Thoughts from a Franciscan Sister

[sr.christinaosf]

http://ndfranciscans.org/read-the-blog/a-real-treat-and-pain-in-the-seat

This past Friday, I was invited to go sledding at Lincoln Park with some students from the Newman Center.  I hadn't been sledding in a long, long time, though I grew up less than two blocks away from the best sledding h...

[Guest]

You keep on putting paid, Sister, to what was once a common question: "But what do they do all day?"

[sr.christinaosf]

I had to look up what "putting paid" means.

Edited December 14, 2019 by sr.christinaosf

[Guest]

33 minutes ago, sr.christinaosf said:

I had to look up what "putting paid" means.

It is a quite common saying in Australia. 

Good old Google keeps me informed every time.  I'd be lost without Google.

[sr.christinaosf]

: )

[sr.christinaosf]

http://ndfranciscans.org/fiat/the-perfect-place-to-watch-a-snowstorm

I was reminded this morning how blessed I am in not having to travel on dangerous, wintry roads, since I live so close by (just across the yard, in fact.)

Although this proximity does have its benefits, it also brings...

[sr.christinaosf]

Student Leadership Summit Reflection

“Jesus is the soul of our apostolate” and we are “made for mission” are some messages ringing in my mind after participating in the Student Leadership Summit (SLS20) sponsored by FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students)...

Edited January 6, 2020 by sr.christinaosf

[sr.christinaosf]

A Baptism Party!

Why is a Franciscan Sister writing about a baptism party on a cold January morning, you might ask. I realize that this title may seem strange to my readers. As a matter of fact...

[sr.christinaosf]

Every once and a while, I try to reach out and get thoughts and feedback from readers of Our Franciscan Fiat.
I invite you to fill out this form and share your thought: https://form.jotform.com/51826230614146

[sr.christinaosf]

http://ndfranciscans.org/fiat/pray-for-more-babies

This week, the hearts of many of us are in Washington D.C., with the thousands of pilgrims from around the country (and our own parishes) who are journeying there for the annual March for

[sr.christinaosf]

"Make Thou our Sad Divisions Soon to Cease"

This line from one of my favorite hymns (Lord, Who at Thy First Eucharist) has come to mind for me in recent days.  

Saturday, we finished the week of prayer for Christian Unity as we celebrated the feast of St. Paul's conversion.  

[Guest]

Praying for Christian Unity 

[sr.christinaosf]

I am pleased to announce to you that Sister Elaine, who is also here at St. Anne's in Grand Forks, has done a nice little video which is posted on our website.

You are welcome to check it out at:  http://ndfranciscans.org/meet-sister.html

Edited February 5, 2020 by sr.christinaosf

[sr.christinaosf]

Saturday Schedule

Working in the long term care sector requires weekend work. Here at St. Anne's, most staff alternate weekends; they work one weekend and have the next one off. This is true, as a rule, for aides, dietary staff, nu... Catholic, Franciscan Sisters,...

[sr.christinaosf]

http://ndfranciscans.org/fiat/all-in-the-perspective

This evening, Sister Elaine shared how fast she felt the week was going. She works in bookkeeping, and has been busy. Among other things, she has to get ready for the board meeting here on Saturday. The pressure...

[sr.christinaosf]

Transitions

This afternoon, the moment arrived, which had seemed to be looming somewhere in the distance: the time to remove all of the poinsettias from our chapel.

They'd been there for two months, since Christmas, and were still doing alright.  There was no botanical malady causing their demise; flowers are not allowed for church décor during Lent (except for on a few special occasions), so this Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras was slated to be their last day to enjoy the warmth and beautiful home our chapel offered...

[sr.christinaosf]

http://ndfranciscans.org/fiat/involuntary-lenten-penance

I know that, as faithful Catholics, we're urged to undertake some form of voluntary penance during the days of Lent (Sundays and probably solemnities not included).  As kids, we were introduced to the practice of "giving up something" for Lent.  I can remember saving up the restricted item to relish...

[sr.christinaosf]

http://ndfranciscans.org/fiat/chili-for-breakfast

I just finally got my strength and energy back after having been sick with an ugly bug.  I'd guess that you might say it was just in time! 

Last night, a staff member from the night shift was not able to make it into work, and none of the others from that department were available to fill in for her.  (There are always two staff members scheduled at night.)  Thus it was that I worked here until 5 a.m., rather than getting off duty at 10 last night.

[sr.christinaosf]

http://ndfranciscans.org/fiat/plentiful-opportunities-for-prayer

Whew - I'm tired after another full day! Working in long-term care certainly has gotten more complicated lately. Serving a very vulnerable population in the midst of a pandemic involves a lot of precautions unheard of before now. COVID-19,...

[sr.christinaosf]

http://ndfranciscans.org/fiat/beautiful-sounds

This afternoon, I walked over to the convent after a very full afternoon of helping with a big cleaning project. I wanted to change clothes, and maybe do some laundry...