“Rebuilding the Church” Gathering

by Sister Cordy Korkowski


The first Monday of each month ushers into our Franciscan Welcoming House a group of Sisters and Associates who gather with a focus on our Franciscan Community commitment statement,
“Rebuilding the Church”. We are excited to come to this gathering each month because it includes prayer, sharing, catching up with each other, a guided presentation or discussion. It is planned to bring reflection on some dimension of our Franciscan heritage, life and spirit. There is always excitement in the air as each one arrives. Joanne Fleck said it well on Monday, March 2, “I do look forward to this gathering – like getting a candy bar for a child”.

On March 2, S. Jan Kilian led a discussion around the first three chapters of our Franciscan Rule. We discussed the deep meanings of Gospel living, simplicity, living in trust, helping each other, Franciscan identity, prayer and being reflections of God for one another. Each draws from the experience of their particular life in our discussions. Sometimes there are tears, as life experiences, health issues, family experiences bring pain, but the sharing does divide the sorrow. Encouragement and consolation are always ingredients of our time together. When we leave each other, we depart with new understandings, deepened convictions and renewed joy in being a part of the Franciscan family.

The picture includes the present group, with three members missing: Claire Stock, Yvonne Warzecha and Geri Dietz.

Front row: Bonnie Przybilla, Sister Jan Kilian, Sister Carol Virnig, Dee Hanisch,
Back row: Bea Monn,Kathie Pflueger, Sister Cordy Korkowski, Joanne Fleck, Rita Hacker, Sister Loretta Denfeld, Alda Thiessen