Ten Things to Do to Become a Peacemaker
Posted on September 30, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 11 Comments
August 2009 the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity began their community-wide Peace Study with a look at Scriptural foundations of peace and research from the Center of Nonviolent Communication.
Recently Network, a National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, published a back to back fact sheet encouraging distribution of Becoming a Peacemaker-Where to Begin. Here is a healthy list of ten things created by CNVC and Gary Baran that contribute to internal, interpersonal and organizational peace:
- Spend some time each day quietly reflecting on how we would like to relate to ourselves and others.
- Remember that all human beings have the same needs.
- Check our intention to see if we are as interested in others getting their needs met as our own.
- When asking someone to do something, check first to see if we are making a request or a demand.
- Instead of saying what we DON”T want someone to do, say what we DO want the person to do.
- Instead of saying what we want someone to BE, say what action we’d like the person to take that we hope will help the person be that way.
- Before agreeing and disagreeing with anyone’s opinions, try to tune in to what the person is feeling and needing.
- Instead of saying “No,” say what need of ours prevents us from saying “Yes.”
- If we are feeling upset, think about what need of ours is not being met, and what we could do to meet it, instead of thinking about what’s wrong with others or ourselves.
- Instead of praising someone who did something we like, express our gratitude by telling the person what need of ours that action met.
St. Francis of Assisi prayed: “While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.” Any comments as we prepare for the October 4 feast of the founder of the Franciscan Order?
Photos: Jaslyn Gilbert and Mark Kolter
What Are Bishop Baraga Days
Posted on September 27, 2009
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Faith-filled Marquette, MI, Catholics and others from near and far gathered September 26-27, 2009 for Bishop Baraga Days celebrating Frederick Baraga, the first bishop of the Diocese of Marquette (1853-1868). Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity were among the crowd who enjoyed not only Slovene Singers but learned a song Ninxhawendaagoz (translated ‘I am Blessed’ in Ojibwa).
At the festive liturgies of the Eucharist, pilgrims made devoted pleas for intercession to God that Bishop Baraga may 
be canonized a saint while remembering his life, works and virtues. At the Sunday banquet, Bishop Alexander K. Sample, Bishop of Marquette, and Bishop Emeritus of Marquette, James H. Garland, Executive Director of the Bishop Baraga Association, reported on the actual progress of making this hope a reality.
Here’s some insight into the man Bishop Frederick Baraga:
- first of many Slovenian missionaries to come to the United States to help build up the American Catholic Church
- for 37 years traveled the length and breath of the Great Lake area to minister to the Ottawa na Chippewa Indians
- wrote seven Slovenian prayer books and authored 20 Native American book which includes his monumental Grammar and Dictionary of the Chippewa Language still in use today
- ministered to the immigrants who came to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to work in the iron and copper mines of the regions
- walked on snowshoes for 24 hours in succession because he knew if he stopped he would freeze to death (talk about heroic virtue?!)
Name a person you admire that has died and explain how he/she is a model of Gospel virtues.
Franciscan Sisters Begin Ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Newton WI
Posted on September 20, 2009
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Today at the 10:00 a.m. Bilingual Mass is the celebration of the commissioning ceremony for me as your Parish Director. Father Paul DeMuth, representing Bishop Ricken, will ask for my consent to serve the Catholic Community of St. Thomas the Apostle faithfully as a follower of Jesus, and in obedience to our Bishop. It is a formality, yes, but NOT one that I take lightly. I truly believe that God has guided me to your faith community here in Newton, and humbly pray that I always respond to your needs as best I am able, being grateful for all to which God has invited me. Read more…
In her own words on the parish’s internet site, Sister Marlita Henseler, OSF,  wrote about the significance of this September 20, 2009 special Sunday commissioning appointing her the Parish Director of the Diocese of Green Bay’s  Catholic Community of St. Thomas the Apostle, Newton, WI. Indeed, ‘St. Thomas the Apostle Convent’ is also added to the roster of Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity homes for Sister Maryl Gardner, OSF, is a Sisterly support and companion reaching out where her gifts are best served in the parish community.
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish has a proud heritage. Here is a short history of  the people and places that are part of this vibrant Manitowoc County Catholic community of faith:
- St. Fidelis, Osman, founded in 1875 (organized 10 years earlier) and closed May 13, 1960.
- St. George, Centerville/Cleveland, founded 1861 and closed March 22, 1953.
- St. Isidore, Osman, founded in 1851 and closed January 14, 2001; merged July 1, 2001 into St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.
- St. Casimir, Northeim, founded 1868 and merged July 1, 2001, into St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.
- St. Wendel, Cleveland, founded 1855, merged July 1, 2001, into St. Thomas the Apostle Parish; closed June 30, 2002.
- St. Joseph, Alverno, founded 1872, merged July 1, 2001, into St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.
Share some experiences of change and growth happening in your parish.
Beach Sweep 2009: Flip Flops Popular Footwear
Posted on September 16, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 14 Comments
Where’s the beach? The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and the Two Rivers Parks and Recreation 
Department, sponsors of the Manitowoc and Two Rivers, WI, September 16, 2009 Beach Sweep, were amazed to find once sandy areas under crashing shoreline waves. Adventurous volunteers enjoyed the challenge of  taking off flip flops and wading to areas where trash could be collected and tallied. Others scaled rocks to participate in the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup or Wisconsin’s Coastal Awareness Month ensuring a living resource for generations.
Last year, nearly 400,000 volunteers collected more than 6.8 million pounds of trash in 100 countries and 42 US states during the 2008 International Coastal Cleanup — the world’s largest volunteer effort of its kind.
While cigarette butts had the highest number of tallies, volunteers also found and logged these unique items among the 60 pounds collected this year:
- fireworks
- bullet casing
- moldy bread
- sock and shoes
- ear phones and wires
- more than a little styrofoam
Fortunate to have over 1,000 miles of shoreline on Lakes Michigan and Superior, the state of 
Wisconsin recognizes that water is a vitally important natural, cultural and economic resource. Kae DonLevy is responsible for supplying the Beach Sweep Kit: bags, gloves, data cards and instructions.
What are some of your good memories at a beach, underwater harbor, marina, river or lake?
Read About Weekend Anniversary Celebrations of Joy
Posted on September 13, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 10 Comments
Between a Cup O Joy coffee house 20 year Anniversary Benefit Concert celebrating 
‘music that inspires’ and a Diocese of Green Bay Jubilarian Eucharistic Liturgy recognizing the sacrificial service of religious women observing 25, 50, 60, 70 and 75 years of vowed life, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity were involved in a joyous weekend of good news and meaningful reflection.
First, on Saturday, September 12, 2009, Cup O Joy’s special guests Joy Williams and Shawn McDonald, led an evening of song and inspiration at the Meyer Theatre in downtown Green Bay, WI. The Cup o Joy is a non-denominational Christian weekend 
hang out for people desiring good music and fellowship in a family environment that relies on donations and dedicated volunteers. Some of the artists highlighted on Franciscanized World have also given stage presence at the ‘Cup’ over the years. Friends of the Franciscan Sisters from UW Green Bay and UW Stevens Point along with postulants Marie Wilhelm and Kara Martin were among those who enjoyed the concert.
Sunday, September 13, 2009, jubilarians from eight congregations were honored at the 2 p.m. St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Eucharistic Celebration and reception. Bishop David Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay presided at the Sunday Eucharist and the Green Bay Diocesan Advisory Board for Religious planned the event. A Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity music troupe were invited to play for the liturgy.
Where did you find joy this weekend?
Why is Manitowoc Commemorating Sputnikfest
Posted on September 12, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 2 Comments
“It’s wacky, it’s tacky, it’s wild and it’s coming”[it’s here]…words chosen to describe a 
Manitowoc, WI, Sputnikfest,  September 11-12, 2009 that observed this Lake Michigan port’s important historical connection to Sputnik 4, but more importantly it’s about a time and space of fascinating fun and celebrating that which seems obvious.Â
Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity were present for some of the moments of this creative commemoration of a glowing chunk of debris discovered in the middle of North 8th Street that was analyzed and officially determined to be a piece of the Sputnik satellite (not a hometown foundry leftover) back in 1962. Today a gold ring marks the landing spot.
Spuntnikfest fun included these and more space age focused activities:
- Sci-fi film festival and 10k space walk/run
- Artta This World artists and indie designers
- Pictures and first hand accounts of the Sputnik landing in Manitowoc
- Cakes, costume and building a Sputnk contests
- Humorous reinactment of the actual event
An event guaranteed to build community of Manitowoc pride, colorful space visitors were walking with the breezes on buses, on street corners, riding strollers and in the arms of young admirers.
Can you think of a time when you had so much fun?
Follow the Franciscan Postulants’ Journey on ‘Habitually Speaking’ Blog
Posted on September 8, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World, Vocations / Discernment | 9 Comments
Do you desire to know what a day is like in the life of someone God has called to be a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity? Follow the lives of two young women who are beginning their first days at the Motherhouse in Manitowoc in a newly launched blog entitled ‘Habitually Speaking’.Â
Kara Martin writes: “I am a postulant for the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. That means I am spending nine months at a convent discerning whether this is the life for me. Feel free to read about my journey. “
While enjoying the honest, personalized journal style of Kara, you will also meet Marie Wilhelm. Two women who come from two states overlooking Lake Michigan, Michigan 
and Wisconsin, they also share a love for the Lord and a desire to serve him. Both postulants, name given to candidates in the first stage of becoming a religious woman, are already witnessing their zeal for the Franciscan life in many ways.Â
Today was the first day that Marie and I got to wear our postulant habits! It felt like prom. We were showered with compliments at how nice we looked. With over 150 sisters in the motherhouse, that’s a lot. Read More…
And if you want to follow more of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and understand our daily lives, we invite you to find us on Facebook and become one of our Fans! Here, you’ll be alerted to new entries on both the Franciscanized World and Habitually Speaking.
Any first impressions of Habitually Speaking?
Here’s a Chaplain Who Has Given Exemplary Service
Posted on September 5, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 9 Comments
The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity boast of a record number of priests who have served 
generously as chaplain for the Congregation. Today, Saturday, September 5, 2009,  Father De Paul Sobotka, OFM, was recognized at a simple reception for his goodness and sacramental care since 1998. Father De Paul will be moving on to serve his own Franciscan Friars Assumption BVM Province at Queen of Peace Friary, Burlington, WI.
Known for his pleasant disposition and down to earth personality, Father will be remembered for his eleven years of genuine brotherly goodness, beautiful perfect-pitch singing voice and his sense of humor which was streamed in homilies that were thoughtfully researched and prayed over. Important to the spiritual growth of the Sisters are the priests who have fulfilled the need of chaplain who came from the Diocese of Milwaukee in the early years and now from Religious Orders.
Do check out this flick’r site. During this year of special intercession to St. John Vianney, the Franciscan Sisters continue to submit photos of priests who are generous in their service to God’s people today.
Follow this link to read a good story about St. Martin of Tours that explains the etymology of the word chaplain.
Any comments on chaplains that you know?
What’s a Catholic to Think About Health Care Reform?
Posted on September 2, 2009
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 3 Comments
The U.S. Catholic Bishops recently launched a website to clarify positions on health care reform. They promise specific action alerts when Congress returns to work this month so that more voices can be heard in meaningful discussion. Although the bishops have not taken a position for or against any particular piece of legislation, principles and criteria remain consistent.
Basic Catholic teaching includes:
- health care coverage is for all people from conception until natural death, and the federal ban on funding for abortion should be continued
- access should be for all with a special concern for the poor
- the common good is to be pursued and pluralism preserved, including freedom of conscience
- efforts be made to restrain costs and apply costs equitably among payers.
Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Healthcare Ministry Inc. Director of Corporate Ministries, Scott McConnaha, added his voice to the discussion on health care reform in America, a national Catholic weekly magazine in the United States.
Read his August 31, 2009 article entitled ‘Deceptions and Distortions’ Why are pro-life groups attacking Catholic health care leaders?
Recent attacks against health care reform and its supporters—based on fears of expanded abortion coverage and state-sponsored euthanasia—are as absurd as Don Quixote’s battles against windmills. Of course, I do not believe opponents of reform are insane, as Don Quixote was thought to be, but the fervor with which they are fighting mythical health care proposals calls to mind Cervantes’ hapless hero.
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First of all, I want to be clear that support for health care reform does not insinuate support for abortion and euthanasia. Catholic health care organizations across the United States have unwaveringly advocated a health care system that promotes and defends the dignity of every person from conception until natural death. Read more.
Any comments?
Download ‘Through the Mystery’ by Martha’s Trouble
Posted on September 1, 2009
Filed Under Song of the Month | 58 Comments
Realizing September often brings new encounters and experiences whether in school or work environments, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity’s Song of the Month features “Through the Mystery’ performed by Martha’s Trouble
About Martha’s Trouble
Title: Through the Mystery
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Website: http://www.marthastrouble.com/
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