How do the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity celebrate 150 years of blessings? It definitely takes more than one day! It also needs to be more than one season of the year. Because we wanted to celebrate all together, July 4-6 was marked off on all our summer calendars more than a year ago. (Watch for more anniversary coverage on our actual Founders Day. Our Sisters are planning Masses of Thanksgiving around November 9, 2019 in different parts of the country.) This is big. In truth, we say prayers of gratitude to God for his guidance throughout the years EVERY day!
Our summer event includes 3 days: Day of Rejoicing, Day of Remembering, Day of Responding.
Day of Rejoicing
Because it is July 4, the day must begin with the traditional flag raising. Our early Sisters were all immigrants to our country. This day has always been one that we pray in a very heart-felt way for our nation. We unite ourselves with the whole Church in the Liturgy of the Hours and a later morning Eucharist. Father Dave Beaudry was specially invited to preside. (He is one of the many priests taught by our Sisters and we are proud teachers.) A picnic, some home-style entertainment, sing a long and fireworks are also slated to create a festive spirit of joy. We will take pictures and share those images for many years to come.
Day of Remembering
On July 5 we begin the day with inspiring words from Franciscan Sister of the Holy Cross, Sister Anne Rehrauer. Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre arrives later in the afternoon for a Eucharistic liturgy. Bishop David Ricken Diocese of Green Bay, Vicar General, Father Dan Felton and our own Franciscan Friars of the Assumption BVM Province who serve us so faithfully will also be with us to thank the Lord for His presence in and among us.
Day of Responding
Vicar General of the Diocese of Green Bay, Father Dan Felton (also proudly taught by our Sisters), returns to be the presider for the July 6th Eucharistic Liturgy. Special to this day is a presentation by Community Director Sister Natalie Binversie and other former leaders, Sister Ritarose Stahl, Sister Paula Vanden Hogen, and Sister Louise Hembrecht. The day builds to a Commissioning Service where we are sent out to continue living our charism with joy.
Please pray with us and await more coverage of these anniversary days.
