You did it for Me?

Posted on October 28, 2008
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 2 Comments

You did it for Me? Is that what it means to follow the social teachings of the Catholic Church? During a recent CROP walk, Roncalli High School Lasallian Youth raised nearly $900 to end poverty in Manitowoc, WI and in the wider world. University of Wisconsin Green Bay Catholic Campus Ministry students folded, pasted, colored and marked “Happy Fall” cards after the October 26, 2008 Sunday Eucharist for area elderly. You did it for Me?

In the second of a Today’s Catholic Teacher educator development series of articles on the theme of Catholic Social Principles, Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Kay Klackner, OSF begins with a quote from the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World. The Second Vatican Council prelates (1965) wrote that:

In our times a special obligation binds us to make ourselves the neighbor of absolutely every person, and of actively helping him [or her] when he [or she] comes across our path, whether he [or she] be an old person abandoned by all, a foreign laborer unjustly looked down upon, a refugee, a child born of an unlawful union and wrongly suffering for a sin he [or she] did not commit, or a hungry person who disturbs our conscience by recalling the voice of the Lord: “As long as you did it for one of these, the least of my brethen, you did it for me.”

Practically speaking, the Roncalli Lasallian youth and the UWGB college students’ outreach shows that they are making the poor and the elderly their neighbors, Jesus in the flesh. Read Sister Kay’s entire article on the foundational principle, respect for the life and dignity of the human person, a central construct of the Catholic Social tradition.

Conscious of people struggling the most in these tough economic times, what are other examples of “you did it for Me?”

(First photo: Fred Graber, Madison, WI)

My Muslim and Jewish Friends

Posted on October 24, 2008
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 5 Comments

Pope Benedict XVI in a past Meeting with Representatives of Some Muslim Communities invited Christians and Muslims to be “dear and esteemed friends” who are able to “face together the many challenges of our time… The lessons of the past must help us to avoid repeating the same mistakes. We must seek paths of reconciliation and learn to live with respect for each other’s identity.” St. Francis, too, mirrors this interpersonal kind of peacemaking in his friendship with the Sultan.

Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity, Sister Judanne Stratman, OSF, reviews My Jewish Friend by Celia Sirois, Pauline Book &Media 2008 and My Muslim Friend by Donna Jean Kemmetmueller, FSP, Pauline Books & Media, 2006 in a recent Momentum September/October 2008 edition, NCEA publication.

These two attractive books give basic introductions to Islam and Judaism for the young and not-so-young Catholic…The church is the vine with roots in Judaism and side branches that enhance its growth and fruitfulness. While students are preparing for confirmation, they are becoming aware of the need to build community in their neighborhoods, villages and towns. Globally, they become attentive to justice and peace initiatives…These two short books encourage openness to Islam, Judaism and Catholicism. They are, as well, invitations to practice more meaningfully one’s own religious tradition.

What have you learned from your friends?

Choosing God: Beauty Ever New

Posted on October 18, 2008
Filed Under Vocations / Discernment | 14 Comments

On October 17-20, 2008 the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity welcomed guests for a weekend of “Choosing God” and contemplating beauty. Beauty as portrayed in Scripture, the Fathers of the Church and in the Franciscan tradition was a special focus. In The Exhortation to the Praises of God Francis refers to the Lord God as ” you are beauty, you are sweetness” and “you are beauty, you are gentleness”. St. Clare speaks about beauty in these passages from her writings:

Love renders one beautiful…to become beautiful is to become like the beloved, self growing in love.

When the human person mirrors the love of Christ, then the beauty of God reigns in the world.

The young women accepted the opportunity for personal reflection on their relationship with God as well as enjoyed the gift of meeting others searching to find God’s will in their life. All were open to contemplating the Franciscan vocation through various experiences of reflecting on beauty e.g. evening bonfire, personal and group prayer, sacramental opportunities, solitude, and trail blazing.

Given that St. Francis’s own call involved responding to the God’s directive to “rebuild my Church’ and seeing God in another, the weekend included Saturday evening music outreach to Good Shepherd Parish, Chilton,WI. At the Eucharistic liturgy some of the Franciscan Sisters’ musicians, in addition to the retreatants, gave of themselves in service while the congregation joined in joyful song. Father Robert Kollath, pastor, encouraged the guests to come again. Check out the Flicker photos.

UW Whitewater Students: Guiding Feet into Peace

Posted on October 16, 2008
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 26 Comments

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October 12-15, 2008, surrounded by changing maples, and the fall season’s matching multi-colored marigolds and mums, UW Whitewater students promised to take time for personal prayer and to meet with other students for an evening session of group prayer amid their busy lives. Some came off of a weekend of helping with Habitat for Humanity, while others had enjoyed some time with family. And still others had studied their weekend away while being supported by some campus companionship, job commitment or other activities.

Brian Zanin, campus minister, and UWW Catholic Coalition leaders invited the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity to be present for the retreat time. Commemorating the 800th anniversary of the Rule of St. Francis, Sister Mary Ann Spanjers, OSF and Sister Julie Ann Sheahan, OSF, planned the days around the theme of peace. Scripture, sacramental moments, Franciscan sources, multi-media approaches, Marian intercession and small group gathering times allowed each person to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead to enlightenment.

May he enlighten the eyes of our soul to guide our feet in the way of that peace which surpasses all understanding. (Eph 1:18)

This is the peace proclaimed and given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ and preached again and again by St. Francis. (The Soul’s Journey to God, St. Bonaventure)

Rev. Rafael Rodriguez, Pastor of St. Patrick Parish Community, Whitewater, WI, Franciscan Friar of the Assumption of the BVM Province, Fr. Kim Studwell, OFM and Fr. Dave Bohnsack, MCCJ, Comboni Missionaries, assisted with evening Eucharistic liturgies and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Cupcakes, Commercials, Vigils-Life Awareness Projects

Posted on October 8, 2008
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 1 Comment

Thomas Celano in The Life of Saint Francis says that “the holy man overflowed with the spirit of charity, bearing within himself a deep sense of concern not only toward other humans in need, but also toward mute, brute animals: reptiles, birds, and all other creatures whether sensate or not.” Have you ever felt an urge to do something to bring about greater awareness of this fact?

A University of Wisconsin Green Bay student announced at a recent Sunday evening Campus Ministry Eucharist that she felt called to bake cupcakes on October 9, 2008 as a part of a Cupcakes for Life, a National Pro-Life Cupcake Campaign. Symbolic of a birthday treat, Cupcakes for Life is remembering children who never get to blow out the candles, unwrap their gifts and eat some cake. This passionate young woman also extended the invitation to others gathered at the Mass to join her in this ‘warm-up’ Pro Life Committee bake off.

Veritas Society is also all about the dynamics of awareness. The statewide television campaign is reaching millions of Wisconsin residents right in their own living rooms. The message is to touch hearts and minds-especially women 18-34 who are most likely to have an abortion. If you haven’t seen these video reflections, do go to the website and be moved.

Another live action strategy is the 40 days for Life. From September 24-November 2, 2008, people in 179 cities, in 47 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa and two Canadian provinces are taking part in 40 days of prayer and fasting, constant vigil and community outreach! The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity have put their soles/souls to the pavement and prayed at a local vigil in Green Bay, WI.

What is your life awareness project? (It can be as simple as affirming the existence of someone who shares your own unique, ordinary life; teaching the faith to others younger than yourself, etc.)

Manitowoc’s First Ever Francis Fest/Oktoberfest Parade

Posted on October 4, 2008
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 7 Comments

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Although parades as we know them today did not exist in medieval times, jesters were popular in brightly colored clothes and wild hats. Francis himself was a bit of a buffoon.

“He was an object of admiration to all, and he endeavored to surpass others in his flamboyant display of vain accomplishments: wit, curiosity, practical jokes and foolish talk, songs, and soft and flowing garments…he used to strut about impressively and in high spirits, making his way through the streets of Babylon.” (The Life of Saint Francis by Thomas of Celano)

Francis also enjoyed road-side ministry after publicly making his commitment to Gospel living.

Given these possible insights and more, St. Francis of Assisi Parish planners decided a parade in honor of St. Francis would be a perfect finish to a great celebration. The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and others entered into the spirit of October 4, 2008 by becoming active participants in the merry-making. Father Bob Konopa, OFM, Channel of Peace Itinerant Ministry, was the ‘Francis’ tractor driver for the FSCC float.

Beginning at the parish offices, this parade proceeded the wrong way up a one way street, unlike all other parades in Manitowoc, WI. This, too, made this first Francis Fest/Oktoberfest Parade unforgetable and fitting for a medieval jester’s honor.

Mission San Xavier del Bac Bells Toll to Celebrate San Francisco

Posted on October 3, 2008
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 18 Comments

The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity begin this month of October with an account of the Feast of St. Francis celebrated at Mission San Xavier del Bac on the Tohono O’odham Reservation, Tucson, AZ. As the month progresses, they will share happenings in ministry both at San Xavier School and Parish, as well as Santa Cruz School and Parish, Tucson, AZ.

Feel free to ask the six Sisters presently serving God’s people in the desert of Arizona any questions. Comments are always welcome.

Thursday of Francis Fest: Praise God for Artists and Contemplative Action

Posted on October 2, 2008
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 1 Comment

St. Francis of Assisi School Third Graders arrived at Holy Family Convent, home of many Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, on October 2, 2008, for an afternoon of touring, creating a luminating portrait of St. Francis and time for contemplating the outdoors. The young people brought much joy to the Sisters they met during their short time of visiting. All prayed the traditional Angel of God prayer before boarding the school bus home.

At another location, guest icon artist Katherine de Shazer led a workshop in the creation of an illumination in iconic style at the Rahr-West Art Museum. Sponsored by the Rahr-West Art Museum and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, students enrolled in this class used mediums of antiquity, red clay and egg tempers to paint their illumination and learned about the writing of icons.

On this Thursday of Francis Fest, we remember and pray with St. Francis of Assisi for artists, masters of creative beauty.

Drifting by Chris Hillman

Posted on October 1, 2008
Filed Under Song of the Month | 14 Comments

Arguably the pioneer of the genre known as “Country Rock,” Chris Hillman has carved a permanent niche in the history of contemporary American music through his work with such notable bands as The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and the Desert Rose Band. The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity recognize Chris Hillman during this month of celebrating St. Francis, drifter and dreamer.

“Traditional Family Values” (have) worked for thousands of years, and I think a lot of people my age are embracing a more conservative outlook on life. Once you’ve experienced marriage and have raised children your priorities change and you appreciate all who have gone before and the wisdom they tried to impart”, Hillman stated in an interview with Charles Levin.Close friend and Appellate Court Justice Steven Perrin said it best when he commented: “He (Hillman) has a wonderful social conscience…(whose) passion for good family and upbringing is unbounded. I have never seen a better father more dedicated to raising his children”.A family’s love can help you move along. These days, Hillman is always looking towards the future, not the glorious past, writing new songs, singing, planning a new live album and just “playing the kind of music he loves”. He is also deeply involved in “passing on his (musical) gifts to others“, teaching and encouraging new players and singers.“I’m as happy and fulfilled as I’ve ever been. I am truly blessed to have such a great family and friends to share my life with. This is the best of times”.

Drifting was originally written in 1990 by myself and my good friend and Christian brother, Steve Hill… I thought I had lost the lyrics but ended up finding them about two years ago when I was preparing to record the album “The Other Side”. We had even forgotten the melody and somehow came close to the original idea when we recorded it… Of course it basically describes a “Heavenly Environment” or aspiring for “Heaven on Earth”.. We tried to convey a Christian message as are most of the songs I recorded on “The Other Side” CD…. Chris Hillman

Song Lyrics:

When I woke up it seemed so bright

This vision I had last night

Drifting in a dream I want to remember

Everything I was ever told

It seemed so clear and in control

Drifting in a dream of love’s surrender

Drifting in a world where no one suffers

And no one grows old

Where love is traded like gold

Where you’ll never be lonely

Nobody ever says no.

I saw a true heaven on earth

Where no one had to be first

Drifting in a dream of love’s surrender

How foolish can one man be

To believe in what one man sees

It takes only one man to make a dream come true

Drifting in a world shining brighter

Through my soul

Where everything is in control

Where you’ll never be lonely

Nobody ever says no

http://www.chrishillman.com/

Aqueduct in Segovia by Jodi

Posted on October 1, 2008
Filed Under Image of the Month | 6 Comments

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Noting that Francis spent much of his initial conversion days building with his own hands, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Image of the Month focuses on an aqueduct in the small town of Segovia, Spain. Jodi, a college student who recently spent a semester in Spain, is responsible for the photos.

The aqueduct was built without any mortar by the ancient Romans. The shape and weight of the stones alone has kept it standing for 2,000 years. When I look at modern buildings, I know that they haven’t been made to last, and that 2,000 years into the future the aqueduct is more likely to be standing than even our most impressive modern skyscraper. It’s humbling to stand next to a structure that has survived so much. When I touched a stone at its base, I couldn’t help but think of all the other people who have touched that stone, including the ancient laborers that placed it there. It was a more powerful link to the past than any thing I had experienced before.

-Jodi

During this year that we celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Rule of St. Francis, we invite you to comment on an experience that linked you to the past in a powerful way. Contact us if you have a photo that you would like to share.

You did it for Me?

My Muslim and Jewish Friends

Choosing God: Beauty Ever New

UW Whitewater Students: Guiding Feet into Peace

Cupcakes, Commercials, Vigils-Life Awareness Projects

Manitowoc’s First Ever Francis Fest/Oktoberfest Parade

Mission San Xavier del Bac Bells Toll to Celebrate San Francisco

Thursday of Francis Fest: Praise God for Artists and Contemplative Action

Drifting by Chris Hillman

Aqueduct in Segovia by Jodi

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