So Why The Panhandle Franciscans?

Another question that I have received is, "Why this particular community?" This I suppose must start at the very beginning of the discernment process.  When I began this journey my junior year I knew that the community had to have a few select things including:

1.  A Habit-I desired a habit.  My thought was that if I am going to be a sister, I want to look like one. My reasoning has changed since then but we will address that later...
2. I wanted an order that taught and did youth ministry/faith formation.
3. I wanted them to have younger sisters...if that even existed, I was doubtful in the beginning.  I have been proven wrong since the initial judgment...
4. I wanted an order that was joyful and happy...I was not sure if that existed either. 
5. And most importantly I wanted a community that was active! I did not want a cloistered community. 

I realize now that my priorities were not exactly how they should have been but God used my willingness and eagerness to learn to mold what I desire in a community.  So know this is what I desire in a community and how the Panhandle Franciscans fulfill all of the "requirements" that I have.

1. PRAYER-This has become the most important aspect when looking at a community.  Without a strong prayer life then how am I to build that relationship to Christ, who will be my spouse. Also as a Sister, one is called to prayer, to pray for the Church, for the world, for the conversion of souls etc.  The School Sisters typically pray at least 4 times together;  morning, noon, evening, and night using the prayer of the Church, the Liturgy of the Hours.  I also desired a community that had Mass everyday or close to everyday.  The School Sisters have Mass everyday even if they have to drive 15ish miles to another parish.  They recognize the importance of the Mass and intimately receiving Christ each and every day.  Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament also became an important piece of prayer that I knew that I wanted to have on a consistent basis.  I thought that by looking at communities with "Perpetual Adoration" in their name that would mean that they would have Adoration daily or almost daily but unfortunately many of them did not.  The School Sisters have Adoration almost daily if not daily...I can't remember.  Adoration is crucial because it is our chance to adore Christ in the Blessed Sacrament and allow Him to love on us in return.  We stare into His Soul as He looks into ours.  There is an intimate connection between the Adorer and the Adoree.  It is such a beautiful thing.     
2. The Habit-Yes, that remained high on my list of important things.  Some people may think it is silly but I truly think that God uses the habit to draw people to a particular community. I want a habit because it would be a "sign of consecration and as a testimony of poverty" (Canon 669, 1) (Yes I did just quote some cannon law) It is also a Sister's wedding dress as she is a Bride of Christ...what woman does not dream of wearing a wedding dress.  A Sister gets to wear her's everyday!  I absolutely love the habit of the School Sisters.  Last time I was there I learned how to wash the habits which was very interesting and I was amazed by the habit.  I deeply desire the habit. Sister Mary Grace said "That wearing a habit is like wearing a billboard for Christ."  It truly is when you are wearing the habit you are a direct reflection of Christ.  There is no hiding it.  Even people who are not Christians recognize the habit and know that you have given your life for Christ.
3. Community-The Community was also important.  I still maintained that I wanted a community that was genuinely joyful and desired to love. I also wanted a community that knew how to have fun with each other.  I also wanted a community that had a variety of ages of Sisters.  The older Sisters have lots of wisdom that they can share with the younger Sisters.  However, I did not want a community where it was all elderly Sisters. I also wanted a community where I knew all the Sisters.  I did not want to be in a community so large that I could not learn all of the names and actually get to know them.  I think I found all of these things in this community...
4. Apostolates-I also wanted a community whose apostolates were education and youth ministry. You would think that this would be easy however, it was not.  I could typically find one or the other or the Sisters really did not show the passion for either of them.  I wanted the Sisters to be passionate about educating the youth and leading them closer to Christ.  The School Sisters definitely have this passion and this love for the youth!
5. Balanced Lifestyle: I wanted to make sure that the community had a balanced life.  One of prayer, work, and fun.  I did not want all prayer and no work or all work and little prayer.  I wanted a nice balance.  And this balance is relative; it all depends on the person and finding that fit for you.   
6. Marian: I wanted a community that loved Mary!  She is the Mother of God who is always interceding for us.  When a woman becomes a postulant she prepares and makes a simple consecration to the Blessed Mother.  When a woman enters the novitiate she chooses a new name and it has Mary or a form of Mary in it.  They also pray the Angelus three times a day, The Memorare, and the Most Holy Rosary daily.  I am sure I am missing other Marian points too. 

There are many other reasons that I feel called to the School Sisters but all will be revealed in time. 

This is the video that I made after my trip to Texas in March.  It really shows why I love them so much!