Waiting...Waiting...for July's Fraternity Meeting

Happily I have been busy at work and at the end of my children's school year.  I have been antsy because July 3rd is my Fraternity's Monthly Gathering and to boot I'm getting my TAU.  I have so waited for this meeting.  I will also start my Candidacy formation with my Formator.  And (note to self) don't forget some kind of cake or cookies for the Social time.

Also, I'm sending my donation in for the "Franciscan Living in Community" Experience and so I'm looking forward to being in the Catskill Monastery in Wappinger Falls in early August!

I also received my EME schedule for the parish and I'm serving at the 11am Mass.  What a day of GRACE!  I so trust in You my Lord.  I need and want You in my life.  Grant me these little requests because of the Love You have for me and the little love I have for YOU, oh my Jesus!

Your child, Sylvia

Happy Belated Pentecost to you!

Well, yes it's been a full week since I posted last.  So much has happened and now it's Wednesday afternoon.  Well, of course, I love the Feast of Pentecost.  Pentecost is a real celebration for me even if I don't totally grasp the Spirit theology.  I only know for certain that the Father & Son's Love brings the Holy Spirit and the effect is electrifying if the person is open to it.

The effect of the Holy Spirit on the Bride of Christ is everlasting.  I personally think that the Holy Spirit has "driven" me to seek the Lord more.  I surrender to His influence and I am reaping the awesome harvest.  One of the interesting things that happened to me on Pentecost Sunday is to visit a small group of teenagers who are trying to band together to worship God.  They are my parish's Youth Council and they were recapping next year's schedule.  One of the activities they are definitely going to is the Diocesan Holy Hour that I wrote about in another blog.  It's not always easy to start and sustain a new group but I think that the Holy Spirit will open the eyes of a lot young people and we will grow.

During the Homily, my Deacon admitted that he didn't always "hear" the Spirit when he was a young father.  He has grown in his faith enough that he recognizes the Signs by the side of the road.  "Take this road" and "Come follow Me" are messages that we have heard and that I pray the whole world will listen to.  Rest assured that the Spirit is always speaking to you.  Say YES to Him always.

God bless you Reader,
Love and Peace, Sylvia

Soon I'll be a Candidate

Hello Dear Reader,

Sunday was my monthly Fraternity meeting at St. Lawrence of Brandisi in Patchogue.  I felt moved in some sentimentality because my lessons with the Fraternity Formation Director have come to a close.  We will be part of this Fraternity, striving to be as Franciscan as possible but I have a new instructor as I move into Candidacy.  Candidacy is the stage prior to Profession and it could take up to 2 years.  However, I am sure that my profession will happen in 18 months.

I have to tell you that my Formation Director is a sweet little Italian man who probably would have been a Franciscan priest but fell in love with a sweet little Italian girl.  Maria is also a professed SFO and I see her as such a light for Tony as well as our Fraternity.  They deeply love their family and the SFO.

I am making plans to attend "FLIC: Franciscans Living In Community" that is happening in August in Wappingers Falls, NY.  I am probably going to need a vacation by that time.  Until next time...

Peace and all good,
Sylvia