We typically gather in the convent building at St. Mark’s. During the past, we’ve had the privilege of hearing companion, Mary Furlong, share about her Africa experience and recently, Sr. Rose Mary Holter, OSF, shared her experience of transition to renewal of vows. The companions enjoyed both of these speakers. They were moved to take up a collection for Mary for her next African journey and ministry. Additionally, the Fallston companions celebrate Christmas each year with a simple prayer, sharing of home made goodies, and a gift exchange.

Our gatherings usually consist of time to quiet and center. Then we read a chapter or a portion of a chapter from a book and share on the content with the hope of applying what we’ve read to our own lives and share our experiences with appreciation for the graces we’ve received. This time is usually followed by a time of intercessory prayer and then closure.

We’ve used a variety of texts—some simple and some a little more challenging. They include: Praying with St. Francis, Praying with St. Clare,Praying with Elizabeth Seton, Who Do You Say I Am?: Meditations on Jesus’ Questions in the Gospels by Basil Pennington, A Reflection on St. Francis (from the internet).

We’ve attempted to do the Care for All Creation but the women did not prefer it. As a result, in the New Year, we will use Praying with St. Anthony of Padua.

On average, for each of our gatherings, we have 15 to 20 members come. Most of the women minister in the same parish, St. Mark’s, and so know one another very well. A few are from other parishes where they minister. We are a very welcoming group.

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