WELCOME!  Sisters and Associates

St. Francis Province, Sacred Heart Community, 

Holy Name Province

                     * The Redwoods, The Rockies, The River *

      CHAPTER OF  MATS 2022       

Standing on the Shoulders of Magdalen, Clare &Francis   

August 26-28 Stella Niagara, New York

DAY ONE ~ Her Story   Presentation by Joyce Rouse, 

Earth Mama 

We began our day with prayer and created a communal candle with three wicks representing St. Francis Province, Sacred Heart Community and Holy Name Province. Each attendee scooped a spoonful of colorful granular wax into a large glass container. As the wicks burned, the colors blended as one and was used during our daily assemblies. We listened to “Herstory” by singer songwriter Joyce Rouse (Earth Mama) and were asked “Who am I now?” And we were nudged to “Love the questions” and our unique quirkiness. We gathered around the sacred table and were fed. Patty Podhaisky (SHC) challenged us to be open to the goodness of others—especially when our fears arise. (Remember the children shouting, “THE WINNER!”)  That evening we listened to five men playing joyous music rooted in the land of our German sisters. Several of us took the opportunity to get up and dance to the lively tunes. Lots of laughter that evening.

  Sharing Our Stories With One Another

Western New York Land Conservancy Presentation   

Fun With the Frankfurters 

DAY TWO ~ Standing on the Shoulders   

Presentation by Joyce Rouse, Earth Mama 

We gathered today to remember that we “stand on many shoulders…” and to remember that “we are walking each other home.” We were asked: “Who am I in my larger community?” And “What is our collective story?” In the afternoon we saw many of our community ancestors and heard many of their stories. In the evening we recalled those who have recently moved to the home we call heaven. Before the day ended in the twilight, we gathered around Brother Fire and told more stories and listened to each other’s stories.

      Archive Presentation

 

Around the Campfire: 

S'Mores, Stories & Song

DAY THREE ~ A New Chapter

Presentation by Joyce Rouse, Earth Mama

We gathered and turned our faces to a new future—a new chapter. “Our hearts are opened wide; our steps are sanctified  for a new chapter of our life.” (Joyce Rouse, Earth Mama). We saw and heard of our newer endeavors, adventures in Tanzania and Chiapas and were heartened by their growth and movement forward. We gathered around a young tree which will have new life at Stella as a reminder and living witness to our days together. We gathered and gave thanks to the many who prepared and planned and provided for us to enjoy these days together. That evening some gathered again around Brother Fire for more stories and farewells.

   Tanzania Mission and Chiapas Presentations

Tree Planting 

Thanking, Blessing, Remembering

Leaders’ Reflection of Mats

 

Enjoyed relaxed schedule. There was no crowded agenda.

There was a great ease being with each other, a sense of new life, a gift of presence for one another. We felt at home. Joyce tried to help us to appreciate who we are as Franciscans. Acceptance of the other no matter where one sat for meals, prayer, or sessions.  No homework, no reporting back; there was plenty of freedom. Feminine spirit, so necessary at this time, was very present & celebrated. Presentation by Archivists was outstanding as they recounted the stories of so many of our ancestors making many feel like they were in a forest of giants. There was a common feeling that we belong together. The whole experience felt like a family reunion.

Until we meet again, Peace and All Good!

With many thanks to the Chapter of Mats Planning Committee:

 Sister KathyAnn Lehman 

Sister Norberta Villasenor

Donna Kroll, Sacred Heart Community, Executive Secretary

Sister Sen Nguyen 

Sister Christella Ritchey 

Associate Diana Trusello

Sister Mara Walton

Special Gratitude to:

 Joyce Rouse, Earth Mama, Presenter/Entertainer

 Theresa Morrison, Technical Support

Blog Contributors:

Sister Susan Blomstad 

Sister Gloria Shuffer 

Sister Alberta Wilkes

Sister Janet Gwinn