Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Annette Kurey tells about her experience as a Presider and Formation Director with the Order of Franciscans Secular at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Greenwood, MS. ( If you are confused right now about what to call this Franciscan order of the laity, you are not alone! The new translating that has just this year been voted on in Brazil, that is accepted is OFS – Order of Franciscan Seculars. The Order feels it is a more correct translation. It will take some time for this to all get switched because the previous letters are on emails, license plates stationary etc…)

How did you come to be involved with the OFS in Greenwood?
Mrs. Hollie kindly commandeered my assistance in reactivating the former OFS here at St. Francis Greenwood. She was quite confident that I could do the job as all I needed was a knowledge of St. Francis and St. Clare. I didn’t immediately accept her “invitation” but told her I would pray about it and asked her to do the same. The next nudge or push by the Holy Spirit came in the form of a tap on the shoulder from Father Greg, our pastor. This resulted in a rather timid “Yes”. I agreed to be the Spiritual Assistant so that someone else would be in charge. A few months later the Regional Minister and the Regional Formation Director came here to guide our beginning steps.

What exactly is your role in the OFS?
I am the Presider and the Formation Director. Despite my own plans to avoid being in charge, God had other plans and acting as the Presider basically means I’m in charge. As Formation Director I am to explain to the OFS members what it means to be a Secular Franciscan. In a nutshell I am to lead and form them in living and moving “from the Gospel to life and life to the Gospel”.

How does the OFS differ from our own life as Sisters in the Third Order Regular of St. Francis?
Our group is Third Order Secular. They originate from lay people who wished to follow St. Francis during his own time. We Sisters share the Third Order with them. We have chosen to live our life as vowed religious. They profess to live the Gospel life in the way of St. Francis for the whole time of their life as lay people in the world.

What is the history of the OFS here at St. Francis?
The Friars arrived in Greenwood in 1948. The parish was established in 1951. The mission of this parish was to serve the spiritual needs of Black Catholics who had no church that would accept them. In 1954 the Secular Franciscan Order was erected here as part of the growth of the spiritual life of the parish. In 1957 there were 28 professed Secular Franciscans here at St. Francis. In 1975 St. Francis OFS was listed as inactive. Today 2 professed members remain from this group. They have been joined by 12 prospective members who are in the Orientation stage of formation.

What is included in the actual formation of an individual in the OFS and how does it compare to formation in our community?
OFS formation is very similar to formation in any religious order in that there is a lot of discernment involved at the beginning. Prayer is the first required “skill” needed and the first topic of instruction. They are first introduced to the expectations and requirements. There is a formal interview and faith inventory. This would mirror our application process and acceptance into the community. Our postulancy would parallel the inquiry stage of the OSF. The OFS Candidacy would resemble our Novitiate in that this stage includes more focused discernment and leads to a request for either temporary or perpetual profession.

What do you find most inspiring about your involvement with the group?
The sincerity of the individuals who long to grow closer to the Lord and believe that this is the vocation that God has called them to follow has made me appreciate my own vocation so much more. I have learned so much more about St. Francis and St. Clare and their order. This whole journey has and continues to enrich my prayer life and challenge my level of trust in God.

In sharing images from this year’s Franciscan Sisters’ of Christian Charity Motherhouse May Crowning, it seems very appropriate to look to St. Clare during her 800th year of celebration for words of inspiration on Mary, our Mother and Queen of the Seraphic Order.

Specifically, we quote from The Testament of St. Clare near the end of the document.

Therefore, as we have set out on the path of the Lord, let us take care that we do not turn away from it by our own fault or negligence or ignorance nor that we offend so great a Lord and His Virgin Mother, and our Father, the blessed Francis, and the Church Triumphant and, indeed, the Church Militant. For it is written: “Cursed are those who turn away from Your commandments (Ps 118:21).

For that reason I bend my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 3:14), that through the prayers and merits of the glorious and holy Virgin Mary, His Mother, and of our most blessed Father Francis and all the Saints, the Lord Himself Who has given us a good beginning will [also] give the increase and constant perseverence to the end. Amen

In this month of mothers and Mary, Jesus’ mother, Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Kathleen Murphy completes the academic year of  reviewing liturgical songs with Mary, Woman of the Promise.

Our year has rounded to the month of May, the month of Mary.  We may honor our Blessed Mother with the prayerful singing of Mary, Woman of the Promise.  The very title calls to mind the longed for Kingdom, the world of promise that is the object of our yearning.  Mary can lead us and help us to bring this Kingdom of Promise to birth.

We sing of Mary’s willing and open spirit as a channel filled with God’s goodness.  That which is most human in us can also be this hollow reed, this open channel bringing the water’s of God’s goodness to those thirsting for it.  Mary is called “holy wisdom”.  In this role Mary is proclaimed as remaining faithful to the Word within.  We are capable of the same.

We name Mary as morning star of justice, mirror of the radiant light and beacon.  Sometimes we become so hyper-aware of the darkness in our world that we forget not only our calling, but our very identity as Children of Light.  Our words, prayer, and action all have the potential to be light to the world that we touch.

Mary is called model of compassion and woman of the Gospel.  Let us ask Mary to deepen our own sense of compassion for all who suffer.  We pray that we will not save our empathy for those we know, or for those whose anguish comes from an “acceptable disorder”.  Rather, may we be pilgrims with Mary on the road to a justice based on the Gospel.

Happy Mothers’ Day! Remembering our own mothers and all women who nurture others to grow and be all that God calls them to be, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity share the handiwork of Tess Flanagan Roberts and Eileen Flanagan Doughty, mother and daughter quilters who inspire each other in decorative designs. A neighbor while our Sisters lived at St. Paul Manor as part of St. Paul Elder Services, Kaukauna, WI., Tess is a true and long-time friend of our Community.

Comment from Tess Flanagan Roberts

I have been quilting for about 25 yrs – and enjoy every minute.  It brings contentment into my life, and I have fun giving most of them away, for people to keep warm & cuddle up under.  Hopefully, working on the quilt processes will keep my aging brain active………!

Also, I am lucky to have such a generous & supportive  husband, Tom, as it can be an ‘expensive hobby’.

My daughter , Eileen’s quilts are exquisite and each one an original. (Whereas mine are someone else’s patterns.)  They are ART QUILTS — and she is very, very successful, with quilts hanging in museums, etc, in 5 continents.  She is very well known & respected in her field.  I continue to be amazed at her talent and skill.

But what I am most proud of is:    she was way up the corporate ladder, as a cartographer, at U. S. Geological Survey, in Washington DC area, and chose instead, to become a full time mother at the time of their first child’s birth.  She and husband Jonathan, now have two children. 

Sample of Tess Flanagan Roberts Art

Comment from  Eileen Flanagan Doughty

Like most quilt artists, I started out making traditional bed quilts. In 1986, after hearing how much my mother, Tess Flanagan Roberts, was enjoying her first quilting class, I had to try it too. I should have learned sewing from my mom when I was a kid, but I wasn’t interested in it till after graduating from college and moving to another state.  My mom made most of the clothes for my three sisters and me when we were little.  She could turn out a pretty dress in no time!  Tess still churns out bed and lap quilts.  The quilt shop in my town begs for her scrap quilts; they so appreciate her lovely color choices and fine work.

My first quilt class resulted in a traditional sampler quilt. It was entirely hand-pieced and hand-quilted. I survived that first quilt and was hooked — but knew that handwork wasn’t for me.  Making quilts on a sewing machine lets me finish many more than just one per year.

Quilting was a hobby for me, while I worked full-time as a cartographer.  When my first child was born, I became an at-home mother.  Eventually quilting became a home business.  I started making my own designs, particularly landscapes, not surprising for a cartographer.  I realized that quilts could be art, could be expressive, even abstract. My landscape quilts have benefited from my map-making days, since both require some knowledge of drafting and the principles of color, design and perception. 

My landscapes typically come from a place I have seen, and are a memory I want to be able to hold in my hand.  They often involve something that challenges me technically   how to depict rocks, swiftly flowing water, reflections in water, moonlight on snow.  Then there are my commissioned and public art projects, which often are based on photographs that the client sends me, along with my own research about the location. 

My artwork continues to evolve, as I explore what makes fiber art unique from other media. I am glad to read in art publications that ‘beauty is back’ because I do try to have beauty in my work.  And I am grateful for the many adventures quilting has brought me, the friends I’ve made around the world, and most especially the unfailing love and support from my mom, who remains my inspiration and hero.

Sample of Eileen Flanagan Doughty’s Art

To read more about Eileen Flanagan Doughty’s Quilts, click here.

Website

www.DoughtyDesigns.com

When’s the last time you were present for a powerful celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation in our Catholic Church? On May 6, 2012, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity witnessed Diocese of Columbus, OH, Bishop Frederick Campbell lay hands on 12 confirmands from St. Monica Parish, New Boston, OH and St. Peter in Chains Parish, Wheelersburg, OH in New Boston.

Why was this so convincingly moving? Given the numbers, having a symbolic ‘12′ meant something to the candidates. Pastor Father Joseph Yokum had invited our Vocation Team to arrive on Friday before the big day so we could lead 9 of the candidates in a retreat focusing on the symbols of water, fire, oil and laying on of hands. It was clear early on that the youth had truly formed community among each other even though they attended 3 different schools and 2 different parishes. Conversation was most revealing. They were very aware of each other’s needs, but even admitted that their growth in being brothers and sisters to each other came through showing up, and listening to each other. They talked about the first days of class with their catechist, Ruth (Boll), and just sitting with closed arms as they said not a word, but listened nonetheless.

True apostolic zeal was present not only in sense of community felt among the candidates, but in this ability to answer with Bishop Campbell’s coaching some pertinent questions.

Click here to find out those questions.

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sister Jerianne shares a scone recipe that is now a Vocation Discernment Retreat favorite. (Yes, it is a recipe that involves decision-making!) We invite you to join us for our May-18-20, 2012 retreat. Click here to learn more about this coming event.

2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt (Please measure this correctly:)!)

1/2 cup cold butter

6 Tablespoons 2 % milk

2 eggs, beaten

[Ingredients in brown demand a bit of more discernment. First, read directions below before measuring:)!]

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 teaspoon coarse sugar

In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter. In a small bowl, combine milk and all but 2 Tablespoons of the beaten eggs. [2 Tablespoons of beaten egg will be used in the final steps of the recipe.] Next, combine the ingredients of the two bowls into one larger bowl. Stir in cranberries, raisins, walnuts and chocolate chips but don’t overmix! [Feel free to substitute or skip any of these ingredients depending on what you enjoy. This step truly involves discernment skills:)!]

Turn the bowl’s ingredients onto a floured surface; knead gently 6-8 times. Pat into a two 6 inch circles. Cut into flour wedges. Separate wedges and place on parchment paper or use cooking spray to coat baking sheets. Brush the remaining beaten eggs on  top of the flour wedges; sprinkle with coarse sugar. [Optional: to choose or not to choose depending if you have some on hand:)!]

Bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with coffee or a beverage of your choice. Yield: 8 servings Takes about 30 minutes to prepare.

A Postulant naturally captivated with beauty and who enjoys art, Regina Lehnerz promises to share her experience with our Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in the Sonoran Desert in Tucson, AZ.  Surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and at home in a convent steps away from the iconic landmark of Mission San Xavier del Bac, she promises to share stories of reaching out to others here in this historic place and  in Tucson’s southside Santa Cruz Parish.

May 10-Last days

May 9

Today, I helped Sr. Carla clean up the backyard. I may have also made another batch of cookies…

May 8

Tuesday was Career Day for the 8th Graders at Santa Cruz Catholic School. Sr. Ellen and I packed up our vocations materials and headed to St. Ambrose Catholic school to meet up with the 8th Graders from Santa Cruz, St. Ambrose, and St. John’s schools; there were about 75 kids divided into 6 groups in all. We gave a short presentation to each group on vocations (which we specified were not careers) and took each group through the Archives room which had a display on local sisters and congregations. Again, no pictures from me…

Tuesday afternoon, I helped in the library at Santa Cruz The library is a special place because the recent donations and renovations done there were donated in honor of Sr. Leonette’s mother, Loretta. It’s a beautiful space. I worked at finding Accelerated Reader Book Levels for a few of the 900 new reading books the school received for the library.

Tuesday night, I helped Sr. Carla with the monthly Baptism class. There were 16 or 17 families (with their babys’ sponsors) who came to the meeting. We held it outside in the courtyard at San Xavier church. Sr. Carla and I set up stations for each family to go to where they could do something tangible relating to the meaning and purpose of baptism (like writing the name of their child on a chart, making a cross, blessing themselves with oil, drinking cold water, lighting a candle…).

May 7

Monday was the Elder’s meeting with Sr. Carla and Sr. Pat. We organized St. Clare’s meeting room and had about 25 local elders for games, lunch, and talks from a Tohono O’odham man named Joseph. Sr. Carla describes him as the man who best intigrates O’odham himdag (way of life) and Catholicism. He was extremely interesting to listen to. So interesting, I forgot to take pictures. But he spoke on renewed reverence for sacramentals, participating in the sacraments, especially Confession, and a bit on loving family.

May 6

We all drove to Gila Bend and met up with all the Sisters from Yuma, Sierra Vista, and Bapchule. There were 22 of us there! Sr. Elizabeth got a group shot and promised to send me a copy…. SOON! (As you can tell the picture arrived! Click on the photo so that you can better identify everyone!)

May 5 (what I really did on that day)

Sr. Leonette took me into Sells, AZ to visit the old Topawa Mission site and the Tohono O’odham Cultural Center. The mission still has an active chapel and friary, but it looks as though it’s been a long time since Sisters lived there. The Cultural Center was very fascinating; it featured a display of all the women who’d won the Miss Tohono O’odham contest since the 60’s. Sr. Lucia Antone’s sister, Anita, was famous for weaving the winner’s crown. We weren’t allowed to take pictures at the museum, but we did spot a band of horses on the highway on our return.

May 5

 These are from Sabino Canyon here in Tuscon. (Sabino means rust colored) Sr. Pat, Sr. Carla and I went on an excursion today! The park offers tram tours up and through the canyon… we took the tram all the way up and then walked all the way back (over 3.5 miles). It was stunning. The rocks were beautiful, there were Saguaro cacti everywhere, and we saw lizards, strange & beautful birds, a couple fat squirrels, and some fish. Here are some of our pictures. I got a little sun… colored .

May 4

More pictures.

The first one is of San Xavier Mission again. They call it “the White Dove in the Desert”. It’s a beautiful spot and I can’t help taking pictures of it everyday.

Next a picture of  me giving a vocation talk with sixth graders at Santa Cruz Catholic School. We had fun talking about our favorite foods after we finished discussing life directions…

The next 3 are pictures of the May Crowning ceremony we had at San Xavier school. The entire student body marched up the hill next to the church because there is a grotto there dedicated to Our Mother. The procession began with songs, and classes stayed together. At the top of the hill, we had a little ceremony and prayed the rosary together as a school. The first and second graders (I was helping Sr. Delores with 2nd graders that day) threw rose petals on the path as the students processed back down the hill. It was a beautiful ceremony.

The last picture is the product of some serious kitchen duty.

May 1

Greetings from Tuscon. We’ve been busy here already, but I’ve been too captivated by the scenery to have anyone take pictures of me and the Sisters. Here are some photos I took today of landscape and etc. I will send others w/ people in them once I’ve taken some!

These are all from Mission San Xavier del Bac where Sister Pat, Sister Carla, Sister Delores, Sister Ellen, Sister Leonette and Sister Mary Ann live in a convent nearby…except the first one.

ARISE! Sounds like an Easter event, right? Well, the Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee uses the word to identify a new apostolate open to all ages that includes Eucharistic Adoration, Sacrament of Reconciliation and contemporary praise and worship music.  Curious, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Vocation Team and Novices decided to check it out on April 28, 2012 at Lumen Christi, Mequon, WI, a Catholic church a little more than an hour from our Motherhouse in Manitowoc.  

Red t-shirted, smiling young greeters at every door were the first to make us feel welcome. Musicians playing life-fested songs tuned up, made sound checks and eventually invited everyone to join in simple, praise hymns. It wasn’t too long before lights dimmed and a long line of priests entered from the back of church carrying with them Jesus in a large Eucharistic monstrance. The crowd knelt in adoration.

While Bishop Don Hying, Fr. Phil Hurley, S.J., and Fr. John Mary Burns presided at previous ARISE events, tonight Father Luke Strand, assistant pastor at Holy Family in Fond du Lac, next offered an inspiring fererino on Psalm 25.  So perfect for this year of St. Clare, Father encouraged us to be open to God’s abundant love and gaze so as to imitate Christ. (Typical to ARISE is a theme based on a psalm. Given the number of psalms, this apostolate has a lot of hope of being around for a long time.)

Now, the word apostolate is not one used in common conversation. A word rooted in the first followers of Christ, ARISE hopes to bring people to the knowledge and love of Christ and to the promise of the Easter blessing of eternal life. Watch for further comments from our Franciscan Novices, Sister Monica, Sister Regina Rose and Sister Leslie about our experience. (Sister Monica and Sister Leslie were actually invited by Heather Rumple, youth minister at Lumen Christi, to share first impressions in a video interview before leaving for home.)

ARISE Milwaukee, currently operating as a joint ministry of the Basilica of St. Josaphat and St. Joseph Parish in Wauwatosa, resumes September 22, 2012 after a summer break. We encourage you to check it out.

On April 24, 2012 Bishop David Ricken invited young inquirers and Women Religious of the Diocese of Green Bay to explore together the vocation to the Consecrated Religious Life. Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity were happy to RSVP to this special  invitation and invited our own guests to travel along with us. Two other Congregations (Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross, Green Bay, WI, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, LaCrosse, WI) also witnessed their own Community spirit.

Important to ‘Project Elizabeth’ was an opening  5:30 p.m. Eucharist (in which Sister Carol Juckem, Sister Regina Rose, Sister Mary Ann Spanjers and Regina accompanied with keyboard and guitars in a prayerful, yet upbeat spirit) at St. Joseph Chapel on the Diocesan Campus. Bishop Ricken led us all in this sacrament that is the source and summit of our Christian lives.

Event planner, Father Daniel Schuster, Diocese of Green Bay Vocation Director, was assisted with additional man power from Dan, Luke and John who helped serve not only at Mass, but the meal. Carol Ricken, Bishop Ricken’s sister,  not only added a colorful, feminine touch to the environment as well as  baked delicious dessert items, but truly was a gracious hostess.

While ‘recounting all that happened on the way’ home from Green Bay, our invited companions felt Bishop Ricken’s homily was the most helpful resource of  the evening. Of course, needing to leave quite early from Manitowoc to be present for the Eucharist and feeling quite ’starved’ after full days of school, all agreed the luscious mostaccioli meal and desserts placed a healthy second. All were grateful to hear the Sisters’ stories.

We invite you to consider an invitation to Bishop Ricken’s next Project Elizabeth Dinner.