Working with the L'Arche Community

Sister Helina started to serve with the L'Arche Community in August 2014.  On one day per week, she assisted with Community activities at the office in Canterbury.  

"The sharing of human vulnerabilities is always  a new invitation to let Jesus be the centre of everything.  I did my apostolic work at L'Arche Community.  There, I was involved in the card making group.  I worked with people with learning difficulties in the morning and some came in the afternoon for social activities.  It is a profound challenge to be in the presence of those whom I can hardly understand.  I learned to use sign language in talking to them.  I also learned to talk in a gentle voice so that they would understand me.  I learned to care for and love them in whatever situation I found them." 

Sister Helina will make her first profession of vows as a Franciscan Sister in the FMSL Congregation in August this year.  She will then be based in our Littlehampton convent, where she will continue her religious formation and studies.

Sister Susan Graduates from Franciscan Formators' Programme

Sister Susan FMSL graduated at the end of March 2015 from a six-month programme of studies at the Franciscan International Study Centre, Canterbury.  She was presented with her Certificate in Franciscan Formation together with co-student Vernon OFM.  Our congratulations to both of them.  Sr. Susan is currently the Formator for Postulancy in the FMSL Community in Canterbury.

Sister Susan is shown here with Br. Vernon (centre) and fellow students Brothers Damian and Ronan OFM, who are continuing their Franciscan Studies at the FISC.

The role of the Formator of Postulants brings responsibility for arranging and co-ordinating the programme of training for women who have come to live with us and discern their vocation to our way of life.  

ROLE OF FORMATOR (Pre-Postulancy and Postulancy)

To journey with the person, to help her develop her faith and discern her religious calling.

 ‘The Formator of pre-Novitiate candidates will have the principal responsibility for their guidance and direction.’ (Constitutions n. 83)

The Sister who is appointed as Formator of Postulancy will have the following duties and responsibilities:

To liaise with:

· The Sister who journeyed with the person in pre-postulancy

· The community in the house

· The Formation Team

· Mother General and Council

To co-ordinate the Postulancy programme and timetable.

To accompany, teach, guide, encourage, listen to and pray for the postulant

To pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for herself as she undertakes this responsibility

To facilitate communication with other groups, eg. faith-sharing groups, study groups, peer groups

To invite the postulant to write to Mother General and Council three months prior to admission to the Novitiate as per Dir. 6.13.

To be responsible for collating the reports which will allow the postulant to move on to the next stage.

On 2nd February 2015, Marcellina and Patricia were received as Postulants in Canterbury by Sr. Susan and Sr. Clare Bernadette.  This happened during Evening Prayer in the Convent chapel.  Congratulations to Patricia and Marcellina and to Sr. Susan, who will  accompany them through this stage of discernment.

Marcellina and Patricia (centre) at their reception into Postulancy with Srs. Susan and Clare Bernadette.  We thank God for the gift of these new postulants and their director, assuring them of our prayers and asking you to remember them in yours.

Boxing Day in London

On Boxing Day 2014, Sisters Innocentia, Attracta, Helina and Esther attended a Mass and social for Nigerian priests and religious in the Stratford Centre, Tottenham.

Arriving at the Centre

Celebrating Mass

After Mass

Social Gathering

Christmas 2014

During Advent, Sisters Helina and Esther, with Sr. Clare Bernadette, attended a 3-day retreat in St. Joseph's Convent, Littlehampton, preached by Fr. David Blowey OFM Conv.  
As part of our preparations for Christmas, the Sisters arranged an Advent wreath and crib in the convent chapel and flowers at the Franciscan International Study Centre.

On Christmas Eve afternoon, Sisters Helina and Esther enjoyed the Carol Service in Canterbury Cathedral. Most of the Community attended night Mass at 10pm at the FISC.  Sr. Clare played the organ at the FISC for Christmas morning Mass. 
We were blessed with the company of two guests at lunch - Seun and Daniella.

Recreation

During summer, when the evenings are light, we use the convent's back garden space for recreation.

Renewal of vows: Sisters Innocentia and Attracta

On 9^th August, Sisters Innocentia and Attracta renewed their vows for one year.  This took place during morning Mass at the Franciscan Study Centre.  The vows were witnessed by Sr. Clare Bernadette, as delegate of Mother General, and by Fr. Thomas Reist OFM Conv, Principal of the Study Centre.

 Afterwards, they were congratulated by other daily Mass goers.

Please keep our Sisters in your prayers during the coming year, as they continue their prayer, study, training and voluntary work as Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Littlehampton.  

Thank you, and God bless you.

Reception of a new novice

What is a novice?

The period of novitiate is currently based in Canterbury and lasts for two years, after which, a novice  Sister may request to make her first profession of religious vows.

The purpose of the Novitiate is to:

A Initiate the candidates into Religious Life, preparing them for that total and perpetual consecration to God which this life demands.

B Concentrate on the development of the spiritual life and a close following of Christ.

C Enable the novices to deepen their personal prayer life, striving to achieve the desired integration of prayer and activity to which the formation programme is directed.

D Inbue them with the spirit of the Congregation by the study and living of the Rule and Constitutions after the example of St. Francis who said to his followers: “This Rule is the Book of Life, the hope of our salvation, the sign of the Gospel, the way of perfection, the key to heaven, the alliance to eternal union.” (2 Celano ch 158, para 208)

E Enable them to consider more carefully their religious vocation and to assess their commitment to our Franciscan way of life. (Canon 646)

 (from  FMSL Constitutions, norms 96-103)

Reception of Sr. Esther

On 2nd August, Sr. Esther was received as a novice in St. Joseph's Convent, Littlehampton.  The simple service of reception during Evening Prayer was moving and joyful.

Sr. Anne McLaughlin, Mother General gave a short reflection on the Feast of the Portiuncula.  As this little chapel was the starting point for the Franciscan Order, Esther was invited to reflect on the beginnings of her own Franciscan journey.

Sister Anastasia, who had accompanied Esther through postulancy, presented her with the San Damiano Crucifix worn by novices.

Mother General gave Esther a copy of the FMSL Rule and Constitutions, which she will study during her novitiate.

Esther received the white veil of a novice from Sr. Clare Bernadette, who will be responsible for her novitiate training.

Congratulations were then in order!

Sr. Esther will be based in Canterbury for the next two years, where she will join second-year novice, Sr. Helina.  We thank the Lord for blessing us with new vocations and ask you to join us in remembering both Sisters in your prayers.