diapers, formula, and materials to craft baby blankets and then personally delivered the donations to support families in need. Their compassion, initiative, and leadership at such a young age are truly inspiring. Huge thanks to SBS and their dedicated educators for fostering a spirit of service and partnership

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