Franciscan Sisters at St. Peter Indian Mission, Bapchule, AZ
Posted on April 30, 2008
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2008 marks the seventy third year of our Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity presence among the Gila River community at Bapchule, AZ. In December 1935 Fathers Antonine and Celestine, friars of the Santa Barbara Province of Friars Minor welcomed the first Franciscan Sisters to St. Peter Mission. Shortly after their ministry began, Father Antonine wrote to Mother Generose: “The Sisters really love the Indians.”
The Sisters’ experiences always included more than teaching at St. Peter Indian School. It was not unusual to find the first Sisters gardening, tending bee hives, raising turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits, pigeons and goats. In 1945 a grape arbor eventually yielded about forty bushels of seedless grapes each summer. Sharing their life and talents in many ways, today’s Sisters continue to be enriched by the children and their families. Learn more about this desert place through the eyes of the seven Sisters who are blessed to be at St. Peter Mission at this time in its tender history.
http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org/what.htm
University of Wisconsin Students Choose Retreat on Relationships of Self, God and Others
Posted on April 14, 2008
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Catholic Students at two University of Wisconsin Campus Ministry Centers chose during the Easter Season to reflect on the theme of “Relationships”. On April 13, 2008, UW Superior students committed themselves to a Good Shepherd Recollection Sunday beginning with the Eucharistic 
liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the King. After Mass the retreatants had significant time together for introductions to contemplation, personal and group prayer, light-hearted moments and meals at the Campus Ministry Center until 7:00 p.m. .
Earlier in April, UW Whitewater students began their Busy Student Retreat with a Sunday evening liturgy and then were faithful for personal prayer and group reflection sessions, evening meals and night prayer for three days during their other regularly scheduled school days. The Sacrament of Reconciliation was an important part of the Tuesday evening planning.
Sharing from the Franciscan tradition, Sister Mary Ann Spanjers, OSF and Sister Julie Ann Sheahan, OSF facilitated the retreats at both campuses presenting information on these topics: “My Image of God”; Being Human: The Desire of My Heart; Relationship with Others through Jesus (San Damanino Crucifix); Relationship with Others: Intimacy; Relationship with God-The example of St. Francis of Assisi. Campus Ministers Paul Birch and Brian Zanin were instrumental in planning this time of spiritual renewal with the students.
Pope Benedict XVI’s Visit is Important
Posted on April 11, 2008
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The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity stand with the 70 million Roman Catholics and many others preparing to welcome Pope Benedict XVI on his journey to the United States. Two of our Sisters will be present for the Eucharistic liturgy at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City and another among the faithful gathered at the new Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.. All of us will be following our Holy Father’s travel itinerary through various media knowing that this is a time to renew our faith and deepen our hope as we strive to follow in the footsteps of Jesus in our world.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis has created extensive educational resources to help Catholics of all ages learn more about the papacy, the mission of the pope and why Pope Benedict’s U.S. visit is important. Visit these sites: http://www.uspapalvisit.org/holy_father.htm; www.adw.org/papalvisit (The pictures included in this posting were taken at St. Patrick Cathedral on April 19, 2008 by Sister Mariadele Jacobs, OSF.)
Needless to say, Pope Benedict XVI is a peripatetic teacher traveling to seven significant places outside of Italy in less than three years. He is quoted: “Only from the saints, only from God, does true revolution come, the definitive way to change the world.” Called to be followers of Jesus at this time in history, comment on what this papal visit means to you.
Franciscan Sisters’ Health Assembly-What is Ours to Do?
Posted on April 6, 2008
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On April 5-6, 2008, over forty-five Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity involved in Jesus’ healing ministry gathered to reflect on changes occurring in the community’s healthcare organizations and to gain insight into the Franciscan response to change. After opening with Morning Prayer on Saturday, Sister Laura Wolf, CEO of the FSCC HealthCare Ministry Inc. updated all participants on the system’s organizations. Sister Louise Hembrecht, OSF, FSCC Community Director, concluded the session entitled “Change, Change and More Change” sharing on the Community’s own health services to the Sisters.
Other significant individuals that were part of the two-day agenda included Mary Pineda , a psychotherapist and educator on women’s issues in life transition/change who led sessions entitled “Chicken Soup for the Franciscan Soul”. Sister Anne Marie Lom, OSF, a spiritual director at St. Raphael’s Parish, Oshkosh, WI, as well as serving her own Franciscan Sisters, guided Sunday’s prayerful reflection and group process on the topic ” A Franciscan Approach to Change”. Fr. Richard Klingeisen, former chaplain at Holy Family 
Memorial Medical Center in transition to serving at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Manitowoc, WI, also presided at the Saturday late morning Eucharistic Liturgy. Sister Patricia Linssen, OSF and Sister Martin Flavin, OSF assisted with organizational and creative needs.
What Franciscan attitude do you think will help you as you deal with change in the coming weeks e.g. carry little, an attitude of openness, being surprised?
Franciscan Sisters at Silver Lake College, Manitowoc, WI
Posted on April 1, 2008
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Today forty Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity live in community on the campus of Silver Lake College of the Holy Family. Learn more about their lives together and in service to God’s people of Manitowoc county and beyond from the Sisters themselves.
The college’s proud history was born out of an ever-growing need for the education of Sisters and for professionally prepared teachers in Catholic institutions. http://www.sl.edu/history.htm
Mother Edna wrote in a November 1, 1954 letter: As religious, our first task is to make ourselves fit for his (God’s) service. As a Community we have the obligation of training our young members properly for the work that will be assigned to them, and in order to do that we must build a college. Now, we must act. With every passing day 
the need becomes more imperative. When we sit down like the man in the gospel story to count up our assets, we find none except you-and our Blessed Mother…it will be her project, launched in her year (1954-a Marian year), and dedicated to the formation of other Mary’s, who will double for her.”
Since its beginnings as Holy Family College in a wing in the Motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, numerous curriculum studies and accreditations have strengthened the mission of this liberal arts institution of higher education. During this month of April, North Central Accreditation is once again scheduled for its formal on-site visitation.
Victimae Paschali
Posted on March 23, 2008
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The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity are very aware of the goodness of God present in the many people who are present in their lives here on earth and in heaven. Please know of our prayers and join us in chanting this joyous Easter Sequence for you and your intentions:
Christians, to the Paschal Victim Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems: Christ, who only is sinless, Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous: The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal. Speak, Mary, declaring What you saw, wayfaring. “The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection; Bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting. Yes, my Christ my hope is arisen: To Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining. Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning! Amen. Alleluia.
Holy Thursday: Envision World of Goodness and Peace
Posted on March 20, 2008
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The power of imagination can visualize Francis’ dramatic visit to the Sultan at Damietta and Holy Week 2008 and the 5th year of the invasion of Iraq all at the same time. Artists use these moments to create inspirational masterpieces that speak to a world yet to come. As we gather around our Holy Thursday tables of Eucharist, words from our own Catholic Social Teaching and the Third Order Regular Rule of St. Francis linger for our reflection:
“War is a scourage and is never an appropriate way to resolve problems that arise between nations…”
“As they announce peace with their lips, let them be careful to have it even more within their own hearts. No one should be roused to wrath or insult on their account, rather all should be moved to peace, goodwill and mercy because of their gentleness…”
One artist, Martin Doblmeier, created the film The Power of Forgiveness. Like the Gospels, it is a testament that forgiveness does transform lives. Panning scenes from Northern Ireland to Ground Zero to the Amish countryside, one can view a world where people believe in good and take steps for peace.
Celebrating Women’s History-HER Story in the Franciscan Way
Posted on March 1, 2008
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Silver Lake College sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity is commemorating the public celebration of women’s history in this country which began in 1978 as “Women’s History Week” in Sonoma County, CA. In 1981, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Representative Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) co-sponsored a joint Congressional resolution proclaiming a national Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded the 
observance to a month, and March was declared Women’s History Month.
Who were the women who most reflected God’s goodness to you? Who were the women who most inspired you? Describe a woman whose influence most nurtured your growth as a learner. Describe a woman who instilled values you hold to this day?
Reflect on these images:”Marianna” is a watercolor done by Marie Spartali Stillman 1867-1869; “Elsie Martindale Hueffer” is a pastel and pencil by Madox Brown 1895; “Portrait of Sister Minerva” is an oil by Sofonisba Anquissola 1559.
Franciscan Sisters Serving at St. Theresa Parish, Kekaha, HI
Posted on March 1, 2008
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Four Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity presently live among the people of St. Theresa Parish on the Garden Island, Kauai in the Diocese of Honolulu. Kekaha has had its share of natural disasters. There were two devastating hurricanes. Iwi in November 1982 and Iniki in September 1992. With great dedication and courage the parish rebuilt and vibrantly continues the mission of Jesus Christ.
After coming to Hawaii in 1946 when St. Theresa School began, Sister Rita Forgash, the first superior and principal wrote:
Our plane, like a graceful sea gull, bent its wings toward the beautiful village of Kekaha. From the windows we observed a delegation of vested sodalists of Our Lady flanked by many other parishioners and well-wishers. Our hearts beat fast and our eyes were moist as we were welcomed with cheers and embraces and showered with colorful, fragrant leis. Amid the singing and words of hearty welcome, our prayer was: ‘Dear God, make us worthy and able to give our very best to these, your chosen children!
Learn more about St. Theresa School from one of its graduates: http://custosfidei.blogspot.com/2007/08/st-theresa-church-in-kekaha-hawaii.html
Franciscan Sister Terrific Teacher
Posted on February 17, 2008
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Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity, Sister Carol Juckem, was chosen Green Bay Channel 5 WFRV-TV “Terrific Teacher” for the month of February. Parents and Sister Mary Lee Schommer, principal of St. Peter the Fisherman School, Two Rivers, WI, nominated Sister Carol for her enthusiasm in directing the school’s classroom music, as well as band students. Please watch Erin Davisson’s report live on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 6 p.m. or view the footage on this website after that date. http://www.wfrv.com/content/news/teachers/default.aspx
Sister Carol reflects:When I first heard that I was chosen for “Terrific Teacher” for the month of February my first thought was: How blest I am to have such supportive parents and school staff. Their letters of appreciation and support are not just for this one occasion, but have been with me throughout the 3 years I have been here at St. Peter the Fisherman. No wonder we have such a wonderful school.
I am truly humbled, because I don’t concentrate on whether I’m a terrific teacher or not. My focus is on doing my best for the good of the children and being there for them. I want them to have a great experience of learning music. I want them to have fun, yes, but to also learn a lot in the process.
Recently
- 21st Century SPIRITuality
- Into the Light by Alice Peacock
- Holy Spirit Window, Resurrection Catholic Parish, Green Bay, WI
- Franciscan Sisters at St. Peter Indian Mission, Bapchule, AZ
- No Complacency in Regards to Vocations-Pope Benedict XVI
- University of Wisconsin Students Choose Retreat on Relationships of Self, God and Others
- Pope Benedict XVI’s Visit is Important
- Franciscan Sisters’ Health Assembly-What is Ours to Do?
- Franciscan Sisters at Silver Lake College, Manitowoc, WI
- The Maker by Daniel Lanois