My life as a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity has offered many opportunities to serve the Lord and His people.”

Sister Judy recalls; “after teaching for many years; I began parish ministry, where among other things, I taught Faith Formation and RCIA. Here in the Delta, I tutor some of our school students, visit with our parishioners who are in Nursing homes and those who are home bound, bringing them the Eucharist and news from our parish in an effort to keep them connected to our parish family.

 

When I, Sister Annette, was a young Sister I determined early on that I was not called to be a teacher. I wanted to be a homemaker, but the kitchen did not contain all of my interests. Though I love cooking and baking for the Sisters I also wanted to be involved with the Sisters in their work, or work in the local community. I have gotten into some teacher aid work and even filling in for some teachers in times of need. I have volunteered in a hospital and a nursing home, done village ministry in AZ. and began a Youth Group.

 

Currently, besides my cooking, I am journeying with a Secular Franciscan Fraternity and am a Support Staff person here at St. Francis School. When I answered the call God placed in my heart, I had no idea what was in store for me. I could never have imagined where His love would take me, but here I am at St. Francis of Assisi, Greenwood, MS. I couldn’t have planned my life as well as God did! I am so blessed and happy as a FSCC.

 

If God may be calling you to begin a journey of discernment to be a Religious woman and are in our area feel free to contact us at 662-453-1221 or email sannettek@fscc-calledtobe.org .

Peace and all Good!

 

 The Franciscan Sisters at St. Francis of Assisi Convent invited young Catholic women to join them for a  time of reflecting during this Lenten season with the theme; “At the Foot of the Cross”.

 

Next, each young women chose a paper cross and a copy of St. Francis’ Prayer before the Crucifix and a sheet of sample “doodles”. The cross and prayer were glued to a black sheet of paper. The cross was then to be decorated with the “doodles” of their choice. This activity continued later as each person waited their turn to recieve the sacrament of Reconciliation.

“Most High glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, sure hope and perfect charity. Fill me with understanding and knowledge, Lord, that I may know your holy and true command.”  St. Francis’ Prayer before the Crusifix

 

With God’s cleansing love in mind all gathered at the foot of the cross in the sanctuary of our church for a reconciliation service with an examination of conscience based on the Stations of the Cross.

 

In the meantime the grill had been lit and the coals were ready for some favorite foods. A picnic lunch in the backyard of the convent featuring s’mores was in order.

 

 

Soon it was time for a group picture with everyone’s cross included to add to our photo album.

One last group gathering at the foot of the cross in our convent chapel.

 

 

 

 

 

“God calls you. We invite you.

As Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity we place our lives in God’s hand as we live out our vows. Our Community responds to the needs of the Church as they are expressed to our Community leaders.  We, as individuals,  respond in turn by going in obedience to serve where the needs await us.

 

 

Listen as Sister Kathleen reflects; “Life with the Lord is full of surprises!  I never dreamed of being a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity, and yet here I am, happily loving and serving the Lord in a Community that just fits me!  I never dreamed of living in Mississippi which is a good bit different from the Wisconsin farm where I grew up.  Yet, here I am in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.  Here I see Jesus’ face in the expectant faces of my Kindergarten students.  I feel the joy of Jesus in the Gospel music celebrated by the parish choir I get to work with.  I sense some of the burden of Jesus among the Hispanic families, whose lives hang in a balance as they work, pray and raise their children among us.  God’s plan unfolds anew day by day, and though it is so different from the path I might have plotted for myself, it is surely the right path, the blessed way for me to find the Lord and the happiness only He can bring.”

 

 “God Calls You. We Invite You.”

St. Francis of Assisi Mission is located on the Eastern edge of Greenwood, MS. and claims a rich history of service and promotion of justice for the dispossessed.   Our parish began in 1948 and the school opened its doors in 1951. Today, St. Francis School educates children from Pre-K through Grade 6. The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity (FSCC) have been serving this community since the fall of 1997, when a request for Sisters reached our Motherhouse in Manitowoc, WI. Though our Community had been serving in various schools and health care facilities across the country, Mississippi offered a new setting for evangelization.

 

 

Many of us met the FSCC as teachers during our grade school education. We were often attracted by the spirit and joy those Sisters radiated in, and out of school. This is not how most young women meet a Community today. The internet has now become the source of searching and finding Religious Orders. Over time, several young women from the South have shared their discernment journey with us here at St. Francis. How does that happen? Initially we meet at a McDonald’s or similar location between their home and ours. Or we may invite the young woman to spend a weekend with us in our convent home. A lot depends on what the young woman is comfortable with. Through visits, questions; texting, and phone calls she picks up our spirit and determines prayerfully how God is working in her life. Does our spirit match her spirit and the longing in her heart or not?

 

“The Lord Bless and Keep you.”

 

 

The 15th Annual St. Francis of Assisi Mardi Gras event was held Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Leflore County Civic Center. The entertainment was provided by DJ TRAXX CRE8TOR. There was a New Orleans-style buffet with party setups and favors. The event draws a crowd of varied nationalities numbering around 300 to 400 each year . Their ages range from 25 to 80 years of age. This is the largest parish fund raiser of the year with all the proceeds going to help St. Francis School. The greatest percentage of the money raised is used toward tuition assistance for our students.

 

 

 

 

 

The colors for Mardi Gras date back to 1872. Purple represents justice, green represents faith; and gold represents power.

 

It has been a full, fun  and fruitful week for all at St. Francis of Assisi School. The planning and preparing proved to be worth the effort! The many activities will long be remembered by Mrs. Lewis, Faculty, Staff, Parents and Students. The last day of this busy week, coincided with the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple.  We also marked  commemoration of St. Blaise which fell on Saturday.  These wonderful events in the Church in themselves, would make for a full school mass. However, February 2 was also the 58th anniversary of ordination for our own Fr. Camillus. More to celebrate!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catholic Schools Week included an opportunity for the Sisters and Friars to meet with our students to share thoughts and experiences related to religious vocations.  Each pair of classes was assigned a Friar and/or a Sister to give a living testimony to the call to Religious Life.  Each team or individual found their own way to share their message in an age appropriate way with their appointed class.

 

 

 

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In keeping with the theme of Catholic Schools Week,  and in preparation for setting the tone for the week, Sister Kathleen and Sister Elena volunteered to do the main hall boards.

Catholic identity flowed down the halls of the school as  each class decorated their own classroom door. Students and teachers cooperated to put creativity  into many forms.

 

One of the tenets of this year’s theme for Catholic Schools Week it that of service.  So,throughout the week students brought in food items for the Greenwood Food Pantry. This is a project our students are accustomed to doing in order to help the food pantry meet the needs of so many of our neighbors here in Greenwood. It also instills in the students an awareness of their responsibility to reach out to those less fortunate. Each day they brought a different items to create a donation pyramid.

Catholic Schools Week brings many varied activities to our students. This one was a ton of fun for the students.  The term “sock hop” was a new one to nearly all the students.  They envisioned themselves doing a lot of bunny action without their shoes!

 

 

It didn’t take long for the fun and laughter begin!  Although the room was quite warm, no cool down time was to be had.  This was far too much fun!  Rock on, St. Francis School!