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Remembering the Call: A Ministry traced through Time
Actualizing Mission and Vision
The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament did not foresee that the land on the James River in Powhatan County, Virginia and the ministry begun at St. Francis de Sales and St. Emma in the 1890’s would provide an advantageous opportunity for preserving natural and historical life systems.
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Even further, they could not have imagined that the story of this sacred place and this holy space, grounded in a ministry traced through time, would interconnect service to Earth with service to the human community. FrancisEmma recognizes that a ministry that preserves the land in its primordial beauty while providing service to humanity promotes an ethic of Earth justice (Ecojustice) and social justice (human justice).
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The ministry FrancisEmma, Inc. envisions is threefold:
- First, it will foster collaboration with persons whose vision and mission, talents and
perspectives are coherent with ecojustice and social justice.
- Second, it will link the heritage of the lands entrusted to our care with human services.
- Third, it will develop concrete, practical plans and projects which are coherent with the first
two mandates.
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Plan of Action for Ministry, Programs, and Activities
FrancisEmma, Inc. recognizes that our ministry in this sacred place is a unified endeavor; hence, the divisions we have created in our plan of action are dualistic and specious. The divisions are necessary, however, in order to contextualize the practical activities that will occur on this land. FrancisEmma, Inc. understands that each activity forms a part of the WHOLE interrelated ministry. Each part flows into and out of the web of life and living existing on this land. In this way, the land and ministry create the whole.
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Thomas Berry Educational Center
 The Center is a Sacred Place open to interested groups and individuals.
Programs of quality and excellence are offered . The focus of the Center is ecological, historical, cultural, literary, and educational pursuits that connect knowledge and experience through interaction with the natural world.
The Thomas Berry Center is located on 2,267 acres of protected land at Belmead on the James in Powhatan, VA.
For more information:
Call (804) 598-8938 or (804) 432 - 8825
or click here to view our complete Power Point presentation. It's a 28 MB file.
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Environmental and Ecological Ministry
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serves our mission, the integrity of creation, and future generations.
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FrancisEmma, Inc. is committed to a sustainable land ethic that acknowledges and respects the rights of all being. Therefore, the physical and spiritual environment created at St. Francis de Sales and St. Emma is one where all beings can thrive. We invite all to join in this ministry of Peace and Justice, Joy and Care with all the living and nonliving beings who inhabit the entire 2265 acres of rolling woodlands, pasture, wetlands, and floodplains in the Piedmont region of Virginia. Our ecological ethic links land and sustainable activities to all that occurs here and is foundational to the dream and vision of all that we do.
Thomas Berry, C.P.
Visionary, author, poet, and for many persons a shaman whose profound
wisdom continues to articulate "the mystique of the natural world".
We believe that each person who awakens to this land is a learner, a person who listens to the One who created both the Earth community and the human community. We believe that all who are revitalized by this land will communicate their new found energy with others. We believe that each person who awakens into the mystery of this place will share the wisdom that is freely given to them. We believe that each person who listens attentively to the teachings of this land and is entrusted with its wisdom will pass on its legacy with joy and wonder. We believe that connecting the sacredness in all creation with care for all creation is a sacred trust given to us by God.
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Health and Healing Ministry
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Acknowledges the rights of all life forms in mutually supportive sacred communities. | |
FrancisEmma, Inc. is committed to the restorative and healing ministry that is an innate part of the natural environment of this land. We believe that persons who journey to this sacred place will awaken to the physical and spiritual beauty present in this place and know a place of peace. Time spent in quiet, peaceful awareness and time spent in presence to the wonders of God’s creation will recreate and revitalize persons both physically and spiritually.
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Cultural and Historical Ministry
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Partner with those who share the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament mission and vision. | |
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FrancisEmma, Inc. is committed to celebrating and remembering the ministry of the past here in Powhatan, Virginia. Respectfully maintaining the distinctive cultural artifacts of St Francis de Sales and St. Emma schools, developing and forging strong ties with alumni, and promoting partnerships with alumni are primary objectives. FrancisEmma, Inc. is committed also to documenting the stories of persons who were/are connected historically to both places. Another important goal of the historical and cultural ministry is research. This research will locate and retrieve relevant cultural and historical information relative to this land and its people.
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Education and Research Ministry
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Provide opportunities for youth and adults to experience the wonders of the natural world. | |
FrancisEmma, Inc. is committed to education and research within a framework that is holistic, ecological, and practical. An Earth-centered System of Education creates such a framework. It educates for the development of all human beings as part of a larger context: Earth and the Universe. It teaches the whole person, intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, artistically, physically, and socially from childhood to adulthood.
An Earth-centered education encourages participation in the beauty, variety, and wonders of the natural world present in the surrounding habitat. Through an Earth-centered system of education, students learn about and care for their immediate community. Such knowledge reaches outward into the local, national, and global communities, seeking Earth justice (Ecojustice) and social justice (human justice). An Earth-centered education spirals outward encompassing the farthest reaches of the Universe.
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Spiritual Ministry
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Fosters an interconnectedness among all creation and effects unity and community among all peoples.
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FrancisEmma, Inc. is committed to the growth of programs which enrich the human spirit. Francis Emma, Inc. believes that this place is ideal for a ministry that focuses on the spiritual and physical gifts of all persons. In a place where peace, joy, and beauty surround and envelop all creation, FrancisEmma, Inc. will initiate programs that enable the spiritual capacity of humankind to emerge, develop, and deepen. This ministry is open to all persons who are sincerely searching for God.
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Other Activities
Restoration of Existing Buildings
St Francis de Sales
FrancisEmma, Inc. with its Board of Directors is currently involved in seeking partners in a restoration project at St. Francis De Sales. This is the former site of a high school for African American students. The high school for young woman was founded by St. Katharine Drexel and was staffed by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
In August, 2006, New Century and KatharinesFoundation entered into a Due Diligence process with the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. The period of time allocated by the Due Diligence was to determine the feasibility of using St. Francis De Sales as a site for human (education) and social services. As of January 31, 2008, the agreement, with an added time extension, expired.
At the present time, FrancisEmma, Inc. is actively seeking groups, foundations, and interested organizations to restore St. Francis De Sales building with 25 surrounding acres for services that promote the vision and mission of FrancisEmma.
Granary
FrancisEmma, Inc. is working with Sr. Loretta McCarthy, SBS, to investigate various possibilities for restoring the Granary, the oldest structure on Belmead.
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Horse Boarding and Riding
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Mr. Bill Catlett has established his riding club and horse boarding facility at Belmead. Miles of beautiful natural trails and both pasture and stable boarding. For more information call him at: 804 598-4907 or email Bill at billcatlett@earthlink.net
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Agriculture
The Moyer Family of Kelona Farms is using sustainable farming methods to grow corn, wheat, and soybeans in the rich soil of this food-producing land. They respect Sister Land as they plant and harvest healthy food.
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Donate online now | Need more information | How you can help
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