The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis

Corpus Christi - May 25, 2008

The weather was just perfect for the Eucharistic procession this year. We had a good number of friends come and join us for this our annual tradition. We had adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 2 PM, the procession with Benediction and two outside altars with scripture readings and the final Benediction in the Chapel with the Divine Praises. Most of our guests stayed and joined us at the reception afterwards. It was a beautiful day!

Ordination - May 24, 2008

Saturday, Bishop Daniel Jenky ordained six new priests for the Diocese of Peoria and 2 transitional deacons! Please remember them in your prayers. (Deacon Gary W. Blake Jr., Deacon Douglas Grandon, Deacon Geoffrey Horton, Deacon Robert Lampitt, Deacon Kevin Lucas, Deacon Dustin Schultz, David J. Sabel, and Adam Stimpson)

Jubilee - May 17, 2008

Every year we celebrate Jubilees on the feast of St. Pachal Baylon, a patron of our community. This year we celebrated the 70th Jubilee of Sister M. Ildefonsa and Sister Mary Pacifica. (Click here to read Sister Ildefonsa’s speech at the reception.)

Perpetual Adoration in Escanaba - May 9, 2008

After much work with the surrounding parishes, Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament began in the Chapel at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba, Michigan. Bishop Sample, bishop of the Marquette Diocese, the hospital Chaplain and some of our Sisters were there for this special event. What a great blessing for the hospital to have Perpetual Adoration there.

Institute for Religious Life - March 28-30, 2008

Sister Judith Ann and Sister Rose Therese attended the IRL National Meeting this year. Father Benedict Groeschel spoke to the priests and religious on Friday. Saturday lay people including young people joined us for the talks, Liturgies and the banquet. Mr. Jerome Coniker & the late Mrs. Gwen Coniker were awarded the 2008 Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award. They are the founders of the Apostolate for Family Consecration.

Easter Triduum - March 21-23, 2008

The most important time of the Church calendar! We had a wonderful Easter; hope you did too.

Here I Am Lord - February 21-24

We joined almost a hundred priests and religious for the Here I Am Lord conference in St. Charles. Students from schools in the area came for the vocation fair, talks and music. We stayed with a local family and the parish provided for the meals. It was quite an event to put on. Here I Am Lord National Conference

Postulant Jaimie Arrives - February 15

Jaimie’s parents drove her down and spent a few days with us. She jumped right in the deep end. Her first week included the funeral of one of our elderly sisters, Sister Adelinda, and a Mass at the Cathedral. And wouldn’t you know they got her picture at the cathedral and she is already in the diocesan paper. Ha!

Christendom College Discernment Weekend - February 8-10

We joined probably about twenty other religious communities at the college for their annual vocation fair. We were very well taken care of and we hope the students got as much from the weekend as we did.

March for Life - January 22

Two of us accompanied a group of high school students for the March. We went by train and had a little time for site seeing before the march. St. Stephen Martyr parish in Washington was kind enough to let us sleep in their hall.

Christmas!!!

A wonderful time of year, especially for Franciscans!

Christmas Novena, December 16-24

In preparation for Christmas we pray a special novena . At the Motherhouse it is prayed at 7pm, beginning with a candle light procession into Chapel. Our Chaplain exposes the Blessed Sacrament for the novena and which ends with Benediction.

Immaculate Conception, December 8

The Sisters gathered at the Motherhouse to celebrate the Immaculate Conception and to participate in an Advent workshop.

Annual Bazaar, November 16-17

Thanks to everyone who came for the bazaar. We had a very good turn-out this year and were able to raise about $600 more than last year. All proceeds will go to the mission fund to be dispersed to worthy charities.

National Catholic Youth Conference, November 8-10

Sister Agnes Joseph and Sister Rose Therese attended the NCYC for the first time. They had a booth in the vocation area, directly behind the bungee run. Needless to say it was a unique experience. :)

Sister Judith Ann’s Feast Day and Mother Frances’ Death Anniversary, October 28

We celebrated the death anniversary of our foundress and Sister Judith Ann’s feast day. Three women, who are long time employees, brought their musical talents to entertain us on the occasion. Then Sister Judith Ann opened her gifts from the Sisters. Many of the handmade items the Sisters gave her will go to the Bazaar to raise money for the missions.

The Franciscan Sisters of John the Baptist Profess Final Vows, October 24

The Franciscans Sisters of John the Baptist, who are presently living at our Motherhouse, professed their final vows. The following day we had a little celebration for them after supper.

Transitus, October 3

The Sisters from the mission houses came to the Motherhouse for the celebration of the Transitus and the feast of St. Francis. The Franciscan Sisters of John the Baptist joined in the celebration.

Nun Run, September 22

A group of young women came for a Nun Run with Sister Sarah, of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, and visited our House of Formation.

Renewal of Temporary Vows, August 6

Sister Rose Therese renewed her temporary vows for three years.