"On Earth as in Heaven: Participating in a World Good Enough for God"
It didn't take more than a couple of sessions, crafted like none other in my past, by Sister Gabriele Uhlein, Wheaton Franciscan, to find out we were definitely going SOMEPLACE during this retreat!

Beginning with Francis, in the context of his time, we swept through the details, all with exquisite renditions in visuals of his life. All of this leading to his  REFOUNDING OF THE ORDER OF THE PENITENTS of his time, putting on a new spin to an older concept. A new twist for us to ponder!

Then Clare of Assisi, the survivor. What a fresh look at her, as seen through the eyes and paint brush of a German Poor Clare in 1492! The mirror with its creative reflections. And a new look at Ortulanna, the gardener, and the Grandmother figure, encouraging Clare in her daily "doings". And Ortulana, the ever active elder, able and ready to go on pilgrimage, showing the way....

On to Bonaventure, Chardin, Duns Scotus (More to admire about them). Deep into their theology. Enough to ponder on for another week's retreat!

The Trinity, the inner life flowing out to all of Creation...all is holy, all is relational! We are part of the whole, with non-optional participation! All activities are moving toward the COMMON GOOD! The private life of the Trinity creates beauty. In such manner, the inner quality of our Community life creates life and the common good! We move from the "I" to the "we". And the Universe teaches us: The greater the diversity, the healthier the Eco system!

From Chardin to today's Thomas Berry (his exegesis of the Canticle) and wonderful insights, merging updated science with today's Christology (his Great Story). Then a grand finale by Sister Gabe herself: The Universe Story with all the splendid visual renditions!

We end up, finally, with listening experience, of the Cosmos and our Ecozoic Era! We hear all the voices, we listen, we speak to Creation, our creation which is the outpouring, public manifestation of the inner life of the Trinity, once again!

All change is dependent on the role of IMAGINATION. Collective imagination can determine our future, as it has in our history. Think back as to how collective imagination in Church history and Community history has brought about new directions, new accomplishments, most often experienced after HUGH SHOCKS! Just relive Church History.

Sister Gabriele encouraged us to breathe in whatever is positive, what brings peace and joy. Breathe out blessings! Ending our short contemplative moments together, Sister Gabe would often conclude with, "All is well,...all is well,...and all shall be well." Written by Sister Toni Rausch, osf.

Thirty-one bright and happy girls participated in our Franciscan Girls' Camp, June 29 - July 1, in Assisi Park on the St. Francis Convent grounds.  Under bright, sunny skies, the Sisters opened camp with the girls naming their tents, followed by prayer and blessing of each tent.  A variety of activities included  painting tee-shirts, journal-decorating, dramatizing stories of Saints Francis and Clare, presentations and discussions on self esteem, water, our great resource, and prayer, kept the campers involved all day long and into the evening. We ended  the day with interactive games, smores, Sisters sharing their vocation  stories with prayer and reflection around the campfire. 

The activities made for three full days; the campers were also allowed time for play, journaling and "tent time" with their friends.  When the bell rang for meals, the campers wasted  no time in lining up for the mouth-watering food  prepared over an open fire by camper chef, Sister Sharon Fitzpatrick and  her assistant, Sister Maurita Bernet. 

Attendees who participated in the Franciscan Girls' Camp were from Bowlus, Avon, Clarissa, Little Falls, St. Cloud, Perham, Underwood, Long Lake, Rice, Brainerd, Ramsey, Fort Ripley, Minneapolis, St. Joseph, Cold Spring, Otsego, Cambridge, Waite Park, Ramsey, Elk River, Pierz, Isanti and Golden Valley. 

Many Sisters, some employees and a few young women assisted with the camp. The Sisters found  it a wonderful experience to be with the campers, who were so responsive. In turn, the campers described their time together with words such as "awesome," "prayerful," "feeling closer to God," "fabulous," "fun", "memorable," and "an unforgettable experience!" 

Click here view pictures!



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In the Twin Cities area there is a group of associates and sisters who call themselves "the Journey Women." They gather four times a year to pray, share a meal and talk-sometimes on a pre-determined topic; other times an urgent concern takes precedence. Who are these women?  

Dorothy Noud: I taught Elementary school for 37 years, and subbed for a few years after that. My hobby is making note cards to donate to various "missions" as fund raisers: Ecuador, Nicaragua, an Indigenous People's Hospital in the Philippines, and the Gift Shop at the convent. I love making things, and this is how I find my energy and can help others at the same time.

I have been part of the group since its inception when Sisters Thomasine Schmolke, Rita Barthel and Johnelle Becker were members. At that time we met every other month at one of our homes, shared a meal, and discussed a topic we had each prepared to discuss.

Now sometimes the topic is a book; at other times, it is a topic relevant to our lives or the times in which we live. Always, the discussion is inspirational and allows each of us to wonder aloud, to share our thoughts or ask our questions in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. At our last gathering, we discussed The Humility of God, a book written from a Franciscan perspective.

Except for the deaths of our three foundresses, our group has remained quite stable. We meet four times a year, share articles of interest between times, and only the direst of emergencies keep us from attending a meeting. For me, the meetings are prayerful, uplifting and joyful. Belonging to this group is definitely one of the blessings in my life.

Janet Rogalla: I live in Maplewood, Minnesota. I have been an associate for over 20 years, and during that time I have been associated with a wonderful group of women who are very important in my life. Each person brings unique gifts, which inspire me. We have a lot of fun together. We read and discuss current books and articles which help to keep us up-to-date.

I am a retired educator and treasure all of my years working with children and youth. I now enjoy my time doing Children's Liturgy of the Word during Mass once a month. I also work with the lectors and am a member of the Liturgy Committee at Transfiguration Parish in Oakdale.

My great love is being at my cabin in the summer in Sauk Centre. I live in a rustic setting surrounded by breezes from the Lake, songs of the birds, the stars at night and sunsets that take my breath away.

I consider myself a very fortunate Franciscan Associate and look forward to spending time in the summer at the Convent with sister friends who help me grow in the Spirit of Francis. Thank you for this gift.

Mary Ann Renner: I have been "associated" with FSLF for 54 of my 68 years - first as a high school student, then as a member of the order for eleven years, and later as an associate. Because of my long journey with the Franciscan Sisters, their spirit and the spirit of Francis has seeped into my very bones and lodged in my heart. I know that whatever good and generous instincts I have now stem, in large part, from of my association with them during my formative years.

My husband, Rick, and I live in Woodbury, Minn. Our four children live nearby, and we were blessed this past year with three grandbabies. Rick and I are enjoying retirement now. Really enjoying it! I was an elementary teacher for more years than I care to reveal. During the latter part of my career, I specialized in teaching English to immigrant children and working with kids who were having difficulty learning to read. I miss working with those very special children. I volunteer in music ministry at our parish - playing organ for services -- and Rick and I participate in our parish's ministry to people staying in emergency homeless shelters. 

My life these days is filled with blessings - the leisure to read, read, read; exchanging ideas with my book club buddies; babysitting grandkids; singing in the choir with Rick and our friends at Guardian Angels, and traveling to faraway lands. A special blessing for me for many years - 20 or more -- has been the journeywomen - a group of sisters and former sisters who get together several times a year to pray, to reflect, to question and to share. Oh, yes, and to eat together. I pray we'll be able to journey together for many years to come.

Marilyn Gates: I'm not sure how long I've been part of the group, but I know I am the "least senior" in years of participation. My career in Nursing started in 1968 and ended in 2006. My last 35 years as an R.N. were spent at the University of Minnesota Hospital and included many different positions, from administration to Patient Education, Patient Advocacy and as a clincian in Cardiology. 

Following retirement from Nursing, I enrolled in the Spiritual Direction Program at Sacred Ground. I completed the two years of classes this spring and will begin three years of supervison this fall. I truly loved the classes and am just beginning to explore how I may be able to use the skills I've learned and practiced. 

I've maintained active involvement in our parish community life as a volunteer musician, parish council member, member of the Liturgy Planning Team and, along with my husband Rollie, as an RCIA group facilitator. For the past several years I've been part of the planning team at the Franciscan Sabbath House Retreat Center, which includes planning Advent and Lenten Prayer events. I'm looking forward to the return of spring so I can get back out in my flower gardens and finish planting a few more vegetables. I also enjoy sewing and being part of the Environment Team that prepares the liturgical space for our church community. 

I'm passionate about my children - they both live in the Twin Cities and are a great source of joy to me. My husband Rollie retired this spring and we are looking forward to some travel plans and exploring more areas of this country. I am passionate about continuing to study, discern and work to keep the church alive, open and welcoming to all God's people, especially our young people. I'm also very grateful for my connection with the Franciscan Sisters and for the opportunity to share our spiritual paths.

--Sister Carmen Barsody

On April 23rd, we celebrated the associate commitments of Reverend Dawn Roginski and Andrea (Abby) Dolin. Dawn and Abby have been meeting with us as a region. They desired to become associates and we welcomed them "joyfully and swiftly on the path of prudent happiness." As part of the ritual the current associates renewed their commitment and we as Franciscan Sisters renewed our vows.

Dawn reflected that what called her to become an associate was to be a part of a community of people and to be accountable to others as she strives to live in a way that reflects the values of Francis in our world today.

Abby was first attracted to the associate relationship through the work of the Franciscan

Sisters and Associates within Faithful Fools. She said, "It is a pure example of what I believe in: helping marginalized people; spreading love and understanding; fellowship; being in a very poor neighborhood; and outreach, accompaniment and peace."

Sister Rose Margaret [Schneider] read the meaning of the Tau by D. Vorreaux, OFM: "The Tau represents for Francis the universality of salvation; the symbol of permanent conversion and of total disappropriation. To be converted, so as to allow oneself to be marked with the Tau, is to become poor." Sister Ade [Kroll] then placed the Tau on Abby and Dawn.

Associate Reverend Kay Jorgensen awakened our minds with a poem titled, "re:vision" by Drew Dillenger.
Here's a taste:

  open your eyes.

  see visions...

  wake the poets.

  wake the dreamers.

  cultivate the tendrils

  in the vineyard of your heart

We then folded the poem into paper airplanes, flew them out the window into the streets below, gifting the poetic people in honor of National Poetry Month.

We closed with the Blessing of St. Clare, sending us forth "in the pursuit of that perfection to which the Spirit of the Lord has called (us)." And then we feasted with delicious food and bright red and juicy strawberries.

Photo: Reverend Dawn Roginski (left) and Andrea (Abby) Dollin

Click here ... to learn more about Associates.

By: S. Clara Stang

On Sunday, June27th the four Franciscan Community Volunteers received a blessing at Christ the King Church at the Newman Center in St. Cloud. Webster defines a blessing in these three ways: "a prayer asking God to show special favor or benediction; a brief prayer of giving thanks; and a wish for happiness and success". Take your pick ,in this case I'm picking all three! Spencer Buchert, Caitie Tobin, Alicia Landale, and William Braun completed their term of full time service as Franciscan Community Volunteers. Pastor, Tony Olerich and parishioners and friends with hands extended offered them their blessing.

During the next three days they enjoyed a wonderful refreshing retreat at Clare's Well in Annandale. These days highlighted the learnings, joy, and growth of the past year. There is a familiar saying, "God is never outdone in generosity." For sure these volunteers have been generous in their commitment and I'm sure God will bless them abundantly.

Photo: Spencer, S. Clara Stang, Will, Alicia, Caitie, Katie
 

> Franciscan Community Volunteers page -- click here.


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