I finally arrived at the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on August 16, 2021! As I shared in an FSCC newsletter, “ It was wonderful to finally step through the doors of Holy Family Convent last week after almost two years since my acceptance to the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. As we read in Matthew 19 – "...with God all things are possible.” I arrived at the Milwaukee airport greeted by Sister Julie Ann Sheahan (Vocation Directress) and Sister Kathleen Murphy (Novitiate Directress). In hand I had two suitcases and a backpack. I will admit that I put a hold on parting with some of my books, my ice hockey equipment, some family heirloom items, and a few other small items I need to sift through, which I left with my sister in Colorado. But it was definitely freeing to let go of everything else and to be able to give to others. I am not sure what the months ahead will look like but I am starting this new chapter with an amazing support system of those who have been walking with me, a foundation of life experience and more importantly an openness to this religious vocation through the FSCC and a life that is brand new to me. Jesus is asking me to take this time in formation/discernment with the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity to understand more fully this plan He is unfolding. I am saying “Yes”. It’s funny, many people have already heard this, but I do compare entering a convent similar to that of entering boot camp for the military. My military family and friends may appreciate this comparison. A simple look at the purpose of a military boot camp is to “prepare recruits for all elements of service: physical, mental and emotional. It gives service members the basic tools necessary to perform the roles that will be assigned to them...”. And while military personnel look to the President as their Commander in Chief, religious look to Christ and the Religious community. This time of formation gives the opportunity to go deeper into the vocation in which Christ has called and to learn and grow in the community’s charism and spirituality as you discern. It was also shared by a sister that it is a time to slow down, especially the first 3 years, so you can grow deeper in your prayer life and relationship with Christ. To plant that rootedness which will be the foundation to stand on. With the hope that you will be prepared with the support of your community as Jesus calls forward through the community director to your mission work.
As I also shared in the FSCC newsletter. “I felt truly humbled these past two years to be a recipient of such immense generosity in financial support and prayers for those willing to join me on this entrance mission. So many allowed God to work through their hearts and made it possible for me to follow this vocational call to enter the convent and begin this discernment journey with this Franciscan community. I am coming from a wonderful parish, Holy Apostles Catholic Church, which has been a loving home to me over the past years. God truly worked through the hearts, words, and actions of so many in the parish and in family, friends, priests, consecrated women, and seminarians. This was an unexpected call but I can see how God was patient and waited until I had the guidance of those He chose and ability to be open and willing to listen and trust. Pope Benedict XVI said “The love of God sometimes follows paths one could never have imagined, but it always reaches those who are willing to be found.” And now my family is growing larger as I accept the divine invitation and begin this journey as a Postulant in my new home. Thank you for the support and kindness I have received during my discernment and since I have walked through the doors of this community. The joy of Christ is truly present with the FSCC Sisters, the Franciscan Friars, and the staff. “
Please pray for all of our Seminarians in the Colorado Springs Diocese and Green Bay Diocese as well as all Dioceses. Also pray for all men in formation in Religious communities. And please pray for those in formation with the Franciscan Sisters of Christian and charity and for all women in formation for Religious/Consecrated Life. Lastly pray for future vocations, to all that God will call forward to serve our Catholic church. I will be posting updates and pictures through my blog here. In the next entry I will share about my first few weeks here at the Holy Family Convent. So check back from time to time or sign up so you can receive an email when I have an update. I am hoping to have at least one new entry each month.
Til Next Time! Pax et Bonum!
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