April 2015, Issue 149
St. Francis Woods Campus Newsletter
St. Francis Woods: A Place of Hope, Healing, Harmony
Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart
9201 W. St. Francis Road
Frankfort, IL 60423-8330
Palm Sunday: Deepening My Relationship with Christ and Others
Palm Sunday usually takes me by surprise—a rude awakening that
Lent with my hope for deep conversion will soon end. Has this
conversion occurred? Also Palm Sunday ushers in Holy Week and its
“roller coaster” sequence in the liturgy. Why do I say “roller
coaster”? The Palm Sunday Mass begins with a joyful procession with
the Passion close behind. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we
backtrack to days when Jesus is realizing that His Passion is near. The
beautiful evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday brings
us the first Eucharist and Christ’s word and actions of love to His
apostles. On Good Friday we again hear the Passion Narrative. This
year I wish to experience Palm Sunday within a deeper relationship
with Christ in His joys and sufferings that this day recalls.
Joys: Christ received praise and adoration as the people realized He came in the name of the
Lord. The entire earth was ready to adore and praise Him so much so that if humans
failed, the very stones would speak out.
♦ What is the quality of my praise and adoration during good times?
♦ Do I rejoice with others in their good fortune or am I jealous or simply uninterested?
Sorrows: Jesus suffered immensely out of love for us.
♦ Do I regularly thank Him for undergoing in forgiveness His intense physical, mental
and emotional suffering?
♦ To what extent do I unite my sufferings (inconsequential compared to His) with
Christ’s and offer them to Him to use as He sees fit?
♦ Am I compassionate with sufferings of others or am I disinterested or cold-hearted?
Finally, will the celebration of Palm Sunday and Holy Week help me put Christ, My God and
My All, truly at the center of my life? I hope so, and I extend that wish to each of you as well,
in addition to any other graces you may desire at this time.
Sr. Joanne Vander Heyden
Phone: 815.469.4895
Fax: 815.464.3809
Email: [email protected]
www.fssh.net
https://twitter.com/FranciscansFSSH
https://www.facebook.com/FSSHNET
Dates to Remember
April 2 — Holy Thursday Mass,
7:00 p.m.
April 3 — Good Friday Service,
3:00 p.m.
April 4 — Holy Saturday,
Easter Vigil, 7:00 p.m.
April 5 — Easter Sunday Mass,
9:00 a.m.
April 22— Earth Day
“… you who seek God,
may your hearts revive!”
Psalm 69:33
Highlights
Blessings of Consecrated Life,
page 2
Seeing Beyond the Pain, page 3
It’s Time to De-stress, page 4
Bingo Coming to the Woods,
page 4
SWIFT Spring Forum
On Sunday, April 19, you are invited to hear three
speakers, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish, speak
on what their faith teaches about “End of Life
Traditions and After Life Beliefs.” After the
short talk from each of the three speakers, there is a question and answer period.
This interfaith forum is being held at Peace Memorial Church, United Church of Christ, 10300 West
131st, Palos Park. Registration begins at 2:30 with the program from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Donations of disposable diapers for “Respond Now” would be appreciated. Come and bring a friend.
Worship with Us!
Although we
cannot
accommodate
weddings or
funerals because we are not
a parish, we warmly invite
you to join us for the times
of prayer and worship
shown on page 2.
The Blessings of Consecrated Life
In my many years as a consecrated religious, a true joy for me has been the blessing of time and
opportunities to nurture my journey into God. Along with this is my growing ability to
comprehend God’s incredible love for me, as I constantly open my heart to hear God say, “I love
you.” And it is this tender love of God that daily urges me on. Ways to grow in understanding and
appreciation of my vowed commitment have always been available. Our Franciscan spirituality is
such a rich treasure, as well as being able to walk this journey with other Franciscan pilgrims. A
constant inspiration for me is the personal witness of our Sisters, in both good and bad times,
along with much gratitude for their companionship and support. Always there has been the call
of grace to step into newness, into change, into the unknown.
Following in the footprints of Jesus nourishes my spirit and brings a personal enrichment to be shared. Concern for the difficult
situations that others are facing presents moments for bringing a bit of hope into their lives. Whether in education,
administration, congregational leadership or pastoral music, opportunities have come my way to help others in their movement
toward their God. Because of my diverse ministries and involvements, I have known a wonderful synergy with others in the
congregation and in the Church—a rich experience of collaboration and mutual support with so many beautiful people of faith.
Special blessings have also been around liturgical music. I truly believe and have actually seen that this music can powerfully
move one into transformation. It can truly wake up one’s soul! When an individual tells you that he had spent a beautiful July
Sunday afternoon on his boat on Lake Michigan, but the best part of his day was the music at Mass that morning, you know a
heart has been touched! Having sacred music interwoven in my life has sensitized my desire for greater harmony in
relationships. This harmony is best experienced within the
constant rhythm of a peaceful dynamic.
Queen of Angels Chapel
Very simply, my life is the interplay of the daily challenge to
live the gospel and our FSSH charism and to share the graced
results with others. For me, this is the joy of consecrated life
and the blessed opportunity to “wake up the world.”
Private Prayer:
Daily
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sr. Kathleen Hook
Mass:
A Celebration of Earth Day
Mon. through Fri. 7:45 a.m.
Saturday
8:15 a.m.
Sunday
9:00 a.m.
The poet, William Stafford, asks: "Will you
ever bring a better gift for the world than
the 'breathing of respect' that you carry
wherever you go right now?" During this
time together, we will deepen our respect
for Earth through poetry, music and art
and hopefully leave our time together more
committed to walking upon Earth with
healing and compassion.
(Morning Office 15 minutes before Mass)
Holy Hour with Benediction:
First Friday (Sacred Heart)
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Date: Monday, April 27, at the Port
Exposition of Blessed Sacrament,
Silent Adoration & Evening Prayer:
Every Wednesday (Vocations) 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Time: 9:30 a.m.-Noon
Fee: $20
Facilitator: Father Terry Johnson is a Spiritual
Director and Leader of Retreats and Workshops as well as
Pastor of St. Irenaeus Parish in Park Forest.
It’s Easy to Receive the St. Francis Woods Campus Newsletter by Email
Three Ways to Register:
Name: ____________________________________________________
1. Drop off this form at the Motherhouse or
Email Address: ____________________________________________
2. Leave a phone message for Sheila at
815.464.3800 or
City: _____________________________________________________
3. Send your information to
[email protected].
Phone Number: ____________________________
Thank you!
St. Francis Woods: A Place of Hope, Healing, Harmony
Page 2
St. Francis Woods Campus Newsletter
Seeing Beyond the Pain
Our Associate Lillie Farwell from the California Circle has had her share of health problems
and the pain that goes with them. In her annual renewal of Commitment, Lillie described how
she would serve with a Franciscan heart:
“I will serve with a Franciscan heart by living the Gospel with joy and only using words when
necessary. I have discovered through my illnesses that I have an opportunity to reach out and
minister to many other people and offer them hope, not only the patients when I have been in
the hospital, but the doctors and nurses. I make a very strong effort to encourage the medical
staff and thank them for their service. I have found it makes a huge difference in their day
and mine. I have been using the motto: “Just because you are in pain doesn’t mean you
have to be a pain!” Several of the staff have asked to “borrow” that phrase… It doesn’t take
much to change the day around for someone, and it also helps me cope with all the illness I have had lately.”
Thank you, Lillie, for radiating hope, even through the pain and illness!
Sr. Norma Janssen
Director of Associates
Programs at the Portiuncula Center for Prayer
Soaring Crane Qigong Review
If you have completed Soaring Crane Qigong Level I, join this group for one or all sessions for the opportunity to practice
together and to review the five routines, the liver tonifier and the tonification stance. Time permitting, there will be
instruction in a remedy routine.
Date: Tuesday April 7
Time: 10:00 a.m. -Noon
Fee: $20 per session
Facilitator: Rita Travis studied qigong at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and with Professor Chen, Hui Xien. She is
a certified Level I and Level II instructor.
Embracing the Wisdom of the Natural World
This Spring, as nature begins to come alive, we will explore the deeper meaning of the animals
and plants around us. Part of the mystical journey involves the ability to see beyond the ordinary,
to be open to the "aha" moments in nature. St. Francis of Assisi was good at this: he saw all of
creation as involved in his spiritual journey. He sang to Brother Sun and Sister Moon, he tamed
the wolf and preached to the sparrow. In this retreat we will explore the symbolism of the
animals and plants that touch our lives.
Date: Monday, April 13
Time: 9:30 a.m.-Noon
Fee: $20
Facilitator: Rita Travis is a certified practitioner in massage, zero balancing, and reflexology.
Her current full-time ministry is body/soul work, specifically Zero Balancing, Lymph Flow,
Reflexology, and Spiritual Direction.
Word Weavers
Have you ever longed for a community offering a safe haven and creative support while giving you the sacred space to travel
your own creative journey as a writer? Whether your interest is in poetry, fiction, memoir, or non-fiction—join us, and become
part of the ongoing story of a thriving, vibrant writing community that gathers on a regular basis at the Port. Email
[email protected] or call 815.464.3880 for more information.
Date: Sunday, April 19
Time: 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Fee: $10
Facilitator: Michelle Caputo is having a life-long love affair with words. Some of her favorites:
oxymoron, ululate, and ohm. She lives in Frankfort with her understanding husband, their amazing
cat and more books than she has time to read.
Registration for Programs at the Port
♦ To pay by credit card, call 815.464.3880
St. Francis Woods Campus Newsletter
♦ send an email to [email protected]
♦ visit our website: www.portforprayer.org
Page 3
Scripture Reflections
On Thursdays, April 9 through May 7 from 9:00–10:30 a.m. in our Assisi Center, there is reflection and
sharing on the following Sunday’s Scripture readings for those who want to prepare for their Sunday Mass
celebration and to better understand the Word of God. The reflections are led by Sr. Marilyn Renninger,
OSF. All are welcome. No fee and no need to register. Just share and discuss God’s Word.
Reverse Raffle
Tickets will be drawn during dinner
at St. Francis Woods
9201 W. St. Francis Road
Frankfort, IL
In the not too distant future, the Franciscan Sisters
of the Sacred Heart will be hosting
bingo on Friday evenings in the auditorium here at the Woods.
For further information contact Gerry Guzaitis,
Director of Development, at [email protected].
Green Tip
Get a clothesline or rack to dry your clothes by the air. Your wardrobe will
maintain color and fit, and you'll save money. Your favorite t-shirt will last
longer too.
May 2, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
You may be a winner if your ticket is among
the last three drawn!
Third Prize
$500
Second Prize $1,000
Grand Prize
$2,500
$50 per ticket… only 300 tickets will be sold.
Winner need not be present.
Call Gerry at 815.464.3882
It’s Time to De-Stress
It is a busy and often stressful time of year—with final exams, graduations, weddings, Mother’s Day and more, all on
the heels of April. Are there people you care about who need time to regain some balance and take good care of
themselves? Could that someone be you? Consider gifting them—and yourself—with permission to relax and renew
both body and mind: a gift certificate to the Poverello Holistic Center. With gift certificates, recipients can choose the
bodywork they are most comfortable with—healing facial, massage, acupuncture, reflexology, healing touch, and
more.
Call to ask questions, make an appointment or request a gift certificate at 815.464.3880. Hermitages are also
available for some peaceful quiet time through The Portiuncula Center for Prayer. Brochures on all St. Francis
Woods has to offer are available at the Port and the Motherhouse front desk.
If you need some quiet time but a spa day is not what you are looking for, you are still welcome to stroll the grounds, relax and enjoy
nature. Rest awhile on one of the many benches provided along the way. Stop by the Heritage Chapel or the Queen of Angels Chapel for
personal prayer, walk the labyrinth and, when the weather is warmer, enjoy the soothing sound of the water fountain. You can walk the
paved path or choose a path through our woods. Find peace here. It’s time to de-stress!
Help Us Feed the Hungry!
You can help us ensure that local
families do not go without this
Easter by bringing canned goods
and other non-perishables to our
donation boxes available at all the
Motherhouse and chapel entrances.
Your generosity makes a
difference in the lives of
your neighbors!
Page 4
Individual Spiritual Direction
Listen for the movement of the Holy Spirit and be companioned on your spiritual
journey by a trained spiritual director.
Time: Call for appointment.
Mary Ruth Broz, RSM 815.469.4883
Fee: $50
Mary Shinnick, OSF 815.464.3807
Norma Janssen, OSF 815.464.3808
Nancy Roberta Schramm, OSF 815.464.3848
St. Francis Woods Campus Newsletter