The Tacoma Franciscan companions met on September 11, 2017, at St. Ann Convent for a retreat on the theme of “The Fragrance of Christ.” Several Companions from Portland responded to the invitation to join in the retreat experience led by Sister Anne Amati. The retreat day included a celebration of the Eucharist, breakfast, morning and afternoon presentations, lunch b, and a closing ritual wherein the companions blessed Patricia and Paul St. Clair who were leaving the group for their permanent move to Pennsylvania. Retreatants enjoyed Sister Anne’s theme and her creativity as well as her grounding in human nature, story, and scripture. The retreat was a “Franciscan delight.” Forty one persons were in attendance. This number included guests of companions who might be interested in joining the companions group this year.

At the second meeting on October eight, 2017, the group had an icebreaker and session on accessing OSFConnect (the sisters’ internal website) led by Sister Christine Still. In addition, the group enjoyed reflecting on how others had been the fragrance of Christ for them since the retreat on that theme. Then they reflected on how they had been the fragrance of Christ for others during the month. Following reflection time, the group shared their experiences of the “Fragrance of Christ.” Next, the group engaged in a commitment ritual. A large bowl made by a First Nations’ family showing a circle of dancers sat on a handmade woolen Native American weaving in front of the altar. The figures representing peace and harmony were glowing from a candle within the bowl. The companions’ pins were set inside the bowl representing the companion groups throughout our congregation. The pins were then drawn out and presented to those completing discernment and committing to this companions’ group for the first time. Those receiving the pins for the first time were Joanne Butts, Sister Francis Calhoun, Janet Caskey, Annette Hall, Betty Lou Praether, Carol Ulbricht, and Margaret Ulbricht. They were warmly welcomed by veteran companions with friendly applause. Following the commitment, the whole group met for a social. The companions will be meeting monthly through April 2018.

The Tacoma Franciscan companions met on September 11, 2017, at St. Ann Convent for a retreat on the theme of “The Fragrance of Christ.” Several Companions from Portland responded to the invitation to join in the retreat experience led by Sister Anne Amati. The retreat day included a celebration of the Eucharist, breakfast, morning and afternoon presentations, lunch b, and a closing ritual wherein the companions blessed Patricia and Paul St. Clair who were leaving the group for their permanent move to Pennsylvania. Retreatants enjoyed Sister Anne’s theme and her creativity as well as her grounding in human nature, story, and scripture. The retreat was a “Franciscan delight.” Forty one persons were in attendance. This number included guests of companions who might be interested in joining the companions group this year.

At the second meeting on October eight, 2017, the group had an icebreaker and session on accessing OSFConnect (the sisters’ internal website) led by Sister Christine Still. In addition, the group enjoyed reflecting on how others had been the fragrance of Christ for them since the retreat on that theme. Then they reflected on how they had been the fragrance of Christ for others during the month. Following reflection time, the group shared their experiences of the “Fragrance of Christ.” Next, the group engaged in a commitment ritual. A large bowl made by a First Nations’ family showing a circle of dancers sat on a handmade woolen Native American weaving in front of the altar. The figures representing peace and harmony were glowing from a candle within the bowl. The companions’ pins were set inside the bowl representing the companion groups throughout our congregation. The pins were then drawn out and presented to those completing discernment and committing to this companions’ group for the first time. Those receiving the pins for the first time were Joanne Butts, Sister Francis Calhoun, Janet Caskey, Annette Hall, Betty Lou Praether, Carol Ulbricht, and Margaret Ulbricht. They were warmly welcomed by veteran companions with friendly applause. Following the commitment, the whole group met for a social. The companions will be meeting monthly through April 2018.

The Tacoma Companions Group is pictured on the left; the photo on the right shows the new companions as of 2017.