The Portland Companions enjoyed a delicious potluck dinner in July 2018 to celebrate the past year and to begin anew in September. Our theme in the past year was the Gift Given Project created by Sr. Kathleen Moffatt. At our monthly meetings we shared our insights on the Bardi Dossal, the San Damiano Cross, and peacemaking in our world today—with faith sharing always at the heart of our time together. We also used ZOOM Conferencing to welcome and hear stories from Srs. Marie Lucey, Theresa Firenze, and Maureen Duignan. These sisters shared their life stories, their ministry history, and their commitment to our community.
We engaged as a group in three service projects: supporting Drexel Neumann Academy, packing food for the Oregon Food bank, and serving dinner with a group called Rahab Sisters who provide a dinner weekly to women who are homeless. As we look forward to a new year beginning in September, we have chosen as a theme: “Beloved of God.” We will be using the booklet published by the Allegany Franciscans which addresses major issues of the day and how we might respond as those living with a Franciscan heart. In our group there are 22 returning companions, three who are participating in a year of discernment to become companions, and four Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia.
