How to Be a Transformational Witness of Hope
Posted on June 27, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 8 Comments
Hours after Dominican Fr. Thomas Mc Gonigle, O.P. finished preaching Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical message of hope to a group of retreatants at the Motherhouse, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity began celebrating the Silver and Golden jubilees of their Sisters.
50 years
Sister Margie Traeger, Sister Mary Stephen Keller, Sister Mary Ann Nugent, Sister Mary Gabriel Van Dreel, Sister June Smith, Sister Alice Marie Hickok, Sister Judith Norwick, Sister Dorothy Wagner, Sister Carol Mathe, Sister Maryanne Froehlich
25 years
Sister Joellen Kohlmann, Sister Helen Marie Paul
Just how are these Sisters and each person called to be transformational witnesses of hope?
- Keep the world open to God; your commitment to God opens the door of hope for others.
- Look at the common good; foster an ability to adapt, a generosity of spirit.
- Hang on to formal prayer; the sacraments, etc., set the stage, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us to deeper levels of prayer.
- Continually hand to Christ our lives trusting in his healing work within us (on his time table). Don’t give up.
- God’s Word is crucial; it is there for the on-going development of our lives.
Do you have special words of hope or blessing for these Franciscan Sisters?
View How Camp Franciscan Participants Choose Christ
Posted on June 15, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World, Vocations / Discernment | 12 Comments
Hoping to share the spirit of Francis and Clare with the next generation, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity welcomed 11 young women high school, college and post college ages on July 15, 2009 to serve as Camp Franciscan leaders.
Camp Franciscan begins officially July 16-18 with 40 younger (6-8 grade) campers joining the group. Participants will make friends from 8 states, 9 (arch)dioceses, and 16 parishes.
On Monday Camp Franciscan Leaders
- interacted in various settings
- toured the Motherhouse grounds
- learned about this year’s camp patron saints of Francis, Bonaventure, Clare and Elizabeth of Hungary
- gained helpful information that will make the camp activities run smoothly in the days ahead
Beginning 1 p.m. Tuesday all campers will start fine art sessions and enjoy recreational time together. Significant time will be devoted to growing in their relationship with God. Important to the camp’s theme “Choose Christ’ are the presence of priests. Salvatorian, Franciscan and diocesan priests will be assisting with this year’s sacramental needs.
CYE (Catholic Youth Expeditions) staff will assist with bonfire activities on Tuesday evening.
Jayme Dawicki, featured musician of the month on Franciscanized World, will perform a special Camp Franciscan concert on Wednesday evening.
Follow Camp Franciscan on flick’r. Photos will be added each day of camp.
Read about Camp Franciscan in the Herald Times Reporter. Charlie Mathews and Doug Sundin covered the story.
Meet New FSCC Novice: Sister Pamela Catherine Peasel, OSF
Posted on June 14, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World, Vocations / Discernment | 16 Comments
At a June 13, 2009 early-evening ceremony, the Franciscan feast of St. Anthony 
of Padua, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity witnessed the Rite of Initiation into Religious Life for Sister Pamela Catherine Peasel, OSF. (Read again about her August 2008 arrival to Manitowoc, WI.)
After presenting the new novice with her religious name, Sister Louise Hembrecht, Community Director, prayed this prayer:
Lord God, you gave us the desire to hear your call. Listen favorably to the prayers of your servant, Sister Pamela Catherine, as she asks to join our Community. Grant that our life in common may become a communion of love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Sister Louise also prayed this blessing:
Sister Pamela Catherine, may the Lord of peace make you perfect and holy; and may you be kept safe and blameless, spirit, soul and body, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. God has called you and He will not fail you. (1 Thes. 5:23)
Sister Natalie Binversie, OSF, was again entrusted with the responsiblity to ensure that the novices learn the primary essentials of Religious Life and to live out the evangelical counsels.
Do you desire to give your life to God? Check out the FSCC retreats.
How CYE and Middle School Youth ‘Step Right with Jesus’
Posted on June 12, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 4 Comments
On June 12, 2009, Catholic Youth Expeditions (CYE) welcomed middle school youth from around the Diocese of Green Bay, WI, for ‘Steppin’ Right With Jesus, Who’s in Your Boat?’ All met at St. Joseph Formation Center, Bailey’s Harbor, WI, and Stella Maris Parish, Door County, WI. Pastor Father David C. Ruby welcomed the guests to the area.
Father Tom Long and Father Quinn Mann, Diocese of Green Bay Vocation Directors, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, other women and men religious, as well as many diocesan priests were present for the day to facilitate events, participate as 
small group leaders and assist with liturgical needs. Bishop David Ricken was the presider at the closing liturgy.
CYE, a group of young adults who lead retreat expeditions of prayer, proclamation of the Word, and outdoor adventure, has a full summer schedule for high school students, young adults, and even a family camp. Registrations are open to those who are courageous and confident in the workings of the Spirit.
How do you find God speaking to you?
Franciscan Ethicist Warning: Be Faithful to Gospel of Love
Posted on June 10, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 3 Comments
At a recent New Orleans Catholic Health Assembly, June 7-9, 2010, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, FSCC HealthCare Ministry Inc. staff and local leaders from the system’s organizations heard Brother Daniel Sulmacy, OFM, present: “Gospel-Centered Health Care Is a Radical Approach in Today’s Secular World.”
A Franciscan physician and ethicist, Brother warned Catholic health care leaders:
- that although Catholic institutions may have Catholic symbols on their wall and certain codes in place, they may be overly focused on medicine as a business–on measurable outcomes and management strategies.
- U.S. culture largely has rejected Christian values and replaced them with secular thought.
- place focus on the encounter between patient and caregiver and this relationship must be based on love.
- despite economic pressure, now is the right time to return to the fundamentals of spirituality in the workplace
Do you see any other areas of challenge?
What Would St. Francis Say About a ‘Year of the Priesthood’
Posted on June 7, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 3 Comments
On June 6, 2009 Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity were present for the Diocese of Green Bay, WI, Priestly Ordination of Fr. Timothy Brandt at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay, WI.
With Pope Benedict XVI’s declaration that June 19, 2009 - June 19, 2010 is the “Year of the Priesthood”, it may be timely to ask the question: “What would St. Francis say about a year dedicated to the theme ‘Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of the Priest’”?
- A study of the early documents reveals St. Francis’ own thoughts about the clergy/priesthood in his time…
We must also frequently visit churches and venerate and revere the clergy not so much for themselves, if they are sinners, but because of their office and administration of the most holy Body and Blood of Christ which they sacrifice upon the altar, receive and administer to others… (Later Admonition and Exhortation, 1220?)
Afterwards the Lord gave me, and gives me still, such faith in priests who live according to the rite of the holy Roman Church because of their orders that, were they to persecute me, I would still want to have recourse to them. And if I had as much wisdom as Solomon and found impoverished priests of this world, I would not preach in their parishes against their will. And I desire to respect, love and honor them and all others as my lords. And I do not want to consider any sin in them because I discern the Son of God in them and they are my lords. And I act in this way because, in this world, I see nothing corporally of the most high Son of God except His most holy Body and Blood which they receive and they alone administer to others. I want to have these most holy mysteries honored and venerated above all things and I want to reserve them in precious places. Wherever I find our Lord’s most holy names and written words in unbecoming places, I want to gather them up and I beg that they be gathered up and placed in a becoming place. And we must honor all theologians and those who minister the most holy divine words and respect them as those who minister to us spirit and life. (The Testament, 1226)
Can you find other references?
- St. Francis, a man of joy, loved festivity. (Leave it to this saint of frivality to immerce himself into creating a nativity scene to celebrate the Incarnation.) It would seem in character for Franciscans to enjoy any ecclesial celebration heart-fully.
What do you think? Since followers of St. Francis and St. Clare are called to focus on Jesus and the Gospel in our current day, how do you feel called to celebrate this year of the priesthood?
How CCIHC Shipped Medical Equipment and Supplies to Chipole, Tanzania
Posted on June 4, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 3 Comments
Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Patricia Linssen, OSF, FSCC HealthCare Ministry, Inc. Vice President of Mission, recounts the process of how CCIHC (Catholic Consotium for International Health Care) shipped $12,000 pounds of medical equipment and supplies to the Benedictine Sisters of St. Agnes, Chipole, Tanzania.
At the beginning of 2007, Sister Chrisma Ngonyani, OSB, a Benedictine Sister of St. Agnes, Chipole, Tanzania came to live with us and study at our college. After a couple of months here, she mentioned something to Sister Louise, our Community Director, about the needs of their Sisters for a clinic they operate for the people in the local area. This occurred shortly after our healthcare system joined the CCIHC and I made the acquaintance of Bruce Compton and learned about mission efforts at the Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach warehouse in Springfield, IL. We thought of applying to CCIHC for help. Sister Chrisma and I began working together on the application process.
One part of the application process was sent to Mother Asante in Chipole to list items that could benefit their clinic. Another was to find funds for shipping costs. This proved very challenging. After some negative responses for financial aid from other groups, Brother Regis Fust, SDS, who operates a well-known mission warehouse in New Holstein, WI, offered to provide $8, 000 toward the expenses.
In the meantime, Mother Asante came to the United States to visit her Sisters in this country. When she was with us in Manitowoc in October, 2009, I had the opportunity to bring her to Springfield, IL, Mission Outreach Center. She reviewed the list of supplies and equipment. Additionally, she toured the warehouse and could add other available items.
Finally, this March, everything was in place. The container was scheduled, filled and shipped to Tanzania. It left the port of New York City on March 26, 2009. Arrival is expected soon.
The medical needs of the people in this area where the Benedictine Sisters live and serve are very great. Their clinic serves many ill and injured. The closest hospital is eight hours away, therefore the Sisters would like to expand the clinic to provide for more patients including those needing to stay. The equipment and supplies shipped to them will go a long way in making this a reality. And the Sisters are very grateful to all the people who have contributed in whatever way in making this possible.
Ten Reasons Why this Pentecost Retreat was Spirit-Filled
Posted on June 2, 2009
Filed Under Vocations / Discernment | 16 Comments
Do you want the fire of God’s love? Ten young women, ages 18-30, prayed for an outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit as they gathered at the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity’s Motherhouse for a Pentecost Retreat Weekend, May 29-31, 2009.
Each young woman was the reason the vocation discernment retreat was such a blessing. Here are some of the common qualities of the participants:
- willing to go the distance for something important (that included coming from AZ, MD, MO, IL, MI, MN, and WI )
- consider family important
- involved in campus ministry, parishes, mission trips; interested in issues affecting the poor
- listen to liturgical as well as other music for prayer
- open to adventure
- contemplative-finding God in the substance of daily life as well as in front of the Eucharistic Lord
- enjoy a good conversation on various topics
- in awe of the beauty of God’s creation and find it a natural reflection
- desire a simple life
- like doing things with and for others e.g. music outreach at St. Thomas Parish, Newton, WI
Future Franciscan Discernment Retreat Weekends are slated for October 2-4 and November 13-15, 2009, and February 12-14 and May 21-23, 2010. If these times are not convenient and you are a young woman interested in knowing more about the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, please fill out our on-line inquiry form.
(Photos: Jaslyn Gilbert Photography)
How did this year’s feast of Pentecost touch your life?
Now You Can Hear Jayme Dawicki’s “Here I Go” Wherever You Go
Posted on June 1, 2009
Filed Under Song of the Month | 57 Comments
Recently nominated 2009 WAMI’s (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) Album of the Year and Pop Artist of the Year, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity bring back by popular acclaim Jayme Dawicki’s “Here I Go”.
Jayme is also performing ‘live’ at Camp Franciscan on June 17, 2009 at the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Motherhouse, Manitowoc, WI.
This talented musician has been performing her original material with various bands in the Milwaukee, WI area for many years. In 2005 she decided to go solo and released her first acoustic CD, “Standing on a Bridge”. That year she also had the opportunity to open for The Fray at The Rave. In 2006, Jayme was named the WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) Female Vocalist of the Year and also was nominated for the WAMI 2006 Song of the Year for “Cold One”.
In August and September of 2007, Jayme Dawicki traveled to Imperative Studios in Seattle, WA to record her first full production CD with producer Daniel Mendez. The CD, “Shatter Queen”, was released on March 7, 2008. She has performed for three years in a row at Summerfest, embarked on a west coast tour in August 2008, and has had 4 of her songs used on MTV’s The Real World: Hollywood! Jayme performs as a soloist and with a group of fabulous backing musicians from Milwaukee under the same name.
Here I Go Song Bio
Last summer I traveled to Seattle to meet my producer and get a feel for the studio that I would be staying at for two months. As I got on the plane to return home, this idea for a song about new beginnings and an exciting journey popped into my head. I brought this little snippet of a tune to the table when we started pre-production work for the CD, very raw and rough, but we knew it had to be included on the disc. In order to complete the song, I spent several days sitting on the beach, overlooking the Puget Sound, contemplating what I was doing with my life and how my whole world was going to change with the release of my new CD. The lyrics evolved from there and “Here I Go” was born. This song truly embodies my recording experience and the change that took place inside of me. It is a song about having courage and strength to accomplish your goals. It’s about the unknown and the possibility of greatness. Most importantly, this song represents that moment where you realize that everything you’ve dreamed of is coming true. -Jayme Dawicki
Here I Go Lyrics
Oh with an oceanview
And a skyline that sings to you
Come on - I’ve been waiting so long
Bright eyes like a child
Exploring the world so wild
Come on - Oh come on
Are you ready, ready for your life to change
Ready, are you ready for a change
Here I go, Here I go
Oh with my hand stretched high
Everything feels right this time
Come on - I’ve been waiting so long
I’m miles from home
Standing like I’ve somehow grown
Come on - Oh come on
Are you ready, ready for your life to change
Ready, for you ready for a change
Here I go, Here I go
Here I go, Here I go
Stop and breathe
Just take in the scene
For more information, please visit http://jaymedawicki.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/jaymedawicki\
See Jake Rohde’s ‘Atmosphere’ and ‘North Point’ Photos
Posted on June 1, 2009
Filed Under Image of the Month | 5 Comments
The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity are pleased to feature the artistic photography of Jake Rohde, Milwaukee, WI.
Jake reflects…
There are two types of photos, 4 from a series called Atmosphere, and 4 landscape photos from one of my local favorite spots to photograph, North Point.
Atmosphere:
An experimental series of photographs exploring a feeling of atmosphere. Color, shape, flare, light. I am trying to create a feeling in these photographs. Sometimes the technical is completely forgotten in trying to accomplish the mood:
atmosphere: a surrounding or pervading mood, environment, or influence
The main subjects often end up being industrial elements, roadways, pollutants, etc. Items that effect the physical atmosphere of this planet. I think this physical meaning fits well with the more abstract feeling I am trying to create.
North Point:
A favorite Milwaukee Landmark of mine. I find myself there a lot early in the morning, listening to the water, waiting for the sun to rise. Waiting, listening, reflecting. These images are important to me, as they are representations of the time spent waiting.
Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jake_rohde/
Company site: http://www.valophotography.com/
Any comment for Jake?
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