Postulant Mission Experience: St. Clare Convent

Sister JulieAnn Sheahan

January 26, 2017

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Postulants Shari and Megan reflect on their recent experiences at St. Clare Convent, Manitowoc, WI.

Shari’s Reflection Postulant Megan and Shari St. Clare Convent 1 (2)

I would like to express special thanks to Sr. Louise, Sr. Patricia, and Sr. Rochelle for such generosity and welcoming both Megan and myself into the St. Clare’s Convent. Megan and I were able to attend the Sacred Heart Fraternity Secular Franciscan Order Council Meeting with Sr. Louise. We also had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Three Kings Party, which is the Fraternity’s Family Christmas Party. Everyone’s hospitality was well recognized. I am blessed to of had this opportunity and meet many who are clearly special individuals. Postulants Megan and Shari with Secular FranciscanOn January 8th, we also had an amazing opportunity to visit the Basilica of Saint Josaphat in Milwaukee. Despite it being cold, it was a beautiful day. The art work and structure of the building was gorgeous. It was definitely a blessing and worth seeing. Postulants Megan and Shari with St. Clare Sisters at St. Josephat Basilica

I enjoyed helping with several cooking opportunities. It was especially fun making a pie from scratch, and doing chocolate covered pretzels. Sr. Louise showed me how to measure margarine/butter using a liquid measuring cup and water. My past experience with measuring margarine/butter involved using a dry measuring cup. Postulants in the St. Clare KitchenLearning to make cards from scratch was also interesting. Recreation was fun at St. Clare’s as I learned how to play a card game entitled “Spades Rule”. We also played a couple additional games, and watched a few movies. 

Megan’s Thoughts

“I began my mission experience with the song “I Have Confidence” from The Sound of Music playing in my head. While Shari and I were both visiting St. Clare’s Convent in Manitowoc (so not too far from the motherhouse 😉 ), I could not help but feel a bit anxious and wonder where God was going to lead me in the upcoming week. As Jesus always eventually guides me to feel, I truly had nothing to worry about 🙂. Postulants and table with the Sisters at St. Clare Convent

St. Clare’s Convent is home to Sister Patricia, Sister Louise, and Sister Rochelle. Being on mission with them provided a glimpse into what daily life is like outside the motherhouse, as well as gave us opportunities to explore Manitowoc and the surrounding areas more. My experience could be summed up in the Bible verse “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him (Matthew 6:8).” I needed to become more familiar with cooking, and time with Sister Louise in the kitchen allowed me to feel more comfortable (I usually help with dishwashing or laundry at the motherhouse 🙂 ). Jesus allowed me to gain wisdom and have joyful encounters through the people we met. Postulant Megan at Secular Franciscan partyI will always remember the Three Kings party we were able to be a part of with the Sacred Heart Fraternity (Secular Franciscan Order) in Oshkosh. Unexpectedly meeting a friend of a friend while at the Basilica of Saint Josaphat in Milwaukee was also a wonderful surprise. I learned so much from being with each sister, whether it was during meals, car rides, or trying to win a game of cards 🙂. But along with this, the week provided me a chance to be more like a Mary and less like a Martha (Luke 10: 38-42). While Shari and I assisted where we could around the convent, there were also a few afternoons of spiritual reading and prayer. This time was definitely needed. I am now even more affirmed in my vocation and eager for these next steps with Jesus. Postulant Megan and Sister Rochelle

Instead of playfully wondering “what will this day be like?” or “what will my future be?”, I am confidently walking into another semester. May God’s peace be with you in any current adventures you are having :)”

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