Volunteer Appreciation Night
Sister Sue Reif, Volunteer Coordinator, and the Life Enrichment Team organized a spectacular Volunteer Appreciation Night on August 21st. This event was well-attended by our volunteers and Sisters, gathering first in Lourdes Chapel for a prayer service. Our symbol this year was ‘bread,’ as we expressed gratitude for the many ways that volunteers ‘nourish’ our lives here at Assisi Heights. Lisa Sagherian (Healthcare Life Enrichment Coordinator), Cojourner Volunteer Patricia Barrier and several other volunteers provided a delightful bread-making parody. Then, everyone went to the Spirituality Center for a wonderful buffet and social time. Volunteers were invited to choose a bread-making kit or an oven mitt as their gift! We’re very grateful for the many kindnesses of our volunteers!
Sister Marlys Retires After 12 Transformational Years at Assisi Heights Spirituality Center
After more than a decade of visionary leadership, Sister Marlys Jax is retiring from her role as Coordinator of the Assisi Heights Spirituality Center. For 12 years, Sister Marlys has been the heart and guiding spirit of the Center, infusing every program, partnership, and person with Franciscan values of peace, hope, and compassion.
Under Sister Marlys’ leadership, the Spirituality Center was a vibrant hub for contemplative practice, interfaith learning, environmental stewardship, creative expression, and compassionate conversation. She pioneered hundreds of programs that reached thousands—welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs into a space of healing and growth. Her work has touched lives not only in Rochester, but around the world through her work with Habitat for Humanity, Two Rivers Restorative Justice, Compassionate Rochester, Zumbro River Forum, teaching in Cambodia, and her house and pet sitting.
Whether hosting environmental tours, marriage retreats, making presentations on social justice and spirituality, or portraying Maude Mellish, the second wife of Dr. Louis Wilson, Sister Marlys has consistently brought depth, joy, and authenticity to every endeavor. She is deeply loved by colleagues, community members, and the many Sisters of St. Francis with whom she has shared this sacred work.
As Sister Marlys enters retirement, the torch passes to the first lay person to hold this position: Emily Watkins, who has stepped into the role of Program Director. With a background in community leadership, publishing, and wellness, Emily brings fresh energy and a continued commitment to the Center’s mission: nurturing the spirit, building community, and honoring the sacred in all life.
An Open House will be held at Assisi Heights Spirituality Center on Saturday, September 13, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to see the Assisi Heights Spirituality Center spaces, meet the team, enjoy refreshments, and learn about upcoming programs.
About Assisi Heights Spirituality Center:
The Assisi Heights Spirituality Center provides spiritual and educational resource programs which reflect the mission of the Sisters of Saint Francis “to be a compassionate presence for peace in our world, striving for justice and reverence for all creation” by providing a place of hope, prayer, reflection and enrichment.