Franciscan Sisters Welcome Young Catholic Women to Spring “Meet the Sisters”

The young Catholic women of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Greenwood, MS have grown to enjoy and request “Meet the Sisters” gatherings. Since our area has such a small Catholic population, it is good for our young women to have opportunities to enjoy sharing time and activities with each other while they get to know the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.

A flyer Sister Elena created as an announcement and a permission slip…

… and the poster Sister Elena displayed in our community room where we gathered for our time together.

The first order of business is always a snack. Food seems to gather people of any age together. What could be more Franciscan that popcorn?

The Sisters learned of the latest trend in young ladies shoes! Two laces; black and pink  plus a velcro strap with lots of bling!

As the snack disappeared we all got into a game called “Heads UP”. Each in their turn held the tablet and had to guess the displayed word from the clues everyone else gave. It turned out to be winning activity marked by high energy and high volume too!

Okay, it was time for a craft. Off to the school cafeteria we all went. Sister Kathleen was in charge of this activity. She had a paper folding project lined up. She had taught the Sisters the evening before so we would have a head start on the task. This turned out to be a good idea!

A hot dog fold. Not a hamburger fold!

It had to be folded evenly and creased down firmly.

You almost have it.

Lets turn this paper over.

Seriously?

Keep your eyes on me!

I think this is how it is to go.

Okay, pull the yellow paper up.

Hey! I think I have it.

The finished product!

Fold…

…lift…

…pull gently…

…shape…

Is this it? Did I get it right?

Wow! Everyone had worked hard to create their lotus flower and now were ready for some hot dogs and s’mores. So back to the convent.

Sister Kathleen and Loan were experts at setting up the Hershey bars and graham crackers.

And Sister Mary Ann watched the grill as the marshmallows were roasted. It looked like fun!

“We are so good…

…yes, perfect set up!”

Smush and…

…pull.

Two hot dogs…

…and three s’mores!

No gathering would be complete without some time spent with the Lord in our chapel. Sister Elena was in charge of the prayer service.

The paper folded flowers were brought in chapel to add to the prayerful environment.

Sister Elena explained the flow of the prayer service and requested volunteers for the readings.

“Bless the Lord! Glorify His name!”

“Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, Alleluia, Alleluia.”

Notice the variety of pretty flowers the young ladies made.

Before we knew it the parents were arriving for their daughters. Goodbyes and hugs were shared. The few remaining young ladies had a few quick rounds of tag while waiting for the last cars to arrive. Because it is so much appreciated and enjoyed, “Meet the Sisters” is an event which will come again to St. Francis Convent in the Fall of the next school year. Until then may all be blessed.