Where the Whole Lake is ‘Our Rink’

Posted on January 30, 2010
Filed Under Franciscanized World, Vocations / Discernment | 10 Comments

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Imagine receiving an invitation to a Skating Party where the whole lake is the rink. You would be picturing the backyard of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Motherhouse. On Saturday, January 29, 2010 with music piped in the air through speakers housed in nearby ‘green hut’ (literally named for its evident exterior paint job), postulants, novices and Franciscan Sisters forged the frozen water enjoying a favorite Wisconsin winter sport.

Believe it or not, Sister Myra Jean Sweigart, OSF was drawn to answering a call to the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity after seeing seasonal pictures of the Motherhouse, because ice skating was one of her passions. Although not the ‘typical’ or only reason why a young woman may be attracted to be a Franciscan Sister, God does want our happiness and uses what we enjoy to help reveal His plan for a lifetime.

The skating party was complete with hot apple cider, s’mores, and of course, plenty of Sisterly conversation between the ups and downs of life and trying to keep warm.

See Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity on Facebook for video clips.

Does any of this ‘rink’ true for you?

Franciscan Sisters Part of Herald Times Reporter Best Photos of 2009

Posted on January 30, 2010
Filed Under Franciscanized World, Image of the Month | 4 Comments

Enjoying Benjamin Wideman and Jaslyn Gilbert, two creative professionals from the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter, for a Day in the Life with the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity coverage of Motherhouse happenings was a calendar-marking 2009 visit for the Catholic women religious.

Imagine the thrill, however, when finding out that Jaslyn thought her time spent with the Franciscan Sisters worthy of documenting not just once, but chose a photo from that February 2009 day in a special feature entitled: 2009 the year in Photos, an annual edition featuring a collection of the Herald Times Reporter’s best photos of 2009. Of course, Benjamin designed the paper-print copy of this remarkable insert. (winter photo-Jaslyn Gilbert)

You’ll want to check out the on-line photo gallery for the finest images and learn a bit more about the photojournalists at the same time. And while they last, get your hands on the Friday, January 29, 2010 Herald Times paper insert!

Applaud Pope Benedict XVI’s Calling Francis Authentic Giant of Holiness

Posted on January 29, 2010
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 5 Comments

The Franciscan spirit lives. While continuing his weekly general audience catechetical-natured talks on the Christian culture of the Middle Ages including the lives of noteworthy saints on January 27, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI called St. Francis of Assisi, “an authentic giant of holiness”.

You’ll want click here to read the English text.

Here are a few important reasons why this 13th century saint is a model of Gospel living today for the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and for the world:

dedicated to Christ, poor and suffering
completely committed to the renewal of the Church in holiness and to the preaching of the Gospel
devoted to the Eucharist, as the sacrament of Christ’s real presence
lived simply
reverently respected God’s creation
sensitively entered into dialogue with people of other religions

Catholic News Service offers a compact summary of the pope’s comments acclaiming St. Francis as an authentic interpreter of the Gospel for current times.

Desire to learn more about Francis? Consider a discernment retreat.

Any comments?

Begin Celebration of Silver Lake College of the Holy Family’s Legacy

Posted on January 28, 2010
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 4 Comments

The beginning of 2010 marks a celebratory milestone in Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity-sponsored Silver Lake College’s long educational history. While educating young people dates back well into the 1800’s, in 1935, the State of Wisconsin issued Silver Lake College of the Holy Family its official charter as an undergraduate institution.

To celebrate this educational legacy, and in honor of the 75th anniversary of its charter, Bishop Robert Morneau, highly respected past professor and former chaplain, presided at an opening Eucharistic liturgy on January 28, 2010. All alumni, friends, students, parents, and guests were invited to attend.

While the Franciscan Sisters and the college community proudly solemnize the past with other celebratory activities , it seems appropriate to delve deeply in the words of learned St. Bonaventure at this time:

“Prayer was a support to this worker; for in everything which he did, distrusting his own effort and trusting in God’s loving concern, he cast his care completely upon the Lord in urgent prayers to him…believing that without it no one could prosper in God’s service.”

Any comments?

Franciscan Sister Receives Catholic Schools Week Elizabeth Seton Award

Posted on January 25, 2010
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 14 Comments

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National Catholic Schools Week is celebrated by each of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity involved in this important educational mission of the Catholic Church. For Sister Leonette Kochan, OSF, this year’s commemoration holds special meaning. She was presented the Elizabeth Seton Award on January 25, 2010 at Salpointe Catholic High School, Tucson, AZ. This is the seventeenth year that Salpointe Catholic High School has presented this award to outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Tucson.

Here’s a portion of what the day’s program said about Sister Leonette:

Beginning in 1966, taught junior high in Green Bay, WI, Algomas, WI and Yuma, AZ
Held elementary principal positions 1980-2004 at Immaculate Conception School, Yuma, AZ, St. Mary School, Kaukauna, WI, St. Nicholas School, Zanesville, OH and St. Agnes School, Mingo Junction, OH
Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Director of Education 2002-204
Since 2004 Santa Cruz Catholic School principal, Tucson, AZ
constantly emphasizes the importance of Catholic identity in her students and those around her; believes in preparing students not only for the next level but for life by instilling the importance of discipline and respect
regularly participates in parish Masses, begins school days with prayer and encourages students to become involved in student liturgies
active leader, always present for student activities, fundraisers, family and athletic events
works closely with San Miguel High School and is on the St. Augustine High School board; Diocesan Sexual Abuse Oversight Board and assists with the Notre Dame Committee for South Tucson Catholic Education
Bishop Gerald Kicanas noted: “Sister Leonette is a strong, courageous and gifted principal who has worked tirelessly for her community. She is highly respected and valued by all in the community and has had a significant impact in its educational mission, both at Santa Cruz as well as San Xavier and in Yuma.”

The second recipient of the award this year was Brother Nick Gonzales, principal of San Miguel Catholic High School. Brother Nick’s commented, “This was a big honor for South Side Tucson, since both recognized are from schools from there. It’s like the scripture, ‘Can any good come from Nazareth (South Side Tucson)?”

Any comments on this National Catholic Schools Week?

Is there a Connection between Religious Communities and Sustainability

Posted on January 19, 2010
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 4 Comments

Religious Communities who have been around for over 100 years have a weathered Gospel wisdom that is passed from generation to the next. Such dedicated religious inherit a strong respect for each of their members and all of life, including the small or seemingly insignificant in creation. In this spirit, the leadership of the Norbertines of St. Norbert Abbey, Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross, and the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity planned an evening conversation on the topic of sustainability and religious life on January 19, 2010.

Important to the discussion included the following:

The gathering began with a group prayer for enlightenment and simple introductions.
Sister Janet Weyker, O.P. shared on her community’s Eco-Justice Center dedicated to environmental education
and care of earth in the context of community, contemplation, creativity, and cultivation.
Sister Sally Ann Brickner, OSF, facilitated a discussion on the National Catholic Rural Life Conference’s Questionnaire on Climate Change and Religious Communities.
Brother Steve Herro, O Prem connected the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change’s St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor to the evening’s topic.

St. Bonaventure in Souls Journey Into God, said: “Therefore open your eyes, alert the ears of your spirit, open your lips and apply your heart so that in all creatures you may see, hear, praise, love and worship, glorify and honor your God.”

Share some choices for sustainable living.

Sent to Serve in Four Mission Sites

Posted on January 7, 2010
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 22 Comments

What do postulants and novices do during their semester breaks? Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity sent their postulants and novices on formative mission experiences January 2-10, 2010. These service opportunities enable new members to learn more about the spirit and life of the Congregation by enjoying smaller local community living in various geographical locations while shadowing the Sisters’ rewarding ministries.

So where did they go?

St. Peter the Fisherman Convent, Two Rivers, WI is Kara Martin’s temporary home. Six Franciscan Sisters hope to share their full lives at St. Peter the Fisherman School and St. Peter the Fisherman Parish this week. Although Kara’s own love for teaching will be fed with her interactions with children, she will also be exposed to the many ministries found in one of today’s active parishes.

Marie Wilhelm is learning about religious life at St. Clare Convent, Manitowoc, WI. Eight Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity live in a community owned home which borders Holy Family Memorial Medical Center, one of the Franciscan Sisters’ sponsored Manitowoc health care network sites. Marie will witness not only the current Sisters in the health network and at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, but she will become more aware of all possible roles of service.

Living in community with six Franciscan Sisters in a large Southern-looking residence that is within walking distance of St. Benedict School, Sister Pamela Catherine Peasel, OSF is in Cambridge, Ohio. The religious women here are very much involved in Christ Our Light Parish, a three worship site Catholic Community, as well as in various ministries of education at the school.

Sister Chiara La Valley, OSF is also in the state of Ohio. At Good Samaritan Convent, Zanesville, four Franciscan Sisters are involved in meaningful work at Genesis HealthCare System. Since Sister Chiara is in the process of becoming a nurse, she is excited about seeing the day to day workings of this Franciscan health care organization.

Any thoughts about these experiences?

Leader’s Responsibility to Effect Positive Change

Posted on January 5, 2010
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 3 Comments

What do Ronald Zipperer and Archbishop Jerome Listecki have in common? Well, both men are leaders working toward positive change today.

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity-sponsored Silver Lake College masters candidate Ronald Zipperer explains in an article that appeared in the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter how clean water and electricity is changing lives in Sokolo, a village in Uganda, Africa. He credits his college professors for influencing him to not only make a difference in the workplace, but also impact postive growth in communities and, “in some cases, distant places in the world.”

Archbishop Jerome Listecki, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee, is clear that doing God’s will is the root of his responsibility as leader in a life of self-less service. In this portion of his January 4, 2010 Installation Eucharist homily, Archbishop Listecki encourages mindfulness of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s dedication and relationship with God:

We are fortunate to celebrate today the feast day of Elizabeth Ann Seton the first American-born saint. There was nothing easy about her life. The sickness and death of her spouse, her conversion and rejection by her family, a single mother educating her children and raising them in the faith. The world would easily have justified her cursing her lot in life. Yet this woman, armed with her faith, begins the Catholic School system, establishes a religious order and shapes the Catholic Church in the United States for the next century. What generates this kind of dedicated commitment? It is a confidence in God. In Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s own words:

“What was the first rule of our dear Savior’s life? You know it was to do his Father’s will. Well, then, the first purpose of our daily work is to do the will of God; secondly, to do it in the manner he wills. And thirdly, to do it because it is his will. We know certainly that our God calls us to a holy life. We know that he gives us every grace, every abundant grace; and though we are so weak of ourselves, this grace is able to carry us through every obstacle and difficulty.” (From the writings of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton) �

Any comments?

Download ‘Don’t Look Down, Pollyanna’ by Steve Forbert

Posted on January 1, 2010
Filed Under Franciscanized World, Song of the Month | 65 Comments

Offering insightful poetic lyrics at a time when some families are facing a winter season with escalating needs, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity feature folk-rock singer/songwriter Steve Forbert’s ‘Don’t Look Down, Pollyanna’.

Comments from Steve Forbert

“Don’t Look Down, Pollyanna” is clearly a song about America today—all of the foreclosures taking place and the people out of (what were) their homes. One reads the statistics—the numbers coming out of government monitoring agencies and the financial institutions, but where are all of the people going? Everyone knows we’re not still talking about secondary residences and failed attempts at flipping condos in Miami. Are we talking about the waiting list for a tent village near Tampa? As far as the song’s title, anyone familiar with the (underrated) Disney film will recall Hayley Mills (literally out on a limb) sneaking out of her upstairs window in order to attend the town bazaar. Of course the peak scene is the one where the town preacher ’sees the light’ thanks to that wonderfully wise little girl and a quote from Abraham Lincoln (but I still prefer Mrs. Snow beside the fishing booth making sure Pollyanna wins a doll!)

About Steve Forbert

Earning wide acclaim as the “new (Bob) Dylan in the seventies, Steve Forbert was born in Meridian, MS. After learning to play the guitar/harmonica at an early age he eventually made steps to become a professional musician in New York City. Since his debut, Steve has released twelve albums, all of which exemplify his lasting originality in a blend of folk and rock music.

In 2010 he is a songwriter who not only appears comfortable with his place in life, but who also still rejects a nine-to-five existence in favor of following his own road-less-traveled.“Music should be truthful and real,” Forbert once said, “but it should also be uplifting and healing.” That’s a philosophy he’ll be honoring throughout this new year as he continues to share a rare creative talent that is ever new not only with a loyal fan base but with us here at Franciscanized World. Help us spread his uniquely-personalized world view with others.

Websites

Official Website: http://www.steveforbert.com/
My Space: http://www.myspace.com/steveforbert

Lyrics: Don’t Look Down, Pollyanna

The sidewalk spiel, it’s no big deal,

The traffic lights are blinking just the same;

The church bell tolls for hearts and souls,

And ev’ry moth is flapping toward a flame.

Don’t look down, Pollyanna,

Don’t look down at all;

Shreveport, Louisiana

Is just as high as Niag’ra Falls.

You feel as if you’re over a barrel,

You think you might be close to the edge,

You’re hopin’ there’ll be somebody there who’ll

Get you back in tact off the ledge.

Your west side home they foreclosed on

Is someone else’s dream come true today;

At near half price it must feel nice

To wake up with a mortgage one can pay.

Don’t look down, Pollyanna,

Don’t look down at all,

Shreveport, Louisiana

Is just as high as Niag’ra Falls.

You feel as if you’re over a barrel,

You think you might go straight down the drain,

You’re hopin’ there’ll be somebody there who’ll

Zap you back t’ Hackberry Lane.

The World And How To Work It

Is a book you should’ve read,

There should’ve been a copy on the night stand by your bed;

Life And How To Live It

Is another good choice as well–

The new large print edition and a fairly clean hotel…

A sweet soul blast from days gone past

Is bouncing off the Greyhound station wall;

A safe past tense that makes good sense

And now is somewhat painful to recall.

Don’t look down, Pollyanna,

Don’t look down at all; Shreveport, Louisiana

Is just as high as Nia’gra Falls.

You feel as if you’re over a barrel,

You think you might be close to the end,

You’re hopin’ there’ll be somebody there who’ll

Get you back on track once again.

(c) S. Forbert 2009

credits from Don’t Look Down, Pollyanna,

released 28 October 2009

Written by Steve Forbert

Any comments on the song?

Follow the Franciscan Sisters in Yuma, AZ

Posted on January 1, 2010
Filed Under Franciscanized World | 16 Comments

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Twitter is one way to share and discover what is happening right now. In this posting the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity invite you to continue to ferret out the ordinary (and sometimes extraordinary) happenings in the lives of our Franciscan Sisters. This month picture yourself in Yuma, AZ with Sister Charleen Acker, OSF, Sister Alexandra Bettinardi, OSF, Sister Ann Mary Hart, OSF, Sister Charles Ann Champeau, OSF, Sister Elizabeth Benvie, OSF, Sister Jan Villemure, OSF, and Sister Patrice Walsh, OSF. Follow them by reading their comments, enjoying their photos and learning about the wonderful people they serve.

Where the Whole Lake is ‘Our Rink’

Franciscan Sisters Part of Herald Times Reporter Best Photos of 2009

Applaud Pope Benedict XVI’s Calling Francis Authentic Giant of Holiness

Begin Celebration of Silver Lake College of the Holy Family’s Legacy

Franciscan Sister Receives Catholic Schools Week Elizabeth Seton Award

Is there a Connection between Religious Communities and Sustainability

Sent to Serve in Four Mission Sites

Leader’s Responsibility to Effect Positive Change

Download ‘Don’t Look Down, Pollyanna’ by Steve Forbert

Comments from Steve Forbert

About Steve Forbert

Websites

Lyrics: Don’t Look Down, Pollyanna

Follow the Franciscan Sisters in Yuma, AZ

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