1 Franciscan Way

From Left: Sr. Teresa Maria, Sr. M. Gemma, Sr. Mary Francis, Sr. M. Lucy, Sr. Karol Marie, Sr. M. Caterina On June 1, six sisters began their preparation for final vows.  Their days are structured similarly to the way it was in initial formation with specific times for classes, working in the house, spiritual reading, and additional prayer.  In this way, they are returning to the heart of their formation.  So much of what is taking place this summer is also a return to the deepest part of their own hearts that have been drawn to say yes to Jesus through consecrated religious life.  Most importantly, especially in this month of June, it is a return to the Heart of Jesus, the fountain of life and holiness, from which flows every grace that is necessary to live this life faithfully FOREVER as they will profess on August 3.  Please pray for them during this time of preparation!

Sr. M. Bridget and Sr. M. Karolyn join two missionaries for some fun during summer training in 2019.  "If you are what you should be, you will set the world on fire," St. Catherine of Siena is often quoted.   The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) trains and sends missionaries to bring this message to college campuses, calling students to the abundant life that comes from knowing Jesus and inviting them into the adventure of following him in discipleship.  For nearly 15 years, our community has supported the work for FOCUS through our sisters presence at their annual training and conferences, as well as through journeying with missionaries and their students as they discern God's call for their lives.  This has included countless visits to campuses to give talks, provide spiritual mentoring, and even just playing cards or making music with students.  One recent trip included playing Corn Hole and other lawn games at the center of campus ...

As the country began to shut down, stay-at-home orders issued, public Masses suspended, I wondered how that would effect the daily life at St. Francis Convent.  With a chaplain on-site, we were able to continue the celebration of the sacraments as a family and maintain our normal horarium that includes the Liturgy of the Hours.  While we miss the members of the Legion of 1,000 who pray in our San Damiano Adoration Chapel, our sisters maintain the hours, interceding for the Church and the world especially during this time.  Family prayer.  Check. We continue to eat our meals in common, enjoying conversation, hearing about the latest technological mishaps with Zoom classes from the teachers among us, or about the almost daily changes our sisters in healthcare are adapting to.  Family meals.  Check. A great gift of this time for us has been the visible fruit of charity that has sprung up in our recreation together.  We have gathered to play various...

YDisciple , a resource through NET Ministries recently published this video to assist adult small group leaders in accompanying young people in discernment.

This video was created by the Vocation Committee at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Columbia, Missouri for use during National Vocation Awareness Week.  

Click here to see Maggie McGowan share part of her discernment journey in this feature on vocations in the Diocese of Springfield produced by WAND17 Decatur.

Photo by Lisa Johnston and published in the linked article. As we continue to celebrate our 150th Jubilee Year, we are grateful for  this article  published  in the St. Louis Review, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Louis,   that highlights our charism and service at the Mother of Good Counsel Home where our sisters have served since 1932.