Hearing God’s Call in a Busy World

Posted on July 29, 2009
Filed Under Vocations / Discernment | 2 Comments

Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Hannah Johnecheck, OSF, is featured again. This time she is in the Knight’s of Columbus publication A Still Small Voice, Hearing God’s Call in a Busy World.

Here’s a bit of her story…

As I grew older, I did not intend to become a sister. One night at college, however, I was thinking about the sisters who taught me in grade school, and I realized that this was the life God was calling me to. From that moment, I became more committed to my faith. I prayed more. I went to Church faithfully. I joined a Christian group on campus. The desire to become a sister never left me. It kept tugging at my heart. I learned about various religious communities and visited them…

Any woman who is considering a call to religious life should not be afraid to risk, to dare to take the path less traveled. Open yourself to God, respond to what he is asking, and he will do the rest.

Does this sound like you?

Year of the Priesthood - Pope Benedict XVI’s Calling to Holy Vocation

Posted on July 26, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 9 Comments

Today is the first of a series of unique Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity photos to celebrate Pope Benedict XVI’s declared Year of the Priesthood. How fitting that one of the first images is our Holy Father himself.

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Sister Elizabeth Ann Miller, OSF, comments:

Before my Franciscan Pilgrimage to Assisi I had the privilege of spending a few days in Rome to visit Sister Marie Kolbe Zamora, OSF, one of our Franciscan Sisters studying there. While there I was honored to attend a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. The liturgy was the conferral of the Pallium by the Holy Father on the newly appointed Archbishops. Sister Marie Kolbe received an invitation from Archbishop Michael Miller of Vancouver, a former teacher of hers.

How blessed on this first visit to the Vatican to be able to attend a Mass with the Holy Father on the great feast day of Saints Peter and Paul. Sister Marie Kolbe, having lived in Rome, knew the best time to get in line for entrance into the Basilica, and the best place to sit in order to get a good look at Pope Benedict XVI. We chose the last row with seats right next to the center aisle. This is where the Holy Father enters for the Mass. I was ready for the push of the crowd behind me as I positioned myself along the aisle barrier. My camera was tested to make sure I would get a good picture, but I never expected what would come next. A young boy about 10 or 11 years of age squeezed his way through the crowd and positioned himself right next to me. I wondered where he came from and hoped he wouldn’t interfere with my view of the pope. As the entrance procession began I started snapping shots. What happened next I am sure was a result of my friends’ prayers and the little boy next to me. Pope Benedict XVI started down the aisle and walked straight to the boy next to me to shake his hand! I was so excited to get a clear picture that I didn’t want to let go of the camera to shake the Holy Father’s hand. Before I knew it he was down the aisle. I was so happy for the young boy and myself.

At the closing procession I was able to get pictures of Archbishop Dolan of New York, and Archbishop Miller of Vancouver. In my final picture I was able to capture the young boy, Peter, and the Pope. It was a memorable day for me and Peter as well. (See Flick’r photos.)

Explore Gerard Manley Hopkins’ Poetry for Found-Franciscanism

Posted on July 22, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 10 Comments

Sister Caritas Stodthoff, OSF, shares some ‘Pied Beauty’ garden photos of Summer 2009. Find Camp Franciscan painted bricks displayed.

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Exploring the aspects of Franciscanism contained in the nature poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, Sister Renita Tadych, OSF, opened the eyes of ten Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity to the influence of the Franciscan philosophy of John Duns Scotus on one of the Victorian era’s superior poets. This summer course was held at the Motherhouse.

One of the students, Sister Pamela Catherine Peasel, OSF, comments on Hopkins ‘Franciscanism’ in the rich aural design of the The Caged Skylark. (Photo by Andrew Steele.)

The Caged Skylark

As a dare-gale skylark scanted in a dull cage

Man’s mounting spirit in his bone-house, mean house, dwells-

That bird beyond the remembering his free fells;

This in a drudgery, day-labouring-out life’s age.

Though aloft on turf or perch or poor low stage,

Both sing sometimes the sweetest, sweetest spells,

Yet both droop deadly sometimes in their cells

Or wring their barriers in bursts of fear or rage-

Why, hear him, hear him babble and drop down to his nest,

But his own nest, wild nest, no prison.

Man’s spirit will be flesh-bound when found at best,

But uncumbered: meadow-down is not distressed

For a rainbow footing it nor he for his bones risen.

Poetry Reflection:

St. Francis, very much a free-spirited soul, had a love for all living creatures, for all creation and is quite well-known for having once preached to a group of birds. However these birds were free, completely glorifying God in their true state of being. St. Francis saw the joy in the birds and he himself was a, “joyful bird,” finding his true self by the complete gift of himself over to God. Perhaps Hopkins, through his writing and reflection upon “The Caged Skylark,” was seeking how to “uncage” the bird within him, to free himself and give himself completely to the Lord of love and joy.

Our spirits within go through seasons of joy and sorrow, there are times we can become frustrated with the limitations of our bodies yet scripture is there to remind us that our spirits are eager and ready to do God’s will but the flesh is feeble. There may be something we seek after and desire that our spirit is longing for but the mind can inhibit us, stirring up fears and doubts and in turn we become frustrated and anxious. It’s as if one can see the prize but must overcome oneself to obtain it. It is a process we all undertake known as, “selving,” or emptying oneself.

Hopkins reflection upon the soul is one of hope. The soul, for a stint of time may seem as bird caged within, desiring to spread its wings and soar. This will eventually come to pass at the second coming of Christ and the soul of a man as Hopkins states, “will be flesh-bound when found at best,” for the earthly body, now glorified in the light, will allow the spirit to soar reaching unimaginable heights.

Please let us know your comments.

Understand Gospel Peace: Become Active Persons of Peace

Posted on July 18, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 9 Comments

Choosing to come to the Motherhouse in Manitowoc, WI, on July 17 or July 18, 2009, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity assembled for an important community meeting. One of the purposes of the gathering was to begin an in-depth Peace Study.

Sisters Mary Ann Spanjers, OSF, Leonette Kochan, OSF, Mardelle Meinholz, OSF, Marlita Henseler, OSF, and Rosalyn Muraski, OSF, researched, planned, and presented materials.

The goal of the study is:

That we, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, deepen our understanding of Gospel Peace so as to become active persons of peace.

Community members will concentrate on the following monthly themes from August 2009 to May 2010:

Scriptural Foundation and Nonviolent Peace Education
The Problem of Evil
Creation and Franciscanism
Salvation in Christ
The Incarnation
World Day of Peace and Pacem In Terris
Reconciliation
Inner Peace and Prayer from the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Contemporary situations, current dvds viewed with the eyes of Gospel peace

Each theme will include personal prayer, input, sharing/discussion/interaction and ritual.

In addition to learning about the various components of an in-depth Peace Study, the Franciscan Sisters also heard presentations on these topics:

Community Mission Statement
Community Prayer Book
International Franciscan Conference
“The Service of Authority and Obedience” (Four Sisters offered reflections based on their own lives in the light of this instruction from the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.)
‘Relationship of Religious Congregations and the Church” (Insights gleaned from a recent Canon Law Workshop were shared.)
Vatican’s Apostolic Visitation of Women’s Religious Communities in the United States (Sister Louise Hembrecht, OSF, Community Director reflected on her recent visit with Mother Clare Millea, ASCJ.)

What would you include in an in-depth Peace Study?

Thread Catholic Values into Personal Hobbies

Posted on July 16, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 8 Comments

Recently on NPR, Alex and Brett Harris, authors of Do Hard Things, spoke of their rebelling against the low expectations of their culture by choosing to “do hard things” for the glory of God. How about even doing something you love for the glory of God?

The latest Catholic Knight’s Summer 2009 Member Magazine features a story on Lydia Turba, mother of Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Elaine Turba, OSF presently teaching at St. Peter Mission School, Bapchule, AZ, who devotes her leisure activity to charity work.

Lydia Turba has enhanced the lives of children around the world with simply fabric and thread. Working with fellow members of St. Ann Mission Group, Lydia makes quilts for charity in the basement of her rural St. Anna, WI home…

Any comment?
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Catch a Few Franciscan Talent Show Acts

Posted on July 12, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 6 Comments

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On July 12, 2008 the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity enjoyed a good ol’ summer Sunday afternoon talent show at their Motherhouse in Manitowoc, WI.

Sister Laura Wolf, OSF, acted as Master of Ceremonies, while Sister Anne Turba, OSF, was the key organizer behind the scenes of this Franciscan Community social event.

Here is a listing of the acts in the order of appearance:

‘Walk, Walk, Walk the Journey of Faith’ - Sister Delores Wisnicky, OSF
Flute/Clarinet, Flute duet and solo - Sister Carol Ann Gambsky, OSF and Sister Chiara LaValley, OSF
‘Rip Van Winkle’ Dramatic Reading - Sister Martin Flavin, OSF
‘My Favorite Things’ - Franciscan Sisters at St. Francis Convent
‘Oh, No John’ - Sister Nnedimma Umeokwoibe, IHM and Sister Pamela Catherine Peasel, OSF
‘God Bless America’ and ‘Star Spangled Banner’ Trumpet Solos - Sister Elizabeth Benvie, OSF
‘There’s a Hole in the Bucket’ - Sister Nnedimma Umeokwoibe, IHM and Sister Donalise Popelka, OSF
‘Jesus Paint My Life’ - Sister Carol Juckem, OSF
‘What a Wonderful World’ and ‘Country Roads Take Me Home’
‘Alverno Joys’

Reflect on the talents God has given you. What gifts can you name in the lives of those who share your life?

Find Out Who was at Lifest

Posted on July 10, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 5 Comments

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Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sister Mary Ann Spanjers, OSF, and Sister Julie Ann Sheahan, OSF, distributed Sister-made medallions and cards promising a free music download of the Franciscanized World’s July song of the month at Lifest, July 9-12, 2009. Lifest is a Christian Music Festival held in Oshkosh, WI.

Placed in the exhibit hall near the Diocese of Green Bay, the Franciscan Sisters welcomed these visitors to their booth:

· Roncalli High School students

· UW Stevens Point students

· Our Lady of Lourdes, De Pere, WI students

· family members of Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity

· members of Catholic parishes from dioceses in WI, MN, OH, IA and AZ

· acquaintances of previous youth and Lifest events

See additional photos on Flick’r.

Read How the Knights of Columbus Supported a Franciscan Sister’s Call

Posted on July 8, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 2 Comments

“In service to one. In service to all.” The Knights of Columbus, a fraternal benefit society built on founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity who have ‘been around’ for over 125 years, featured one of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in their latest July Columbia magazine. In this case, they were indeed in service to not just one Franciscan Sister, but in service to the world.

You’ll want to check out Sister Hannah Johnecheck’s brief article on the back cover of the magazine. Sister Hannah thanks the Knights for their personal interest in her call as a Sister.

Here’s her reaction to the publication while studying at St. Michael College, Burlington, VT:

I just have to tell you one of the students in my class carried two Columbia magazines to share with me this morning. She saw the article and said she was telling her family and friends that she knew me and that I was in her class. It was cute. Blessings.

What’s your experience with the Knights of Columbus?

Find Out from Chuck E. Costa ‘Where the Songs Come From’

Posted on July 1, 2009
Filed Under Song of the Month | 7 Comments

The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity’s July-featured songwriter is modern day troubadour, Charles E. Costa in Where the Songs Come From.

About Chuck…

Chuck was raised in New York City, part of an Italian family with a mother from Norway, which may be partly responsible for the creative breadth of Chuck’s musical expression.

After receiving a degree in philosophy from the University of Colorado and studying with poet Lorna Dee Cervantes, Chuck left Colorado to play music in the Northeast.

With his dulcet voice and emotive lyrics, Chuck has grown into a singer/songwriter with a unique and honest voice without any pretentious static. He is recognized as the 2009 Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist Showcaser, 2008 Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Winner; 2007 Kerrville NewFolk Finalist (TX); 2007 Telluride Troubadour 3rd place (CO); and 2007 Solarfest Winner (VT).

He has shared the stage with such diverse nationally touring acts as: Rosanne Cash, The Weepies, Pete Seeger, Josh Ritter, Dar Williams, Peter Case, The Samples, Andrew Bird to name a few.

Offering songwriting workshops for kids, Chuck taps into the incredible creative minds of kids and co-writes songs with all of their help and some quite amazing results.

Chuck has released three albums to date. Where the Songs Come From was recorded at Signature Sounds Studio and released in 2008. His latest ‘At the Drawing Board’ was released May 25, 2009.

Lyrics

Where the Song Comes From

I’m gliding through a tunnel of sycamore trees.

Somehow they seem more alive with no leaves.

The street was named Rose.

It’s off to Grandma’s house I go.

I’ve got a book of paperbacks

a suitcase of photographs

Get me from there to here

They’re the train

I’m the engineer.

I swallowed a red lego when I was 5.

I prayed. “Please God don’t let me die.”

At least not ’till they come home I don’t want to go alone.

I survived. Learned to play the saxaphone,

the piano and the baritone

and after Grandpa died,

I searched the basement for his old baseball cards

Instead I found this great big red guitar

And learned how to play

I’ve got a bookcase of paperbacks

a suitcase of photographs

Get me from there to here

They’re the train. I’m the engineer.

Gonna suck the marrow from the bone

Squeeze the blood from a stone

Be patient & I won’t run to find where the songs come from

See Abundance and Life Pictured Here

Posted on July 1, 2009
Filed Under Image of the Month | 2 Comments

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Enjoy digital photography? The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity welcome Franciscanized World images. This month find a unique Camp Franciscan 2009 photo. A group of campers named ‘the St. Francis group’ submitted this common reflection while on an opening day photography search.

Even for worms he (St. Francis) had a warm love, since he had read this text about the Savior: I am a worm and not a man. That is why he used to pick them up from the road and put them in a safe place so that they would not be crushed by the footsteps of passersby.

-The Life of Saint Francis, Chapter XXIX, Thomas of Celano

Any comments for our photographers?

Hearing God’s Call in a Busy World

Year of the Priesthood - Pope Benedict XVI’s Calling to Holy Vocation

Explore Gerard Manley Hopkins’ Poetry for Found-Franciscanism

The Caged Skylark

Poetry Reflection:

Please let us know your comments.

Understand Gospel Peace: Become Active Persons of Peace

Thread Catholic Values into Personal Hobbies

Catch a Few Franciscan Talent Show Acts

Find Out Who was at Lifest

Read How the Knights of Columbus Supported a Franciscan Sister’s Call

Find Out from Chuck E. Costa ‘Where the Songs Come From’

About Chuck…

Lyrics

See Abundance and Life Pictured Here

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