Section:
companions
The group in Emmitsburg, Maryland, met nearly every month in our small residence. Since we have added three new members, we are now using every chair in the house. In our monthly meetings, we continue to learn about Fransican values and the important aspects of Francis’ life. Our prayer together focuses on the theme of the session.
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(Seated L-R) Betty Burdick, Shirley Saloman, Susan Robinson; (Standing L-R): Kathy Cogan Mary Holloman, Ann Ruppert |
We spend some time reviewing the Franciscan family Tree. This is followed by a presentation on St. Clare.
We have been reading and sharing on Twelve Apostolic Women by Joanne Turpin. In conjunction with our Franciscan value of peacemaking and nonviolence, following the incident with the Amish, we viewed the DVD on forgiveness, which deals with forgiveness on the national and individual levels. In addition we spent one meeting on the Franciscan concept of hospitality.
During Lent we had a rich sharing using a service on the “Women of Holy Week,” which individual companions prepared.
Along with the congregation we are working on Care for Creation. A number of the women contributed many practical examples of their long-term awareness of the need to care for creation in their own lives. At their request we shared a list of scripture references related to creation.
Our companions have not taken on any group project because they are already involved in numerous actions for social justice and service, both in the civic and church community. In the civic community, these range from soup kitchen service at the Rescue Mission, to internet action on the environment and nature programs for immigrant children living in the city. The companions are deeply involved in all parish activities as well.
