Reclaiming the Vision

It was particularly awesome to observe the COVID-19 approach to Mission and Heritage Week 2020 at the Felician Learning Center.

Kat Tisdale, director and Jean Nexsen, Mission Integration Committee chair, gathered an ecumenical group of volunteers to plan the program for the children of the Learning Center as its monthly Kid Event.  Volunteers, Sisters Carol, Johnna and Susanne welcomed the children and their parents/guardians masked, and socially distanced, as Sister Johnna took temperatures in the routine approach of these pandemic days.

The first station was outdoors where the children viewed various St. Francis statues, pictures and even a life-size Franciscan robe to hear a simple story of the man who loved people, all of nature and animals.  Then each child prepared a simple bird feeder with a pine cone rolled in peanut butter and bird seed to hang outdoors at their home.  The child also received a small stuffed animal as a take away.

The second station featured various photos and statues of Blessed Angela and followed the pattern of hearing a simple story of the woman who helped others especially the children, orphans, the sick and poor.  The children played a game listing what to do and not to do to display kind behaviors.  Representing her kindness, each participant received a small spiral notebook with the cover that read “BE KIND”.

The next station included a summary of how “YOU” can imitate these holy people.  Children made paper “helicopter origami” that listed the Ten Commandments on them.  The last instructional station included a how to follow in the footsteps with a laminated TIC, TAC, TOE game to play by adding acts of kindness to the squares to score.

In the Arts Center, Sister Carol met the children with a chance to spin a wheel to receive a small prize.  In addition, each child was fitted with a new official Felician Center t-shirt.  Volunteers distributed a cupcake and drink for each child to celebrate the birthday into heaven of these special people.

Where there is no vision, the people shall perish.  Proverbs 29.  Some children, their parents/guardians and our volunteers worked to reclaim the vision as part of a spiritual life.