First Ever Eucharistic Celebration at Chiara Convent, Manitowoc, WI
Posted on August 29, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 14 Comments
Yes, for the first time ever, on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 10 a.m., the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity 
participated in a solemn, yet humble Eucharistic Liturgy at Chiara Convent, Manitowoc, WI., new home for Franciscan Sisters serving at Silver Lake College. Bishop David Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay, WI, consecrated a masterfully-carved altar and blessed an equally lovely  handcrafted ambo, both made from trees of St. Joseph’s Woods surrounding the recently completed house for the Sisters. The blessed tabernacle was also adorned on a matching wood-crafted shelf.
Unique to the entrance of this community residence is a tau and three knotted chord design, special Franciscan symbols of the Gospel life St. Francis and St. Clare desired to live. Outside a candle-holding Chiara with a Bible in hand, artistic creation of Sister Mariella Erdman, OSF,  is sandblasted into limestone panels set into stone masonry on the facade of the building. The feminine Franciscan saint is strikingly visible from quite a distance. Â
The reverently simple blessing of this Franciscan home was further enhanced with the presence of Dave Dolan Wallace, Martinson Architects Inc. Green Bay, WI and Dan Peters, Peter’s Construction Services, Inc. Manitowoc, WI, who worked with the Sisters through the construction phases of the project. All who gathered at the Eucharistic altar were later invited to join the Sisters who now live in Chiara Convent for a home-cooked meal in the new convent cafeteria.
You can make a difference! The Serran Club of Manitowoc Does!
Posted on August 25, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 8 Comments
 www.serraus.org/serra_usa/
What a great picnic!
The time went so fast!
I won an unexpected prize at B I N G O!
I think I ate one too many deserts!
The rain did not bother the evening at all!
The Roncalli Catholic High School Students are exceptional, helpful, friendly, and fun to talk to! http://www.roncallijets.net/
A special welcome to the new Postulants! http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org/living/index.php/2009/08/23/important-fscc-notice-marie-wilhelm-and-kara-martin-begin-postulancy/
Thank you Sisters, Brothers, and Priests for all you do!
May we receive your beautiful song, the Blessing of St. Francis ?
These were just a few of the comments overheard during the Annual Serran Picnic!
This delicious, relaxed, friendship-filled picnic was held especially for the
Manitowoc Area:
Priests of the Green Bay Diocese, http://www.gbdioc.org/
De La Salle Christian Brothers, http://www.cbmidwest.org/
Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org�
Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross, http://www.gbfranciscansisters.org/
Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis,http://www.ssj-tosf.org/
Felician Sisters, http://www.villastfrancis.org/about_history.shtml
along with the Novices and Postulants of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org/living/index.php/2009/06/14/meet-new-fscc-novice-sister-pamela-catherine-peasel-osf/
The graciousness of this Serran group cannot be measured! Their faith, prayers, and support are wonderful gifts to us and to the whole Church! www.serraus.org/serra_usa/
Important FSCC Notice: Marie Wilhelm and Kara Martin Begin Postulancy
Posted on August 23, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 33 Comments
“Those who through the Lord’s inspiration come to us desiring to accept this way of life are to be received kindly. At the appropriate time, they are to be presented to the ministers of the fraternity who hold responsibility to admit them…let everything pertaining to this gospel way of life be explained to them, especially these words of the Lord: ‘If you wish to be perfect go and sell all your possessions and give to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then, come, follow me.’”
 These words from Chapter II of the Franciscan Rule of the Third Order Regular became the focus of the lives of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity today, August 23, 2009, as they welcomed two young women into the postulancy of their community.
Marie Wilhelm, age 30, originally from Manitowoc, WI but working and living most recently in De Pere, WI as an administrative assistant (photo by Jaslyn Gilbert Photography)
Kara Martin, age 24, Grand Rapids, MI, just recently graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in elementary education (photo by Emily Zoladz, Grand Rapids Press)
Marie and Kara, with God’s help and with the guidance of directress, Sister Patricia Sevcik, OSF, will strive to acquire the degree of maturity to make the transition from the life of a lay woman to that of a religious. The goal of the postulancy is to prepare for the novitiate, a time of becoming more fully acquainted with the essential requirements of a call to religious life.
Any words of welcome or comments for Marie and Kara?
Altar Server Recognition: ‘I Will Always Serve You’
Posted on August 22, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 5 Comments
How do you show gratitude for young men and women who are known not only for lighting a lot of candles, carrying crosses, 
holding books, etc. but more importantly for a spirit of generosity and reverence at the Lord’s Table? Bishop David Ricken, the Diocese of Green Bay Vocation Directors and other priests, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, the Serra Club and other adults were invited to be part of an Altar Server Day at Camp Tekawitha on the feast of the Queenship of Mary, August 22, 2009.Â
Unique to this day was the witnessing of the Rite of Acolyte for seminarian Luke Ferris.
Bused from Manitowoc, Marinette, Oshkosh, Appleton and Green Bay, about one hundred altar servers also participated in these planned activities:
- Welcome, introductions, warm-up games
- Crowning of Mary
- Eucharist-Bishop Ricken presided
- Presentations on the Eucharist from the Diocese of Green Bay (boys) and the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity (girls)
- Swimming and volleyball
Asked what is the best thing about serving, one young person was quick to respond “just everything”. There is indeed something good happening in the Diocese of Green Bay when a young person is happy to serve.�
How Silver Lake College’s Student Residence ‘Clare Hall’ Came to Be
Posted on August 19, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 7 Comments
Many Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, board members, faculty and staff witnessed the dedication of Silver Lake 
College’s new on-campus student housing facility. In the past Clare Hall was occupied by the Franciscan Sisters. Today the college community of Sisters live in Chiara Convent within walking distance of the college.Â
President of Silver Lake College, George F. Arnold, PhD, gave the welcome for the Blessing and Dedication Ceremony, while Deacon Paul Gleichner, Campus Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry did the invocation. Sister Laura Wolf, OSF, Chair of the Board of Directors, Matt Thielen, Vice President for Student Life and Sister Louise Hembrecht, OSF, Community Director of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, were invited to give comments. C.D. Smith Construction and Bray Architects were recognized for their work on the project. Father Dan Felton, board member and pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, led the concluding prayer of blessing.
Here’s more information regarding today’s blessing from the Herald Times Reporter:
 Silver Lake College today officially dedicated its new on-campus student housing facility. Clare Hall, formerly occupied by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, has undergone extensive renovation to make way for housing up to 178 students. The building features a variety of amenities and living options, including group study areas, kitchenettes, entertainment areas, wireless internet, individual rooms and suites…READ THE REST OF THE STORY.
Read Two Stories of Passionate Love and Selfless Service
Posted on August 15, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World, Vocations / Discernment | 15 Comments
If you are wondering how to ponder the great feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity invite you to consider reading two news stories from Manitowoc, WI and Grand Rapids, MI. Both accounts reveal women whose relationship with God led them, like Mary, to serve others and do things beyond their wildest dreams. (FSCC Motherhouse photo)
Sister Cecilia Byrns, OSF
Read about Sister Cecilia Byrns, OSF. Charlie Mathews, Herald Times Reporter correspondent, writes about A Life Filled with Music …The studio at the Holy Family Conservatory of Music still has her baby grand piano where hundreds, if not thousands, of students took lessons…read the rest of the story. (photo by Francis Ford)
Kara Martin
Read about Kara Martin. Charley Honey, religion columnist for the Grand Rapids Press, comments about Aquinas Graduate Follows Her Heart to Join Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity…The first time I met Kara Martin, she was 17, smooshed among thousands of teenagers going nuts as Pope John Paul II passed by in his popemobile. “I saw him!” Kara shouted at World Youth Day in Toronto, 2002. “He was smiling! That was so cool!” The last time I saw her was Tuesday at the Kava House in Grand Rapids. She is still bursting with enthusiasm.  Read the rest of the story.
Do you mirror Mary’s life?
How Two Priests are Judged in Local Catholic American Idol Competion
Posted on August 8, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 7 Comments
On August 7, 2009 Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Mary Ann Spanjers, OSF joined two other judges (including Father Richard Klingeisen) for the second Catholic American Idol competion under a packed tent at the Waldo site of the St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Manitowoc, WI. Unlike an ordinary Tent Revival, this city-wide parish’s Friday gathering was a community builder and just plain fun.
Joel Stephanek, parish youth minister, introduced the contestants. Pastor, Father Daniel Felton, and associate, Father Daniel Schuster, were slated to go head to head with the singing competition, but surprising audience participation and talented Fish Boil Band leadership overturned the outcome. Although the pictures provided here are not of  high quality, they do give a flash of the action.
The line-up of songs included the following lively, energetic numbers:
- Jailhouse Rock
- I’m a Believer
- Drift Away (Father Daniel Schuster)
- Woolie Bullie (Father Daniel Felton)
- Summertime (Shellie)
- Centerfield (Father Daniel Schuster)
- Locomotion (Father Daniel Felton)
- Give’em Something to Talk About (Shellie)
- Shout
The laughter, applause and enthusiastic audience participation appeared to confirm these evening program lyrics and general feeling about the individuals present and their relationship with their parish…
Then I saw this place, now I’m a believer, not a trace of doubt in my mind.
I’m in love…I couldn’t leave it if I tried.
What activities are happening in your parish?
View One Monarch’s ‘Transfiguration’
Posted on August 5, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 10 Comments
A magestic monarch flying freely in Wisconsin on August 6, 2009? How simply Transfiguration-like is that! The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity novices, Sister Chiara LaValley, OSF, and Sister Pamela Catherine Peasel, OSF, have been photographing important 
stages in the life cycle of Bonnie Sithin, one of nature’s newly named bright-winged seraphs. This thirty plus day Franciscan novena included a photo shoot two days a week focusing on the stages of ‘our caterpillar’.Â
Monarchs being generational migrants group together in their flight to freedom. Interesting that two young women themselves in ‘a stage’ of becoming a Sister should take a contemplative look at another creature involved in change and growth.
Any wisdom to share on this eve of the feast of the Transfiguration?
Why the Franciscan Sisters’ Door County Music Outreach was Fruitful
Posted on August 1, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 8 Comments
Holy Name of Mary Parish is found in Maplewood, an unincorporated community formed at the intersection of two 
Wisconsin highways. Some Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and four young women arrived in this Door County destination on August 1, 2009, the eve of the Franciscan feast of Our Lady of the Angels, to lead the music for the Saturday evening Eucharistic Celebration.
Here are just a few reasons why this day was especially fruitful:
- Being the second time this faith community welcomed the Sisters for Saturday evening liturgy, the congregational singing was full.
- The four young women, all musicians, assisted with putting up song book numbers, carrying instruments and leading the singing in the church choir loft.
- Father Bob Konkol, OFM, who serves the parish, is an ever friendly Franciscan brother.
- It was fitting to be in a church dedicated to Mary on the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula. For Franciscans this feast has a special Portiuncula Indulgence. Â
“The Portiuncula indulgence is the first plenary indulgence that was ever granted in the Church. There were indeed indulgences at all times, but they were only partial, and only a partial remission of the temporal punishments could be obtained by them. But, as already remarked, he who gains the Portiuncula indulgence is freed from all temporal punishments and becomes as pure as after holy baptism. This was also the reason why Pope Honorius was astonished when St. Francis petitioned for the confirmation of this indulgence, for such an indulgence, up to that time, bad been entirely unknown. It was only after he had come to the conviction that Jesus Christ himself wished it, that he granted the petition of the saint and confirmed the indulgence”.
- The Door County experience was complete with picking red, ripe cherries and enjoying a picnic in an orchard not far from the church.
Now You Can Tune into ‘Pages’ by Tom Kimmel and Jenny Yates
Posted on August 1, 2009
Filed Under Song of the Month | 34 Comments
 The Franciscanized World’s August song of the month is Pages performed by Tom Kimmel and written by Tom Kimmel and Jenny Yates, “a song responsible for changing people’s lives”.The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity applaud Tom Kimmel a sought after teacher and songwriter who has led workshops around the US and in Europe.
Captivating audiences by winning fans and garnering critical acclaim in the worlds of folk, rock and spiritual music, Tom is a soulful and unique singer and performer.
Tom’s award winning songs have been featured in film and television and recorded by the likes of Johnny Cash, Linda Ronstadt, Nanci Griffith, Randy Travis, Shawn Colvin, Dianne Reeves and many, many others.
Tom Kimmel is a poet and spoken word artist whose poems are featured in poetry and literary journals, and who is a frequent guest author at book festivals and book stores in the South and around the country.Tom is also a street minister and social activist, performing and teaching from coast to coast in traditional and New Thought churches, in therapy and healing retreats, and for those in need, including hospital patients and prison inmates.
 Tom’s Comments:
Lyrics: Pages
Yesterday’s wars
Stack up like old papers on the floor
Pounded  like old knocks upon my door
Breaking like the ocean
Washing through my hands
Changing this ol’ mountain into sand
You know me
By the stories I have made
You know me looking out through boxes and cages
And it’s hard to clearly see what’s right
In ordinary light
Does the truth filter down
Through the ages
We can not see the end
So here we must begin
Tell me what will we write on these pages
Disciplined road
Showing only what it wants to show
Calling when it’s time for us to go
Driven by emotion
Pushing from the past
Running till the spirit’s free at last
You know me
By the stories I have made
You know me looking out through boxes and cages
And it’s hard to clearly see what’s right
In ordinary light
Does the truth filter down
Through the ages
We can not see the end
So here we must begin
Tell me what will we write on these pages
Down through history we race
Across borders and to empty space
We write a chapter, a fable, a line, a trace
Another heart may follow
You know me
By the stories I have made
You know me looking out through boxes and cages
And it’s hard to clearly see what’s right
In ordinary light
Does the truth filter down
Through the ages
We can not see the end
So here we must begin
Tell me what will we write on these pages
For more information see Tom Kimmel’s and Jenny Yates’ websites.
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