Lent 2018
Into The Fog
Editor’s Note: Executive Director, Liz Hughes reflects on the trust required when facing the unknowns and uncertainties of daily life. Last January, I was driving to St. Raphaela Retreat Center in Pennsylvania when I encountered a fog so thick I could barely see. I was scared, claustrophobic, and wondering if I should pull over. As…
Love and Brotherhood are Offered and Received
Editor’s note: Missioner Tim Shelgren recounts Immaculate Conception High School’s Dramatization of the Crucifixion in Kingston, Jamaica and reflects on his role in the process. Setting Campus Minister Donna Haynes set the stage in the school’s “quadrangle” where the student body meets for assemblies. She placed several small palm trees and a cross to represent twelve…
Seeing Clearly: A Letter to God
Editor’s note: As part of FMS’ Lenten blog series, Sam Hardwick, FMS Development and Operations Associate and DC Service Corps member, writes an honest letter to God. Mirroring Jesus’ time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, Sam expresses trust in God, even as life seems “murky” and the path forward is unclear. Dear God,…
Seeing Clearly: Finding Clarity in the Dark
Editor’s note: As part of FMS’ Lenten blog series, Kathleen Strycula, guest blogger, graphic designer, and DC Service Corps Alum considers the true meaning of clarity. Is it really about being able to see, or is it about something else? Kathleen’s original poem complements her prose, inviting us to prayerfully consider how seeing clearly might…
Seeing Clearly: Solidarity, a Sandwich, and St. Valentine
Editor’s note: As part of FMS’ Lenten blog series, Harrison Hanvey, guest blogger and Assistant Campus Minister for Community Service at the Catholic University of America, reflects on an Ash Wednesday experience that helped him consider the distinction between service and solidarity–all while eating spicy chicken sandwich. The first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, happened…
Seeing Clearly: The Mysterious Gift From Jesus
Editor’s note: As Part of FMS’ Lenten blog series, Programs Manager Emily Norton shares the insights she gained from a surprising gift that she received during two FMS retreats she coordinated for our lay missioners during their 3-month long Formation Program, preparing them to serve overseas. One of the privileges of being the Programs Manager…
Seeing Clearly: Happy Presence Day
Editor’s note: As part of FMS’ Lenten blog series, Programs Associate Rose Urankar shares an unexpected experience practicing ministry of presence. Ah, a day off! One of the best things about transitioning into the working world after 18 years of Catholic education is celebrating federal holidays with a vacation day. This President’s Day, I was…
Seeing Clearly: Jesus Meets Us Where We Are
Editor’s note: As part of FMS’ Lenten blog series, Executive Director Liz Hughes shares her reflection on the Catholic Day of Action with Dreamers and how that experience allowed her to see Christ more clearly. In this Sunday’s gospel, the people yet again ask Jesus for a sign. “What sign can you show us for…
Seeing Clearly: “The Holy Befold”
Editor’s note: As part of FMS’ 2018 Lenten blog series, missioner Anna Klonowski shares a reflection on seeing holiness from Barking to the Choir by Father Greg Boyle. As part of my personal commitment to learn and grow while on mission, I recently read a book by Father Greg Boyle called Barking to the Choir*.…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
