On this feast of the Holy Family

it is a day to sit before these images in our convent chapel

and to:

give thanks for our own families.

pray for the families of our students and parishes.

ponder the humility of God as he comes to a simple family.

reflect on the hardships and fears as well as the graces and wonders that were part of these day for Mary and Joseph.

Happy Feastday to our Motherhouse community

and to all of us who belong to so many different families!

Merry Christmas!

Greetings to each of you from each of us here in the Mississippi Delta!  Given time to reflect,  we find that we have many reasons to rejoice in our call to serve here at St. Francis Mission.  Francis is more than a name here in Greenwood.  It is truly a tangible spirit.  Walk with us as we follow the example set by Francis and his band of Saints.

Sister Annette is walking in the footsteps of Francis and has experienced and brought many blessings to our convent community as well as to the still forming community of Secular Franciscans here at St. Francis Parish .  She stays very busy creating a true spirit of home for us sisters just as Francis did with his friars.

Sister is also very committed to her work as the Spiritual Assistant  and Formation Minister of our Secular Franciscans.  Monthly, she plans formation sessions as well as a total group gathering .  In between she is busy studying, staying in touch with fraternity members and keeping current on regional and national fraternity matters.  She has become very active in the regional group and led an inspiring Day of Recollection for all members of the region.  May St. Francis remain at her side!

You might be looking at the feet of Brother Giles.  Tradition holds that he once said, ” Your right eye must keep on heavenly things, the left one, on the things of this earth.”  Sister Mary Ann has been following Giles’ words and footsteps.  She has been keeping one eye on school finances and one on the academic excellence of our students.  She wears one professional shoe and has attended some helpful and encouraging gatherings of principals.  She continues to lead the school staff in working with the ACES program sponsored by Notre Dame University which aims to strengthen the curriculum.  She also moves the school community forward in increased use of technology.

Her jogging shoe speaks of the attention she gives to keeping us all on the path of goodness.  She makes many miles a day in reaching out to each student, parent, and staff member to let them know that they are a valued member of the school community.  Her efforts produced an amazing Fall Festival with record breaking proceeds and family involvement!

Have you ever heard of Friar Gregory Girard?  He was a Franciscan who created new methodologies for teaching large numbers of the children of the poor.  Sister Kathleen finds that his footsteps lead in a helpful direction as she works with her little Kindergarten flock.  The patter of their little feet in so many directions keep her busy following up on their needs and interests.  Her feet also find their way into work in the parish as she teams up with the Faith Formation program, liturgy committee and choir.

These comfy shoes are empty, but they belong to Sister Elena.  She will has just joined us, coming from the Arizona desert.  She will venture into life as a third grade teacher and will be finding her way into other needs that match her many talents.

We hope that sharing our journeys and inspirations with you will help to let you know that we, here in Greenwood feel very blessed to be Children of the King!  Know of our prayers for you as we walk on our Franciscan way.