Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Novitiate is the beginning of religious life itself, and its purpose ‘is to enable the novice to learn its primary essentials.’ Indeed, extended periods of recollection and prayer, study and reflection are important to this formative time in becoming a Franciscan Sister. Also included in this special time of growth and experiences are the practical arts of housekeeping and sewing.
Sister Anna Maar and Sister Jean Anne Moser were asked to teach Novices Sister Colleen, Sister Clare Rose and Sister Cecilia Joy the basics of sewing. 
Beginning with hand sewing, fabric and a pattern for an apron were selected for a practical project. Sewing machine experience followed after first learning how to do the basic threading of the needle. Some of the novices had prior experience so they were voices of encouragement to the others.
Others gained knowledge along the way and in a short amount of time completed the apron. 
One Friday evening they put their aprons to good use in the dish washing room! Of course, the Sisters in the cafeteria after noticing the colorful aprons, cheered on the new seamstresses.
