1 Franciscan Way

It’s the Little Things

2009-06-03T14:30:00.003-05:00

It’s a constant revelation to me how life in the convent and life, consequently, is about the little things. Sunday, was the feast of Pentecost as well as the feast of the Visitation. Although the Visitation was trumped by the Holy Spirit, I don’t think that Mary minded being overshadowed by her spouse. It was also eight of our Sisters’ nameday.

We take our names after Saints, Mary, Christ, and the Holy Spirit to name a few. Sunday was the nameday of Sr. Mary Grace, Sr. M. Hannah, Sr. M. Elise, Sr. Mariela, Sr. Mary Elizabeth, and Sr. Marianna (for the Visitation), as well as Sr. M. Consolata and Sr. M. Renata (for the Holy Spirit).

Namedays are usually comprised of a special petition at Mass, greetings, Nameday songs (sung to the tune of Happy Birthday – Is it still copyrighted if you change birthday to nameday?), and many little gifts found in their room. It’s amazing what little things can mean.

Sr. M. Elise’s room was filled with…an art gallery of her Sisters’ finest work. Imagine 26 coloring pages of the Visitation taped around the room. They were all colored with extreme deliberation. Some added bubbles for text, others a Jewish welcome matt and cross on the wall (Elizabeth was a little ahead of her time!), Elizabeth displaying her favorite teams mascots, and even glitter halos. 26 original works of art created specifically for Sr. M. Elise.

It was the thought that was touching. It was reading the back of the sheets with explanations of why there was brown on the bottom of Mary’s garment; she was coming in haste after all. It was the fact that one little Sister had been passing out coloring pages since Christmas to Sisters as they came home to Alton from all over the United States.

Our life isn’t about great feats, abounding fame, or resounding acclaim. It’s about the little things done for our Sisters and those we serve done in love. It’s the little things that we do daily out of love of Jesus Christ.

Passing out coloring pages = 6 months.

Recruiting 6’ tall sisters to hang coloring pages = 1 morning.

The smile on Sr. M. Elise’s face as she viewed her art gallery = priceless.

- submitted by Sr. Mary George Brown, FSGM

Blessings!

2009-05-19T08:12:00.004-05:00

Enjoy Sister M. Benedicta's Vocation Video Part III. When you give everything to the Lord, He cannot be outdone in generosity. Listen to the blessings Sister M. Benedicta has received in surrendering all to HIM.

Time for the Lord

2009-05-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Tis the season of summer schedules...

Retreats, vacations and Sisters helping out all around the Province...

In April one of the great excitements in our community is the reception of summer schedules. These are a masterpiece of choreography as each Sister receives time for her annual seven day retreat, her time for vacation, time for community days ... and her summer work.

The convents where teaching is the sole apostolate close for the summer and the Sisters go forth to relieve others so that they may have a welcome break. Our Sisters help with summer religion programs and youth camps all over the country. Never a dull moment.

It is a time to grow in our bonds of community as we visit and work with Sisters we've not seen for some time. It is a time to rest a bit, to renew one's heart and to gain the spiritual strength to go forth to serve the Lord.

It's a time to practice abandonment (you never know where you may go, or with whom, or when). It's a time to pray more. It is a time for the Lord.

--submitted by Sister M. Luka

The Harvest is Great but Workers are Few...

2009-05-03T04:38:00.005-05:00

It is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. A day when we pause to recognize that there is much to be done in God's Vineyard, and few indeed to do it.

It's not a call to work, although there is work.

It's a call to give one's life to the Lord and to His people; a call to build up the kingdom of God in myriad ways. It's call to love; a call to pray.

There is much to be done. A world in need of Christ. A world in need of mercy. A world wracked by war and poverty and ignorance - and, most sadly, a world where the Lord of all is forgotten.

Love is not loved.

St. Francis used to weep that God was not known, was not loved. Our world even more resolutely ignores Him and the price is paid by every one of us.

Today is a day to pray for soldiers of Christ, for servants of God, for men and women on fire with the love of the Lord, willing to spill out their lives in His love, in His service.

Is that your call?

Simply Ready

2009-04-30T07:32:00.001-05:00

Simply ready to…go to confession, get transferred to a different apostolate, and …cantor for a funeral mass in …2 minutes. Whoever said that the life of a Sister wasn’t very exciting? We follow a rule of the day outlining what we will be doing, and yet we are told to be simply ready, because you never know what you will be doing next.

Mother M. Anselma says “our special mission is to be simply ready in obedience to God’s call. One of the ways in which He lets us know His Will is to show us by the signs of the times what is needed in our service of Christ.”

This past Friday, I received a chance to put this maxim in action. The music minister of the parish came barreling down the stairs into my music classroom looking for a cantor. The parish cantor didn’t show up for the funeral mass that starts in 2 minutes, and there’s no one to sing. “Sure, I’ll fill in.” By God’s grace, my morning was free as the 3rd and 4th graders were away on a field trip. There goes my planning period, but, oh well.

I know that Msgr. Mullen was surprised to see me show up and very grateful, not to mention the family who were never aware of the situation, or the fact that I wasn’t a usual cantor. It was one less thing that they needed to worry about, and provided me with an opportunity to pray for them in their time of loss. I must say, however, that the funeral directors jaw dropped when Janice, the usual cantor, magically transformed into me. I would imagine it would be a shock to see a young Sister show up in the place of a 58 year old woman.

“Did I mention to you that you’ll need to sing Schubert’s Ave Maria as well?” (This addressed to me in a hushed whisper during the homily.) No. I’ve never sung it before, but… God’s will, if He’s asking it of me I’m sure it will be fine. And it was. I’m simply ready to follow your lead Lord, what do you want of me?

One of the beautiful things about being a religious is our vow of obedience. Many think that it is the one drawback of religious life. As a spiritual director of our community, Fr. Meenan, once said, in regard to being simply ready in obedience, that it allows us “the freedom to be able to move because I have one passion in my life and that passion is God’s Will and God’s service according to His Will,” As such it is one of the greatest blessings to our lives. Being a crusader for His will rather than my own allows me to really follow the gospel and say “What do You want of me?” in all sincerity.

I am simply ready to follow wherever the Spirit leads. As I finish college, and a transfer is imminent I am simply ready to take up my next assignment. And once I’m there, am I simply ready to go where He and the community lead me? I hope so.

I’m simply ready.

What do you want of me?

- posted by Sister Mary George Brown, FSGM

Formation and a New Name

2009-04-28T08:06:00.001-05:00

Sister M. Benedicta shares about formation in the Novitiate and receiving a new name. Check out Vocation Story - Part II below!

Sister M. Benedicta's Vocation Story - Part I

2009-04-18T08:43:00.002-05:00

Each one of us has a story to share: our life! Each one of us is on a journey. Some of you are discerning where the Lord is calling you on this journey. Listen to Sr. M. Benedicta as she shares how the Lord called her. Maybe you can relate!

Be not afraid to respond with courage and generosity!

Will you walk with me?

2009-04-15T12:39:00.006-05:00

On Easter morning, bright and very early, twenty-one young women stood up and said "Yes."

It's an amazing moment.

On Easter all of the faithful renew vows. We stand at the feet of the Risen Lord and proclaim yet again

I renounce Satan,
And all his works,
And all his empty promises.

And we proclaim that we believe in God.

But these women took it one step further. They have decided that they want to radically live out their lives in fulfillment of those promises.

They told the Lord that they want to walk with Him.

He asks that question of each of us, in all of the circumstances of our lives:

"Will you walk with me?"

So what about you? Will you walk with Him?

--submitted by Sister M. Luka

From the Novitiate

2009-04-14T16:57:00.003-05:00

On Easter the Novitiate presented a drama and candle dance for the community. A candle dance is a tradition of our community. This recorded view is unique because you really can just see the candles. When viewing it live, one sees the Sisters as well. Enjoy!

For You

2009-04-10T08:36:00.002-05:00

Remain with Jesus. Watch and pray. Accompany Him along the Way today. Be attentive to His gaze.

He is condemned for you. He is scourged for you. He embraces the cross for you. He walks for you. He falls for you. He is accompanied by Simon for you. He receives love from Veronica for you. He sheds tears for you. He is stripped for you. He freely lays down His body on the cross for you. He is nailed for you. He hangs for you. He is poured out for you. He dies for you. He is pierced for you.

He loves…..you.

Women's Discernment Day

2009-04-06T15:08:00.003-05:00

Women's Discernment Retreat - April 25, 2009

Come join us for a day of prayer and reflection, presented by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George and the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, MI

Who: Single Catholic Women, 18 years old and older

Time: 10:30am - 3:30pm

Where: Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux, Collinsville, Oklahoma

Cost: $5 donation to help defray cost; Lunch and refreshments provided.

RSVP/Questions?: by April 15th to Sr. M. Monica, FSGM by phone at 918.446.9783 or by email at mefinger@saint-catherine.org

What is your Response?

2009-04-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has issued his message for Vocation Prayer Day to be oberved on May 3rd: "Faith in the Divine Initiative -- the Human Response".

Are you experiencing this call on your heart to surrender all to His love? to be His laborer in the vineyard? Let us all storm heaven for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for young men and women to generously say 'yes' to the Lord's invitation.

The Power of One Yes!

2009-04-02T16:46:00.006-05:00

Where were you on April 2, 2005? Today is the fourth anniversary of Pope John Paul II's death. What an incredible witness he was of a man living for Christ!

Have you ever pondered what one 'yes' can do? Have you ever thought about the effects of John Paul II's yes? It's quite amazing isn't it? I'm sure each of us has a story of how he affected our life. Why? It's because each of us encountered Christ's love in Pope John Paul II. He encouraged us to live for Christ and to not be afraid of following with our whole heart.

Is Christ calling you to follow Him? What is holding you back from saying YES with your whole heart? Be not afraid. It takes courage to say yes, but you can make a difference too! Take a step of faith and of courage and say yes to the Lord!

As we think about Pope John Paul II - here is one of his messages:

A Day in the Life

2009-04-02T07:36:00.009-05:00

Meet Sister M. Mercedes! She is one of our junior professed Sisters who serves in the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas. She teaches religion and brings much joy to the students and staff at St. James Academy. You can read more about her story on the Archdiocese of Kansas City's website.

Veni Si Amas

2009-03-25T10:41:00.005-05:00

Our Veni Si Amas Spring Retreat held March 20-22nd was a weekend blessed with many graces!

Please pray for the young women who came to seek God's will for their lives. As we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation today, may they respond like Mary with complete surrender and a resounding 'yes' to follow the Lord wherever He leads.

You can check out more pictures on our website!

Perseverance

2009-03-20T10:40:00.012-05:00

"Rejoice in hope, be patient under trial, persevere in prayer."

Romans 12:12It's nearing the end of the 3rd week of lent. Are you feeling a little discouraged? Have you fallen a few times with your resolutions? Do not lose hope! Do not give up! Begin again.

Here is Sister M. Wencesla - an image of perseverance!

Every day she spends 2-3 hours in adoration. You see, we Sisters do not 'retire'. Instead, we become 'Adoration Sisters'. Sister M. Wencesla is an example of a Sister who has persevered in prayer, persevered in following the Lord, persevered in the midst of the Cross, persevered in serving Him wherever He has asked. Yes, she still perseveres in faithfulness today.

I don't know where you are in the journey of following Christ, but whether you are just beginning or it's been some years, do not give up in the face of tempatations or doubt. Remember, Jesus faced temptations in the desert too.

Another example of faithfulness to prayer is Sister M. Julia!

She too is an Adoration Sister! She is a witness of someone who looks forward to spending time with Jesus. On Monday she had an adoration hour from 8-9am. I took her place from 9-10am. As she was leaving she whispered to me, "I'll see you at 10!" As soon as she leaves Jesus she is already thinking about when she will return to Him!

These two Sisters - Sister M. Wencesla and Sister M. Julia - are lights to us! I know we have received much through their powerful intercession. May they receive in return for their 50+ years of love and service to the Lord!

Perseverance - I only have to look to these Sisters to see it lived out. Perseverance - defined by 50 years of service. I've only just begun at 10!

Don't give up dear friends! Persevere in LOVE!

Why Habits?

2009-03-14T20:44:00.005-05:00

The months of January and February seem to be especially heavy times for Catholic Schools to focus on Vocations. Perhaps the Day of Consecrated Life that is celebrated often on the Feast of the Presentation, February 2, has something to do with it. As I student teach this semester and move away from the college setting and into the classroom, the opportunity to reach out into the community and participate in vocation awareness has presented itself.

An old classmate from college called me up to come talk to her second graders about what it’s like to be a sister. They were especially cute. One of the last three “questions” that I received was “This is really cool!” I agree it sounds more like a statement than an actual question, but with second graders what can you expect. (I especially enjoyed the stack of homemade cards that came pouring my way as a result of that particular vocation talk. One student even went so far to give me her phone number to call when I wasn’t doing anything. I don’t think I explained what a day in the life of a sister was like!) One of the most powerful questions that I received with the second graders and later when talking to high school students, however, was about the habit.

Why? Why wear a habit? What is it for? Some students ask me outright, and some students and adults try to finagle the answer through back door questions, but to most people in today’s world the idea remains a foreign mystery to be solved. In my high school student teaching experience I have received a chance to share a lot about religious life with the faculty and staff. I am the only religious sister of my community at this school, joined by one other sister in her eighties from a different community. That raises a lot of questions, right there, about who exactly the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George are. Perhaps being a 24 year old sister and being the youngest faculty member on staff has something to do with it too. It has raised questions in the inquiring minds of my students as well. I am obviously doing something radical and or extremely strange in their eyes.

“Why do you where a habit?” Because I am a Bride of Christ. I was amazed at the ready acceptance from my students with this simple yet profound reason. My class of sophomore and junior girls exclaimed with understanding as it hit them full force. “That’s why you wear a veil, just like a bride!” one student in particular explained. Yes, that’s why I wear a veil and simple garment, because I am a bride of the poor, chaste, obedient one, Jesus Christ. It makes so much sense now! That’s why I wear it everyday, because there is not a moment or time when I cease to be that Bride of Christ. It serves as a constant reminder to me and my students of the purpose of my life. I am to be a bride. Thanks to vocation days, many other people now understand why I wear my habit as well.

- submitted by Sister Mary George Brown

Hide and Seek

2009-03-13T15:31:00.008-05:00

Did you ever play hide and seek as a kid? What did you enjoy more - hiding or seeking? Personally, it wasn't one of my favorite games because I would get a little scared! What if I didn't find a place to hide before the 'seeker' stopped counting? Then it was the time waiting to be found, hearing them come close - "Will they find me or not?" It almost seemed like my heart was going to pound right through my chest because it was beating so fast!

Hide and seek. Two words. They provoke many thoughts to ponder. If you haven't noticed by now, I like questions.

Do you hide from the Lord? Why?

Do you seek Him?

Have you found Him?

Do you let Him seek you?

Sometimes it is hard to find the Lord. He's hidden. Sometimes I expect Him to reveal Himself clearly to me. Yet, He doesn't, but does He? I have to look, to seek, Him out! I have to remember that His ways are not my ways. He is present ALL the time. I have to learn to look with new eyes and to let go of my own expectations.

What are your expectations? Are you waiting to respond because He hasn't spoken to you in the way you wanted Him to? Do you expect Him to reveal Himself to you directly? clearly? on your terms? OR have you surrendered to His ways?

I encourage you this Lent to persevere in seeking the Lord! When you played "hide and seek" did you ever give up looking? No! You wanted to find everyone who was hiding! Well, don't give up on seeking the Lord. He may be hiding, but He can be found. On the other hand, if you are the one hiding from God, then you may need to reflect on why you are doing this. Let Him seek you!

So - go play "hide and seek" with the Lord! Let me know who wins!

I'll leave you with a quote from Archbishop Luis M. Martinez in his book Secrets of the Interior Life:

"Here we meet with the key of the interior life. The explanation of these apparent contradictions lies in this: that our God is a hidden God, as the sacred Scriptures tell us. 'Verily Thou art a hidden God.' (Isaiah 45:15) And a hidden God must be sought. If there is a secret hiding place in a room, and if there is a person concealed in it, we do not encounter him, even though he is near us. We do not even suspect his presence. Thus it is with God. He is a hidden God. He is present everywhere, but everywhere He is concealed: in the stars of the heavens, in the earth that supports us, in the air that we breathe, in the neighbors that surround us. But will we always discover God?

...As our Faith tells us, God lives in our heart. But sad experience teaches us that we do not always encounter Him. Why? Because, although He is there, He is hidden; and to find a hidden person, it is necessary to seek him. God is in the Eucharist in a special way, and of all the places where He is, there we encounter Him most easily. However, even there He is hidden. How often we draw near to the tabernacle without perceiving or feeling anything!

Consequently one of the secrets of the interior life consists, not in knowing where God is, because we already know that He is everywhere, but in knowing that, wherever He is, He is hidden. Hence, the secret of entering into communication with Him is to find Him."
- submitted by Sister M. Consolata, FSGM

Setting the bar high

2009-03-04T06:00:00.001-06:00

Tis the season for reflection.

It seems that in the jumble of these days, people talk about what they are "giving up" for Lent -- and it always sounds like they are making a heroic sort of sacrifice. But in reality, what are we really giving up? We forgo sweets, or some t.v., or some other superfluous indulgence.

But what did he give?

It seems like it might be good to set the bar high; to give a bit more - not so much to "give up", but to "give to"; to remember that this life will pass, and the way we make use of our time now will influence how we are for all eternity. It may be time to "go for the gold," or, as someone once said, "to run so as to win.

May God bless us in his mercy.

--submitted by Sister M. Luka, Kansas City in Kansas

Ashes to Ashes

2009-02-25T06:00:00.007-06:00

Lent begins today. A day of beginning; a day to renew.

Often Lent is seen as a season of "giving up;" it is probably better to think of it as a season of "giving to."

In our local community, we are pondering the vow of poverty throughout the Lenten Season. The life of St. Francis was marked by absolute poverty, giving up all for God. St. Clare followed him with a determined vision to maintain "the privilege of poverty" in her convents.

Living in a culture wholly immersed in greed for material goods, religious poverty speaks a powerful witness. In our congregation, we consciously maintain a vital balance. We follow St. Francis and we have a stable apostolic work, which requires the use of material goods.

It's an art, and one that requires constant renewal. How do you use goods as necessary, but not begin to accumulate "things"? How do you possess while avoiding being possessed by things? How do you keep from getting caught up in the acquisitive spirit of the times?

They are good questions to ponder in the season of penance; the time of renewal.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us.

--submitted by Sister M. Luka, Kansas City in Kansas

Welcome to Rachel

2009-02-19T10:32:00.004-06:00

Praised be Jesus Christ! Hi! My name is Rachel Erb. I am from York, Pennsylvania. I am 19 years old. I entered the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George on December 28, 2008.

While studying Catechetics along with a Youth Ministry Concentration I met the Sisters. I had a blessed one and a half years at Franciscan University of Steubenville which helped me discern if God might be calling me to religious life. I first heard God calling me in eighth grade when I had a sister for a teacher. She radiated Christ with her joy and love. Throughout high school I decided to push this idea out of my mind. Every once in awhile God would ask "What about becoming a bride of Christ?" Many times I argued and told God no! At Franciscan University this idea changed because I saw all the religious sisters who were in love with Jesus and this overwhelming joy was bursting from my heart.

I was afraid at first but I asked Jesus what I should do. He replied, "What did Mary do?" So Mary's fiat "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done unto me according to your word" began to resound in my heart. Jesus confirmed many times this path to become a bride of Christ. After meeting the sisters from our community and visiting my heart was filled with joy and peace. Our charism of "making the merciful love of Christ visible" and "looking on the One Whom they have pierced" has become the desire of my heart. There is still an overwhelming joy and peace after entering.

Right now I am down at our day care working with Sister M. Christina. We have very eventful days down at the day care with the two year olds. There is never a dull moment! I enjoy very much working at the day care. As I continue on my journey with my Beloved I am sure He has many eventful things planned. But I am learning from the children that it is much more freeing to be child-like in the arms of Christ. God bless!

"Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38)

Always Remember the Spirit of Just Beginning...

2009-02-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

The maxim quoted above is the oft-repeated mantra of our school President. He reminds us early and often that the "spirit of just beginning" is the essential outlook from which we must operate.

And it's a great paraphrase of St. Francis: "Let us begin today, brothers, to serve our Lord God, for up to now, we have done nothing."

In living as "just beginning," there is an element of excitement, investment, daring, that is so often lost when "the new wears off." The beginning is the time when plans are made, goals envisioned; it is a time of joy and hope, trust and confidence. One is open to trying things, experimentation - but always with a purpose.

It is the vision that the Church holds for us a brides of Christ.

Religious women are never referred to as "wives," we are always "brides" - always just beginning the adventure of life with the Lord of Heaven. Our Mother wisely reminds us that we are ever young; our hearts looking to fulfillment in a heavenly marriage feast. And she calls us to renew the spirit of just beginning as the long years meet us. She calls us back to spirit of our girlhood, when we wanted to fling away our lives in the service of the King.

The Church has recently announced the Apostolic Visitation of Institutes of Religious Women in the United States. In desiring to look into the quality of apostolic religious life in the United States, there is a distinct invitation for each religious woman to renew her consecration at its roots, to remember the spirit of just beginning.

Our Lady, Health of the Sick

2009-02-11T17:00:00.000-06:00

Today is the celebration of the World Day of the Sick, chosen because it is the feastday of Our Lady of Lourdes. Every year thousands of people, suffering from every sorrow and sickness, travel to Lourdes to invoke the intercession of Our Lady. She appeared at Lourdes to a young girl and told her, "I am the Immaculate Conception." During one visit, she revealed the spring that God has used to heal the sick even until the present.

For me, it is a day to pause and remember the meaning of sickness; a day to pray for those who are ill; to remember all the Sisters engaged in the apostolate of health care, particularly in our Saint Anthony's Health Center and Mother of Good Counsel Home.

God makes all things work for good for those whom he loves, those whom he has called. By identifying with his sacrifice, our sorrow and suffering become redemptive. We have lately had two Sisters diagnosed with cancer. Both of them are young and were very active before God called them to suffer for him in this particular way.

And yet, they do amazing things for our community, the Church and the world by their patient acceptance of this cross from his hands.

In the living out of Calvary in the day-to-day circumstances of their lives, they gain innumerable graces for the whole world. They may not see the true effects of their suffering until we all meet in eternity.

As the Church celebrates this feast, may all those in sorrow or pain or illness receive the special gift to unite their lives with Christ for the redemption of the world.

--submitted by Sister M. Luka, Kansas City in Kansas

Meet another Postulant - Lori Flesher

2009-02-09T10:55:00.006-06:00

Lori entered on December 31, 2008

I am a Kansas native but was working in Wisconsin for a software company before entering the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George community. I am the youngest of four and the only girl. I came from a practicing Catholic family and went to a Catholic boarding school (Thomas More Pre-Marian High) in Hays, KS. I graduated from Central Business College in Wichita, KS. I like animals, nature, walking or playing sports of all kinds. I enjoy relaxing with a good book or crossword puzzle and the Joyful Mysteries are my favorite rosary to say.

I did not answer God's call to religious life immediately. Oh, I had thought about it in high school and several times throughout my life, but like many, I thought I could find that same happiness, peace, and wealth by taking my own path in life. I still kept God in my life but chose my own way through the corporate world. While there was wordly fulfillment and many rewards, there was always a void in my soul and heart. I would only feel complete and have the tranquility, joy, and peace through God's graces when I was involved in church or religious activities. This was especially when working at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, WI on the weekends.

In fact, it was through working at the Shrine that I met the Sisters from this community and I knew immediately in my soul and heart that their charisms, mission, apostolates, joyfulness, and merciful love of Christ was what God wanted for me in His plan. "In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." [Proverbs 3:6] This was the glimpse of His plan He had in store for me and by His grace He was showing it to me so there really was no other alternative. I had no reason to look further or hold out any longer so I totally surrenered to God's Will. "Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark." [Phil. 3:13]