Each year Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity are missioned to specific places of ministry in the name of the entire Congregation. A Missioning Prayer Service happens in each of our local communities on the same day for this purpose. This year the date chosen was April 13, 2019. Materials were sent through the delegates for the 2019 General Chapter at their April 4-6, 2019 meeting and were asked to be distributed on the following Saturday.
One of St. Francis’ writings was included in the ritual this year.
Most High and Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me true faith, certain hope and perfect charity, sense and knowledge that I may carry out your holy and true command. Amen
In this 150th year of our founding, Mother Odelia’s words were also paraphrased:
Leader: Our Lord has called us together
All: so none of us has the least worry.
Leader: We have nothing…
All: yet we feel no actual want.
Leader: The working of His Providence…
All: keeps us joyful and without worry.
Each Sister received her missioning envelope stating how she will live the Gospel in our Franciscan Community and where that will be with these words:
Local Director: Sister ________, may you respond in joy to God’s will for you.
Sister responds: I will remember, rejoice and respond.
After a time of silent prayer, all the Sisters open their envelopes at the same time. At the conclusion the service, we share the good news with each other.
