News

Weekend affords plenty of time to play and pray

By Anne Kiefer
Compass Intern

	WHO AM I: "Yes, you guessed it" shouts Mackenzie Einfalt of West Point, Neb., in a game of 'which Sister am I' at Camp Franciscan. Vivian Onas from Arizona (right) plays Master of ceremonies while Gild Alvarez and Deloras Gill from Yuma assist. (Rick Evans photo)

The fast-paced world of young people leaves little time for prayer. The 56 young women and girls of Camp Franciscan, however, found peace and solitude during their three days at Holy Family Convent in Manitowoc, home of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.

"Camp Franciscan is a vocational camp," said vocations director Sr. Marianna Merkatoris, "to have young women find out more about our life and to meet other young people."

The camp is comprised of two age groups. The 25 counselors are mostly high-school juniors and seniors and the 31 campers are mostly 7th and 8th graders. The young women came from eight states.

"Most of the young women are connected to our schools and our own ministries. Many received special invitations from sisters," said Sr. Julie Ann Sheahan. "The campers and counselors who live farther away were blessed with the opportunity to come earlier, so they got to know each other." Some came from as far as Arizona and Hawaii.

The camp combines prayer and liturgy with games and entertainment. The campers participated in arts and crafts, games, a photo scavenger hunt, a talent show, and a performance by Katie Nelson, a Christian musical artist from Neenah.

"According to the evaluations," said Sr. Julie Ann, "the biggest highlight was getting to know and spending time with more sisters." Many campers said their favorite activity was the digital photo scavenger hunt in the motherhouse. "It allowed them to become a part of the motherhouse." Many also enjoyed the performance of Katie Nelson, having time for quiet prayer, and meeting young women from other places.

The sisters were pleased with the second year of Camp Franciscan. "We all thought it was wonderful," said Sr. Julie Ann. "We were overwhelmed with the leadership team we had. They made it the most wonderful because of their own spirit."

For the counselors, Camp Franciscan is "also a learning experience," said Sr. Marianna. While girls from both age groups express interest in becoming a sister, the decision is much closer for the counselors. For the counselors, the camp is a "chance to serve as sisters to younger girls," Sr. Marianna said.