Picture a fine Fall Friday afternoon. After a busy day of school, 15 vivacious young Catholic girls, plus one aspiring to become Catholic, arrived at the Franciscan Sisters convent door full of smiles, excitement and anticipation.
First things first, and in this case that would be an after school snack. The smell of fresh popped corn always tickles the olfactory nerves and a cold drink to wash it down hits the spot.
The snack was soon devoured and the group was ready for some fun.
The “Heads Up” game, sponsored and tailor made by Sister Elena included words unique to our group and our Faith. The game surely got the young ladies off their chairs and at times jumping to give a clue to their team mates.
Soon it was time for Sister Kathleen to tell a story, and if you haven’t heard her tell a story, well she is a great story teller. Since we are so close to the feast of St. Francis we had decided to focus our activities on our patron. Sister Kathleen shared the story of Francis and the wolf of Gubbio. She had everyone spellbound and even made a few jump when she startled them.
After the story there was an outside game of tag to go with the story. Sister Elena got for volunteers to be the wolf and St. Francis. The rest of the girls became the villagers. Of course it was St. Francis after the wolf and the wolf after the villagers and the rest was all fun!
The group ran for their lives! And before long the next activity was ready to go in Sister Kathleen’s classroom.
Using coffee filters, tempera paints, paper plates, and ribbons to hang them on, the young ladies made Canticle of the Creatures wall hangings. They were so engaged and happy with their creations which they each proudly took home.
It was group picture time before we went in to see what was cooking.
Whiffs of a proven favorite menu item were soon filling the air. Sister Annette always hears the young ladies exclaim, “You are such a good cook!” And I just smile at them.
Then the best part came!
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- Sister Judy was ready…
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- ….S’mores!
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- Perfect coals with the big new flat marshmallows.
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- Ready for the graham crackers and chocolate.
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- Pull out that marshmallow wire.
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- Now that is the blackest marshmallow I have ever seen.
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- All are full and content.
Our time together was fast coming to an end. It was time to thank the good Lord for a great afternoon.
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- Sister Judy, who put the prayer service together, gave a few directions as the group found a place in our chapel.
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- All were quieted down and the prayer based on the Canticles of the Creatures began.
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- God, come to our assistance.
One of the young ladies was wearing a t-shirt which added a perfect finish to our evening together.
These words of St. Francis of Assisi, were proven true in the way he lived his life and in the way all Franciscans are called to live.