Mission and Service
The Unknown Ways of God
Editor’s note: Domonique Thompson, a current Lay Missioner in Formation, dives into an experience during her time serving at the Father McKenna Center. She recalls her encounter with someone at the Center, and allows for further reflection introspectively. The inward ponderings of her heart echo a greater call towards action in living intentionally and wholeheartedly. …
Dishes Washed with Love
Editor’s note: FMS Development Associate, Madeline McKissick introduces her call to the ministry of presence. Entering into this new chapter, she depicts how her ministry looks different than some of her peers. She welcomes the reader to reflect on the teachings of Mother Teresa by doing little things with great love. At Franciscan Mission Service,…
Goretticisms: Joys Learned with a Tiny, Elder Sister
Editor’s note: In this blog, missioner Megan Hamilton welcomes readers into one of her ministries in Kingston, Jamaica, where she lives with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany in their convent. As Megan reflects on the enduring personalities of the sisters in the infirmary, she invites readers to consider how other important things endure, even when…
Awaken Your Emotions
Upon returning home from Bolivia, I jumped on an opportunity to facilitate a mission trip with another organization. During the last week of July, I was privileged to serve alongside teenagers at some pretty awesome service sites. Not only did we serve in the community, but we also took time to process the trip together. …
The Patience of the Seasons
Editor’s note: DCSC volunteer, Hannah Puvalowski, uses nature and poetry to reflect on times of transition. A flower cannot bloom without water and sunlight. Baby birds cannot fly without nourishment from their parents. It takes 40 years for a maple tree to be ready to share its sweet syrup. The transition from winter to spring…
Creature Comforts and Shared Solidarity
Editor’s note: DC Service Corps volunteer, Julia, reflects on her time in DC and the ways it has helped her to appreciate simplicity and the will of God. If I had to choose my least two favorite things, I would have to choose hot weather and bugs. As someone who gets hot very easily and…
An Ode to Audre Lorde
Editor’s note: DC Service Corps volunteer Megan McCarthy reflects on the words of favorite writer and activist, Audre Lorde and encourages us to continue lifting the voices of black authors during these monumental moments in our history. As the Black Lives Matter movement gains more visibility each day, it’s crucial now more than ever to…
Call To Action
Editor’s Note: Sabrina Portner, serving in Bolivia, shares resources that are helping shape her understanding of power and privilege. She invites readers to join her on the journey by listening to and uplifting the voices of people of color. My voice is not yearning to be heard, nor is it needed. Please listen to our…
Living Water and Light
Editor’s note: Overseas missioner Anna reflects on the past two months quarantined in Bolivia through the song “Springtime” by Chris Renzema. Like all of you, we have been living in quarantine for the last two months in Bolivia. With that comes a lot of uncertainty and free time. I challenged you in my last blog…
Lessons From A Mandatory Retreat
Editor’s note: DC Service Corps member, Julia reflects on the changes brought about by this pandemic and the insights she’s found along the way. It has taken me six weeks to adjust to the changes brought on by quarantine living. We shifted to working remotely; our community shrunk from twelve to three as members went…
Raspy
Editor’s note: FMS missioner Becky Kreidler reflects on the different sides of God she’s encountered through recent trials and tribulations in her life. I’ve been abruptly learning that my soul has some rasp to it. Despite my resistance, it has kept coming up, begging for me to acknowledge its existence, and making it known that…
Nothing or The Best of Something?
Editor’s note: FMS missioner Anna reflects on these times of quarantine and how she’s spending it in Cochabamba, Bolivia. As the whole world is asked to stop, us missioners in Bolivia also find ourselves cooped up in our apartment in downtown Cochabamba. Now, I have to say, I am extremely grateful for where we live. …
The Song of the Soul
Editor’s note: DCSC volunteer Hannah reflects on how the birds of Michigan remind her of peace and love in times of unrest in our world. Amidst the stillness of looking out my window, I have observed Robins dancing about and playful Bluebirds. I have heard the sweet hum of a Chickadee and the clanging of…
The Comfort of Art
Editor’s note: DCSC volunteer Kate Keeley reflects on the ways art has brought her comfort during these hard times and shares a poem by one of her favorite poets. In the midst of the pandemic, I left DC and came home to Salem, VA to be with my family during these hard times. It’s easy…
Dark Hours to May Flowers
Editor’s note: DC Service Corps volunteer Megan reflects on these uncertain, vulnerable times through her own experiences quarantined in New York. These past few weeks have not been easy. Lately, the weight of the world feels so heavy that at any moment I feel as though my legs will snap like twigs and I won’t be…
Ramblings from a Tropical Ramble
Editor’s note: FMS Missioner Megan Hamilton reflects on her new life in Kingston, Jamaica and her decision to stay and serve her new community throughout this pandemic. I look out my balcony at an arching, rustling mass of green: palm and mango trees, a hundred-plus-year-old giant the Jamaicans call a French Peanut tree. The sun…
God’s Call
Editor’s note: DC Service Corps volunteer Matthew Fichter reflects on what God’s calling might be for him after completing the book “The Secret Lives of Introverts” by Jenn Granneman. In these strange times that persist, perhaps one question that might continue to present itself is “what is God’s calling for me”? In thinking about this…
Hannah’s Nature Vlog
Editor’s note: FMS missioner Hannah Hagarty has returned home from mission back to Iowa due to the Coronavirus outbreak. In this video, Hannah will take you on a peaceful journey of her childhood home sharing pictures and videos of the beautiful scenery that helps remind her of God’s presence even amidst all this chaos. We…
You’re Not So Tough
Editor’s note: FMS missioner Sabrina reflects on vulnerability, friendship, and accompaniment. I have always struggled with holding in and suppressing my emotions. I tell myself that I am just a very logical, level-headed person–one that doesn’t have emotions. It’s hard for me to express myself or admit what’s going on inside me. Most of the…
The Ways Between Bethlehems
Editor’s note: Megan Hamilton, an FMS missioner serving in Kingston, Jamaica reflects on two Bethlehem’s: the first being the one that blossomed her love for catholic servant leadership, and the other being her new ministry site in country with FMS. My second day in Kingston Jamaica I am at Bethlehem Home, an orphanage for kids…
Rest In Our Past
Editor’s note: Becky, a current missioner in Cochabamba, Bolivia, reflects upon how her entire mission journey with FMS illuminates her present moment. She became a FMS missioner in 2018, and attended formation with class 34 in the fall of 2018. Upon discerning to be present to those in Guatemala, she left in January of 2019…
Trusting In God’s Tomorrow
Editor’s note: DCSC volunteer Michael Broughton reflects on the ways trusting in God’s plan has brought him to FMS, along with new experiences, friends and passions for helping those in need. Hello! Since the last time I published a blog post, my life here in D.C. has transformed quite a bit. I have grown to…
Old Habits Die Hard in Community
Editor’s note: DCSC volunteer Kate Keeley reflects on a recent retreat with her fellow year-long volunteers and the ways this experience has opened her heart to a new way of understanding community life. For a long time, I thought I understood what it meant to be in community. I come from multiple tight-knit communities: a…
Peter
Editor’s note: Missioner Hannah Hagarty currently serving in Kingston, Jamaica reflects on 5 words that have become the foundation for her time on mission so far and the ways these words are exemplified in her friend Peter, a 15 year old boy from Jamaica living in a home for boys born HIV positive. Presence. Love.…
Understanding Servant Leadership
Editor’s note: DC Service Corps volunteer Matthew Fichter reflects on what it means to integrate leading and serving through his experiences at the Fr. Mckenna Center as well as lessons discussed in the book “Toxic Charity” by Robert Lupton. Prior to our February retreat at Harpers Ferry, the DC Service Corps team was asked to…
Journey To Self
Editor’s note: Missioner Sabrina invites us in to her inner world by reflecting on her relationship with God, her journey on mission, and a poem by Kahlil Gibran that illustrates her emotions during this turbulent time in her life right now. Today I want to speak to you, God, to she, to the feminine, to…
His Simple, Divine Provision
Editor’s note: Missioner Becky Kriedler adjusts to her new life in Bolivia where she will be serving for the next two years. In this piece, Becky reflects on the ways God continues to show her light, love and support amidst such a new and unpredictable journey. One of the things that made me so excited…
God Leads the Blind
Editor’s note: Missioner Anna has just begun her journey in Bolivia and reflects on the ways her experiences on mission so far are teaching her how to really listen. In my last blog post, I spoke of the true Spirit of Christmas, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit prompts us to speak to others. While…
Trusting God is Like Getting a Haircut
Editor’s note: DC Service Corps volunteer Julia reflects on the annual FMS Re-Entry Retreat, a time of welcoming reflection for our returned overseas missioners, and how this experience has led to new friendships and transformative haircuts. With January comes a new year and the annual FMS Re-Entry Retreat, when missioners return from overseas and the…
Advent Day 25: Rejoice
Editor’s note: DCSC volunteer Matthew Fichter concludes our Advent blog series with a reflection on the word “rejoice”. Merry Christmas! At the mention of the word “rejoice” during this Advent season, the commonly played Christmas hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” comes most readily to mind. The lyrics “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee,…
Advent Day 22: Call
Editor’s note: Megan Hamilton reflects on a return visit to Shkoder, the city she volunteered in while in the Peace Corps (Albania 2015-2017). A Balkan Call to a Caribbean Mission In English she is Shkoder. But if you come to know her, if she becomes yours, in Albanian, she is Shkodra, as she will always…
Advent Day 20: Strengthen
Editor’s note: Becky Kreidler will be embarking on mission to Bolivia in 2020 after returning home from mission in Guatemala due to a knee injury. Becky offers us an Advent reflection on the strength she’s encountered during her time in formation with FMS and the ways it’s helped prepare her for this next journey. When…
Advent Day 19: Light
Editor’s note: FMS Missioner SarahJane Cauzillo currently serving in Cochabamba, Bolivia offers an Advent reflection ‘light’. It is the rainy season here in Bolivia. In just a moment, a clear blue sky can be completely transformed as the dark clouds come rolling over the mountaintops. The sun can be covered in an instant as the…
Advent Day 18: Growth
Editor’s note: DCSC Volunteer Hannah Puvalowski reflects on ‘growth’ through prayer and personal experiences. The sun, flowers, and the renowned DC cherry blossom trees all so vibrantly express growth. However, in the current season of winter, a season characterized by dark and cold days, it is easy to feel stuck and not connected to God.…
Advent Day 17: Speak
Editor’s note: FMS missioner Anna Metzger reflects on the ways the Holy Spirit speaks to us throughout the Christmas Season. Walking around town during the Holiday season, we see many signs and hear countless cheerful remarks. When shopping in stores, you’ll read signs that say “O Holy Night,” “Santa is Coming to Town,” “Jesus is…
Advent Day 11: Forgive
Editor’s note: Missioner Hannah Hagarty currently serving in Kingston, Jamaica reflects on what it means to forgive after the injustices she’s witnessed while serving overseas so far. Children born with HIV. Children that have been abandoned by their families because they were born with a physical or mental disability. Women and men in my close…
Advent Day 10: Listen
Editor’s note: DCSC volunteer Megan celebrates day 10 of Advent with a reflection on the word ‘listen’. Throughout these past few weeks, I have been actively repeating the word ‘listen’ to myself as a way to help slow down and really be intentional with my presence. To be a good listener is something I’ve always…
Advent Day 9: Healing
Editor’s note: Missioner Tim Shelgren serving in Kingston, Jamaica offers an advent reflection on healing by sharing some stories of the “extraordinary healers” he has encountered throughout his time on mission so far and his new found understanding of what Jesus might have meant when he used the term “greater works”. “And Greater Works Than…
Advent Day 6: Trust
Editor’s note: DCSC volunteer Kate reflects on the word “trust” this Advent season through song lyrics and the Annunciation story of Our Lady. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8_475FKJWQ I have traveled many moonless nights Cold and weary with a babe inside And I wonder what I’ve done Holy Father you have come And chosen me now To carry your…
Advent Day 4: Patience
Edtior’s Note: In this blog, FMS Board member and secular Franciscan, Laura Rainey, OFS, shares a reflection from “Jesus Calling” that helps her focus and slow down during the season of Advent. ‘Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert…
Not Where You Go, But Who You Travel With
Editor’s Note: DCSC volunteer Julia reflects on the unexpected, beautiful discoveries she made during a work trip to Chicago. Julia touches on friendship, self discovery, and Franciscan values throughout her writing. Work Trip in Chicago? Sign Me Up! This blog idea comes to you by courtesy of Mrs. Nichole Petty. When my site supervisor, Dr.…
If It’s Not Of You God, I Don’t Want It
Editor’s Note: DCSC volunteer Kate reflects on a sentiment offered by a good friend that has helped re-shape the ways she understands both herself and her relationship with God. These are the words that a good friend and spiritual mentor of mine, BryAnna, told me to repeat to myself when my soul feels torn. When…
Love Personified
Editor’s Note: Regular readers of the FMS blog are familiar with the reflections of FMS missioners and volunteers. Today, however, we share with you a different voice, that of Bradley Hagarty, father of first-year missioner Hannah Hagarty. While not serving overseas as his daughter is, Bradley is part of the FMS story because his story…
Becoming a Franciscan Woman of Mercy
Editor’s Note: Anna Metzger is a Missioner in Formation who will be commissioned for the overseas portion of her mission journey in just a few weeks. In this blog, Anna reflects on integrating the spiritualities of two religious communities as embraces her call to lay mission. Have you ever been asked the question, “what do…
October 3, 2018 and the Promise of Resurrection
Editor’s note: Becky Kreidler is an FMS missioner who began her journey being present to those she encountered in Guatemala. Upon increased pain in her knee and learning she would need surgery, she discerned to return home to Mt. Prospect, Illinois in late March 2019 where she had surgery. Since then, has been dedicating time…
The Odd Uneven Time
Editor’s note: Megan, a DC Service Corps volunteer, uses poetry to reflect on change within her present life. I think change is so scary because it forces us to face our inner demons head on rather than hiding behind comfort. Human beings are all creatures of comfort to some extent. Some more than others, but…
The Slow Work of God and Cooking Beans
Editor’s note: DC Service Corps associate Hannah reflects on the ways God is slowly moving through her life throughout this new beginning. According to a recent “guess how many beans in the jar” activity at a social hosted by Catholic Volunteer Network, an average serving of beans consists of 1100 beans. A few weeks ago,…
Transitus Speech — Honoring the Life and Death of Saint Francis
Editor’s note: Executive Director Elizabeth Hughes shared the Transitus Reflection at the Franciscan Monastery. Liz focused on St. Francis’ message of humility, fraternity, and trust and how we continue to live that today. Good evening. Thank you for the invitation to share with you tonight. My name is Liz Hughes, and I am the Executive…
A Concept: 100% Contemplation & 100% Action.. Is There a Word For That?
Editor’s note: Missioner Tim Shelgren reflects on the practice of contemplation and action and the ways this state of being has impacted his journey thus far. “There’s no word for it in English.” This is a phrase my eldest son Troy, who lives in the German speaking part of Switzerland, often uses when he is…
Art, Faith, Goodbyes and the Former Rich, Italian Party Boy
Editor’s Note: Missioner in formation, Megan, reflects on her journey in DC so far and the places she’s found beauty “wherever it rests.” I have been thinking about the intersection of art and faith. I’m wearing a new set of clothes. Bought some at the Goodwill. They fit great, and I love ‘em. But…they’re a…
