Sisters Plan CSW Prayer for Immigrants

During Catholic Sisters Week (March 8-14), women religious from throughout Western Pennsylvania will stand in prayer at the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Pittsburgh. Together, we will pray that compassion, dignity and respect be shown to all, in particular to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are immigrants.

A Morning of Prayer for Compassion & Dignity
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. | Friday, March 13
3000 Sydney Street | Pittsburgh’s Southside

The theme for CSW 2026 is Stories of Hope and Heart. Our collective prayer action reflects our continuing story of support for immigrants and their fair and just treatment. For, we all are created in the image of God.

We encourage all women religious to join us for this special morning of prayer. Be sure to review the important guidelines below before attending. Each community will be provided with the Immigration Mysteries of the Rosary and accompanying reflections for those who are unable to attend the event.

Where to Park 

Do not park in the ICE or IBEW parking lots. There are public parking ramps about two blocks away on Sydney Street. Payment for parking requires a smartphone that can click on a QR code, which takes you to a website to enter your credit card information and license plate number. They do not take cash or provide tickets that can be used at a pay station.  

Where to Stand

Friday morning prayer gatherings at this location have been averaging about 100 people each week, so the sidewalk gets a little crowded. It is important that everyone stays on the sidewalk and does not end up on ICE’s lawn. 

Other Important Guidelines

At some point during the service, an ICE agent may bring out one of their K-9 officers and walk around the building’s perimeter. The dog is leashed, and neither the dog nor the officer come near the sidewalk.

Some people carry signs, but not many. If you choose to bring a sign, it should reflect the spirit of the prayer service — such as “Love thy Neighbor.” Please do not include political or protest messages.

People who disagree with the purpose of the gathering sometimes stop to express their feelings. It is recommended that we not engage them.

A Prayer for Justice

Blessed are You, Lord God, King of all creation. Through Your goodness, we live in this land that You have so richly blessed. Help us always to recognize our Blessings come from You and remind us to share them with others, especially those who come to us today from other lands. Help us to be generous, just, and welcoming, as You have been and are generous to us.

— Justice for Immigrants

Now is Time

to Pray & Act

Catholic Sisters across Western Pennsylvania have been called to action by their faith to minister to and on behalf of immigrants and refugees, especially in our country’s current political climate. God’s people — no matter their circumstances — are always in our prayers. Right now, we must pair prayer with urgent action and impress upon you to do the same. Christians cannot sit by idly as the poor and vulnerable are targeted. We must be a voice for migrants and advocate for merciful, common-sense immigration policies that align with our faith.

Read our full statement and access resources here.

‘Millvale Franciscans’ Elect New Leadership Team

July 28, 2025 — During their Chapter Elections this summer, the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities — often referred to in the Pittsburgh area as the “Millvale Franciscans” for the location of their former motherhouse — welcomed a new leadership team. Sister Rita Marie Fritzen was elected general minister, and Sister Ann Kenyon and Amy Williams were elected as general councilors. Sister Donna McGartland returns as a general councilor, and Sister Ann Bremmer becomes the new assistant general minister. They will be installed on September 13, at Immaculate Conception Church in Fayetteville, N.Y. The congregation offers many thanks to the members of its outgoing leadership team as they complete their term.