St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity Bulletin
Vol. 12 No. 11   December 2007

Franciscan column
by Tammy

2007 reflections: The new council has survived eight months together. Now that the fall gathering is over, we feel we are just starting to focus on our fraternity. We are still learning and have some ideas we hope to bring about during 2008. Please remember that each of you are an integral part of our Franciscan family and that you all have a voice. Please feel free to share with any council member any thoughts or ideas you have. You are always welcome to attend council meetings and/or approach any of us with concerns. We especially would appreciate any ideas for ongoing formation and if you wish to write the guest column you are invited to do so.

Make Life Matter—

As we enter the month of December and are reflective about Advent and the celebration of our Savior’s birth, it brings to mind that we should make every day count. Since God brought to us his Son and ultimately gave his Son to save us, it is important that in thanksgiving, we attempt to give honor by making our time in this world really matter. We’ve all heard many times to be ready and to have our life and house in order. Are the things we are involved with (i.e., jobs and volunteer activities) making us happy and/or bring a sense of satisfaction? Do we do these things by rote? Do we use our time wisely? Is there more we should be doing? Are we too much of a busybody? Do we do too much and not leave enough time for silence and prayer? Are we involved with our families enough (or maybe too much?) Is our time well balanced between church, family, friends, neighbors? Are there simple things we could do every day to make a difference in someone’s life? Sometimes just a simple phone call to someone shut in or someone to let them know you are thinking of them can make a difference in someone’s life. Have we given up personal contact and rely to much on email to communicate? Are we always giving and not able to receive? Are we able to say "no" if we need to?

As we go into 2008, we might want to consider this a resolution or a way of life to strive for. Reflect upon the activities you are involved with and decide whether you need to make some changes. Sometimes we get stuck. For example, can adding a different form of prayer or a fixed prayer time in a busy life make a difference? Can volunteering for something new bring about a good change? Can giving up something not productive be cleansing? I also challenge each of you to be involved in our Franciscan family by volunteering in some way.

May each and every one of you and your families have a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.