Month: February 2018
Seeing Clearly: Reading the Word
Editor’s note: Thomas Piolata, OFM Cap. is an FMS formation presenter and close friend to the FMS community. As a guest blogger for our Lenten blog series, Br. Tommy analyzes how we are saturated with information—as members of the social media generation—constantly seeking to learn more things, know more facts, and understand more deeply. Yet, he…
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Seeing Clearly: Listen. Notice. Wonder.
Editor’s note: Andy Gleason supports the FMS team as a grant writer; as part of FMS’ Lenten blog series, Andy reflects on his experience listening, noticing, and wondering—especially during his time on El Camino de Santiago—and strives to apply these practices throughout the Lenten season. As I sit in stillness this weekend morning, enjoying a freshly brewed…
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Come to the Table: Community
Editor’s note: Missioner Maggie Van Roekel begins a three-part blog series on how kitchens and cooking have become important to her on mission. In part one, Maggie shares her memories around the Carmen Pampa volunteer house kitchen table. To some extent, I’ve always been pretty comfortable in the kitchen. Growing up, I spent a lot of…
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Seeing Clearly: Jesus Not Java
Editor’s note: As part of FMS’ 2018 Lenten blog series, Graphic Design Associate Alessia Catena shares her reflections on giving up caffeine. I never ever thought I would give up coffee for Lent, let alone all caffeinated products. It all started a couple weeks ago when I was on the phone with Chris, my fiancé,…
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Seeing Clearly: Welcome to Lent
Editor’s note: Associate Director Meghan Meros introduces FMS’ Lenten blog series, “Seeing Clearly.” When do you know yourself best? When do you see the saint—the one united with God—inside your soul? When do you see the sinner in need of mercy and healing? Perhaps your moments of clarity come when your feet hit…
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Gangs, Gunshots and God’s Grace
Editor’s note: Missioner Cindy Mizes expresses hope for the children she is serving in Jamaica after she reflects on a difficult experience in the classroom. On my first day in my new ministry as a Teacher’s Assistant at St. Francis’ Primary School, I gingerly walked into the classroom of 21 young boys (ages 8-10) not…
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Comfortable and Content
Editor’s note: DCSC Volunteer PJ Herrera reflects on the current and future roles of the Catholic Church in people’s lives. For some time now I have reflected on the general dread that seems to hover over some churches and in the back of the minds of many faithful. This dread can be summed up by…
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I’m Going To Live In A Convent, Oh, My Nerves!
Editor’s note: Missioner Tim Shelgren shares a connection he discovered between FMS and his hometown—a connection he will take all the way to Jamaica. For thirty-eight years I lived, worked, and raised my children in the Olean/Allegany area in Upstate NY, home of St. Bonaventure University. Across the street from Bona’s is a big building,…
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Feeling Welcomed in DC
Editor’s note: DCSC Volunteer Anne-Marie Elsinger, describes her experience becoming familiar with DC from an African perspective. I have always considered DC a big city with a small city feel. It has a population of almost 700,000 people, yet people still greet you on the street. I came to DC because I deeply desired immersion…
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