News

Manitowoc Sisters place Franciscan world on Web

By Anne Kiefer
Compass Intern

	On the web Who: Franciscanized World What: Interactive web page of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc Features: Downloadable song, picture, podcast and blog on the life of a sister Where: www.fscc-calledtobe.org/living.asp

While no one would mistake "Franciscanized World" for Disney World, the vocational web page of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc is attracting 9,000 visitors a month.

They come to the interactive site for free music, artwork and podcasts. The page seeks to foster communication between the sisters and young women who may feel called to the religious life, as well as their parents and others who support them along the way.

"The Franciscan Sister's presence in their ministry is the most compelling and authentic invitation to their life," said Mark Kolter, the sisters' communications counsel,"but the sisters are also interested in reaching young adult women from across the U.S., many of whom may not be familiar with the Franciscan Sisters [and] not in proximity to their ministries."

The Internet provides more opportunities for open communication with young women than traditional means. "It makes contact a little more wide open, more anonymous," said Sr. Julie Ann Sheahan, OSF, vocation directress. Through the Internet, "we're able to share spirit with all the possibilities of sound, image, music, and comments by our own sisters - our own voices."

The web page features a free spiritual song download, a new image for reflection each month, an educational podcast (an online broadcast of multimedia files); and a blog (a personal online journal). The theme each month is based on special events and feast days.

"Every month we try to move the blog to a different place of ministry," Sr. Julie Ann said. The blog has featured reflections of sisters teaching in Arizona, Nebraska, Hawaii and Mississippi; working in healthcare in Wisconsin and Ohio; and serving the poor in Chicago.

The song for September is "I'm Free" by Rosanna Fiorazo, who performed in July at Lifest in Oshkosh and in September at Cup O'Joy Coffeehouse in Green Bay. The September podcast features Sr. Hannah Johnechek, OSF, who made final vows in August. The Image of the Month is of Sr. Hannah's final profession ceremony, including Bp. David Zubik's presenting her with a ring and her placing the ring on her finger. Because of the popularity of the podcast, it will remain on the site into October.

Visitors are encouraged to comment and reflect on what they see and hear. The page is moderated for offensive comments, but so far, no deletions have been needed.

"There is a really, truly exciting future for our website. We look forward to more interactive communication and good substantial conversation about a lot of topics related to life," Sr. Julie Ann said.

The spiritual song download receives the most comments. Focus groups have shown that young women are "very attached to music as a spiritual source of their faith," Sr. Julie Ann said. However, the sisters plan to promote every section of the site, especially the podcasts, which can show young women that the daily life of a sister is eventful and always changing.

The strategy is to take a "straightforward ... almost photojournalistic approach," Kolter said. "The sister's life is best conveyed simply by documenting their interaction with those they serve - [there is] no need to glorify or romanticize their calling."

The sisters try to feature new musicians on the page. In July it was Second Adam, which "hasn't had as much exposure as bands like Superchick and Barlow Girls, but they have a lot of promise," Sr. Julie Ann said. The Franciscan Sisters sponsored Second Adam at Lifefest. The August download, "Mirror of Eternity" by Claire Karst Rivero, was chosen to celebrate the feast of St. Clare of Assisi on Aug. 11.