Franciscan Sisters Initial Formation Weekend Sharing

Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Mary Teresa Bettag reflects on the recent Initial Formation Weekend. Sister Cecilia Joy Kugel, Sister Concepcion Medina, Sister Maria Guadalupe Martinez Lopez, Sister Mary Jane Schwartz and Catherine Logan also participated in this special community event.

The weekend of February 11-13 six women of our community gathered for initial formation weekend at the Motherhouse.  From start to finish the weekend was a positive experience for all involved, based on the sharing that took place.

It began on Friday evening with evening prayer, supper, and the viewing of the movie War Room – a film that highlights the importance of prayer.  Prayer was the theme of the weekend.  Our guest speaker was Father Paul Fliss, from Sheboygan who gave very practical insights on prayer methods and spiritual principles.  We were able to put these into practice on Saturday afternoon during a formation holy hour in St. Francis Chapel.

Yet, while the spiritual and formative components of the weekend were wonderful, it was the time together that was some of the best.  All of us enjoyed meals, ice skating, walks and a fabulous, Olympics themed rec together.  In fact, we enjoyed one another’s company so much that one of us had to reluctantly initiate our going to bed (late!) each night because we were having such a good time sharing and laughing together.  This experience of the beauty and joy of community was as enriching as the conferences.

I think it is safe to say that we all returned to our “regular” lives renewed from the time of growth in relationship – relationship with the Lord and with one another.