The Names We Share
Editor’s Note: As one of three volunteers named Claire in the program this year, DC Service Corps volunteer Claire Fisher contemplates what it’s like to share a name.
In my experience, Franciscans are big on introductions. There is something about being named and known that we find so precious.
However, if you have visited the Casa recently, or met our 2025-2026 DC Service Corps cohort, you may have noticed something… odd about our introductions.
Here is our usual script:
Claire Fisher: “Hi, I’m Claire F. You’ll see later why that’s important.”
Sam: “Hi, I’m Sam.”
Brigid: “Hi, I’m Brigid.”
David: “Hi, I’m David.”
Claire Bosch : “Hi, I’m Claire B.”
Guest: “Oh, that makes sense now.”
DCSC: “Just wait.”
Claire Schwalb “Hi, I’m Claire S.”
You read that correctly.
We have three ‘Claires’ in our cohort, all spelled the same.
Before my year of service, I had never shared my name before. Even Saint Clare, who I was named after, spells her name differently.
The three of us have had a lot of fun sharing a name. For one, it has been an excellent conversation starter. It’s also given us the great opportunity to come up with nicknames. What once was a group of Claires has now turned into Boschie, Fish and Schwalb.
Even as we merge into month two, I’m, even now, endeared that we have such a core trait in common. It still makes me laugh when someone yells, “Claire!” from the kitchen and all three of us whip our heads around.
As I have spent more time, more than ever before in my life, contemplating my name, I began to wonder what other names I share with people.
What names do I share with those at my ministry site? Or those 20 years younger than me and those 20 years older than me? What about those who vote differently than me? What names do I share with those who live in a different country?
The name we ALL share is ‘child of God.’
Sometimes, it’s hard to remember that when we differ in so many other identity markers, but it’s important to remember our shared identity in Christ. The bond I get to feel with Claire B. and Claire S. is something I get to share with everyone around the world!
During the day we all moved into the Casa, I did not know much about Boschie and Schwalb, but I knew we shared a name. I pray I bring that sisterhood to every person I share the name ‘child of God’ with.
Questions for Reflection: Do you share a first name with anyone you know? Who is God reminding you that you share the name ‘child of God’ with?
Tagged in:
