2019 Re-Commissioning Mass

Three most recently returned missioners (left to right) Anna, Cindy, and Misty.

On January 27, Franciscan Mission Service held its annual Re-Commissioning Mass celebrating three recently returned missioners Anna Klonowski, Cindy Mizes, and Misty Menis-Kyler, who lived in solidarity with the marginalized of Bolivia, Jamaica, and Guatemala, respectively, for two years.

The special Re-Commissioning Mass not only brought a close to the missioners’ time serving with FMS overseas, but it also concluded the missioners’ two-week Re-Entry Retreat, which was co-facilitated by FMS returned missioner Beth Riehle (El Salvador, 2006-2009) and Programs Manager Emily Norton.

The Re-Entry Retreat is a unique programmatic component that distinguishes FMS as an international mission organization. It offers returned missioners the opportunity to engage in guided individual reflection time, group sharing, and sessions such as, “”Trauma and Violence in Mission,” “Gifts of the Journey,” “Reverse Culture Shock,” ”Navigating Transitions” and “Being Faithful to Who You Have Become.” The central goal of Re-Entry is to provide returned missioners with a safe space to process their time overseas and begin to reflect on how they want to integrate their mission experiences and the Franciscan values into the next chapter of their lives.

“I [was] grateful for the opportunity to welcome the lay missioners back to Casa San Salvador [in Washington, DC],” shared Beth Riehle. “This sacred space is where they began their orientation and were commissioned to their mission sites. [The missioners were able] to unpack and share their mission stories, both the hardships and the joys. It was a blessing to accompanying them during this time of transition.  Their stories of mission challenged me to continue to be faithful to my own call.”

Being faithful to one’s own call was a theme that FMS was intentional about integrating into this year’s Re-Commissioning Mass. This year’s ceremony was unique as it invited not only the recently returned missioners, but all FMS program alumni – those who served internationally and those who served in the United States – to verbally renew their commitment to serve alongside the marginalized, follow where Christ leads them, and continue breaking bread with people in new and different ways.

During the homily, Fr. Joe Nangle OFM, former FMS Co-Director emphasized that “overseas mission experiences prepare and challenge us for the rest of our lives” as we are called to “reverse mission,” a guiding principle of FMS in which returned missioners are called to continue sharing their mission spirit in the United States, advocating for peace and justice in home communities in the United States.  

Fr. Joe shared how important it is for the FMS family to stay united as a community of faith and to encourage each other in the challenges of reverse mission. “The Gospel values that defined Christ’s mission are our mandate as well. We are no less called than Christ was to be the presence of the Lord in this time and this moment in our history.”

How we live out this mandate that Christ also received is unique to each of us. Missioner Anna Klonowski shared how grateful she was to discover this through the FMS retreat and Mass: “One particularly impactful part for me was getting to meet and spend time with so many members of our extended FMS family—DC Service Corps alum, returned missioners, board members, and supporters. I saw so many inspiring examples of how to live out our shared Franciscan values, which motivates me to continue searching for the unique ways I am called to live as a Franciscan-hearted person.”

Fr. Brad Mulinski celebrates Re-Commissioning Mass.

Fr. Brad Milunski, OFM Conv. chair of the FMS Board of Directors, presided over the Recommissioning Mass and remarked, “Celebrating the re-commissioning of [recently] returned missioners and FMS program alumni at the Eucharist was a powerful way to bring the past, present, and future together as the Body of Christ and to realize that the call to mission continues here in the U.S.  Joy, enthusiasm, and a sense of gratitude pervaded the whole celebration.”

The presence of the body of Christ was striking and powerful as upwards of twenty program participants stood up and reconfirmed their commitment to living out the Franciscan charism. Staff members were beaming with gratitude and pride as they facilitated the blessing over alumni.

“Standing with program alumni and re-committing ourselves to living out the Gospel values, reminded me that the mission of FMS does not stop when our service [term] is completed,” shared Joshua Maxey an alum of the DC Service Corps Program. “The journey continues as we are called to continue to share these values with those whom we encounter daily.”

As a part of the Re-Commissioning celebration, FMS invited its vibrant community of Board members, staff, formation

FMS program alumni renew their call to mission.

presenters, current and former volunteers and missioners, and family and friends in attendance to a reception at Casa San Salvador, the FMS hospitality house. Current staff and volunteers organized a delicious breakfast potluck, to which guests contributed. The Franciscan charism permeated the space filled with joy and purpose, and one guest commented it felt like a large, family reunion.

Amy Brandt current FMS Communications Associate and DC Service Corp volunteer curated a gallery of framed photos that the missioners had taken during their time serving on mission. The depth of meaning of having the photos in the chapel was quite powerful. It was a beautiful way to remind guests that each person – our Bolivian, Guatemalan and Jamaican brothers and sisters –  in the photo had a sacred story and was a part of the Body of Christ that Fr. Brad, Milunski, OFM, Conv. highlighted.

Anna, Cindy, and Misty have been sent forth to begin the next chapter of their lives, never forgetting their lifelong call to mission. Please keep them and the communities in which they served alongside in your prayers as they take their next steps in their ministry journeys.