Franciscan Companions in Faith to the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia

Trenton Area— St. Raphael – Holy Angels Church and surrounding parishes

Coordinator: Nancy Opalski  pmlnao2@gmail.com

Companions share in the spirit and mission of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia through prayer, faith, or ministry. Like all Christians, Franciscan companions are called through baptism to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ as sister and brother with the entire human family and with all of creation.

FAITH SHARING
Our companion’s group meets three or four times per year for prayer, faith sharing and fellowship in the Trenton, New Jersey area. Members of the group provide hospitality in their homes and facilitate faith sharing on a rotating basis—as they are able. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where we can continue to grow in our Franciscan spirituality and encourage each other in living our call to Gospel values.

Faith sharing focuses on a variety of Franciscan themes. Currently we are working with the program entitled “God’s Extravagant Love” prepared by the Sisters of St. Francis. Each gathering includes prayer, reflection and sharing. Our time concludes with a light lunch together.

ANNUAL ACTIVITIES

In addition to our gatherings for faith sharing, we participate in the following annual events:

OCTOBER (weekend closest to Francis’ feast day):

· Recommitment service;

· Francis Fest– Italian dinner follows our recommitment service and faith sharing;

NOVEMBER (Date TBD): Gift wrapping for Assisi House St. Nicholas Party.

DECEMBER: (2nd Sunday) St. Nicholas Party at Assisi House
We bake cookies, help set up, assist with entertainment and serve as Santa’s helpers for the day. We make a special effort to take candid photos of the Sisters present and prepare a photo remembrance.

MARCH (Companions Gathering Day and Annual Charism Day):
Because of our proximity to Aston, PA, we make a special effort to participate in this weekend gathering. Transportation is provided to ensure that no one is left out. All who participate in this weekend come away refreshed and renewed.

 

BEING A FRANCISCAN PRESENCE IN THE LARGER COMMUNITY
As Companions, we make every effort to be present at congregational events.  When possible we are present to support each other and our Sisters of St. Francis both at times of joyful celebration and at times of loss or illness. Individually and as a group, we strive to be a compassionate presence in our world. Our special focus is being present to our Sisters at the Assisi House retirement center.

At the invitation of the Muslim community in Yardley, PA, members of our group attended our first Eid celebration. We were warmly welcomed and shared a wonderful meal of traditional food.

More information: If anything you have read here touches your heart, please consider joining us at our next gathering to discern whether you may wish to become a Companion.