We finally had our first snowfall here in Wisconsin. What a beautiful way to begin Advent. And now Wisconsin is giving us a heatwave in the 40’s for the next few days. I think Wisconsin is trying to give this newcomer a slow introduction to the cold winters to come and the prep for the 4am shoveling crew. A group of us had a chance to go to an old church in Pinecrest Historical village here in Manitowoc to clean it up and help decorate for Christmas. It was a bit chilly but a lot of fun. Check out the photo of our small crew below.
It is interesting how life is full of joys and sorrows and so much in between. Joys of growing closer to my community as I walk this religious life vocational path in which our amazing God has set for me to discern with him and the sisters. But then the sorrows of loss which are a part of life. Within this past week I lost a friend in Colorado as well as an extended family member in Colorado which was unexpected. And then I find out that I will be received officially into my Franciscan community on December 10th. It is a bittersweet moment to be celebrating a great joy of my reception to the FSCC community in a time of loss. But I am thankful for the time I had with both of them in my life and also thankful for this journey with the Sisters and the anticipation of what is to come.
I will be heading back to Colorado in a couple weeks and I am looking forward to the time I will have. I will have a chance to celebrate one last Christmas week and Christmas eve with my home parish - Holy Apostles in Colorado Springs, catch up with friends and family, and to say goodbye to two wonderful people who touched my life in different ways. I will then head on to Ohio to see more family and then off to a mission experience in Cambridge, Ohio in January.
I am praying through Advent with a guided book called Adore by Fr. John Burns. Fr John shares “…on the very first day of the new liturgical year we start fresh in the fervent pursuit of what truly matters. In turn, the fresh start entails the acknowledgment of the many ways we have lost our focus and zeal for the ultimately important ideals of the Gospel.” We have just started the new year and I pray that all of us can take the time to reflect and acknowledge where we are and how we can change and grow. Through our openness this can allow each one of us to be closer to Christ and to ultimately allow our Lord to work through our words and actions as we focus on keeping Him a part of all we do. In times of joy and sorrow, He is there. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Please pray for: - Repose of the soul of Richard Burns and for his family and friends. - Repose of the soul of Robert "Bob" Zwiezen and for his family and friends. - Vocations to my FSCC community and all Religious Life/Consecrated Life and to women discerning. - Diocese of Colorado Springs Seminarians and Diocese of Green Bay Seminarians and for all men discerning a vocation to the priesthood. - For all of those who have no one to pray for them
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