CFR sisters seek co-workers to support mission

The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few… Matthew 9:37

In order to support their ever-growing ministries in Camden County, the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal are beginning a yearlong CFR Sisters Co-workers Program in Atlantic City this September.

“We will still be relying on all of our many volunteers, but we believe that there are some people who would like to serve more closely alongside us and grow in holiness in the Franciscan charism,” the CFR sisters explained in a recent email invitation. Seeking no more than 12 individuals, the co-worker group “means going through a time of formation in the charism of the Franciscans of the Renewal, and a yearly commitment to live a Franciscan lifestyle and serve alongside the sisters in their various ministries.”

Located on North Mississippi Avenue, the CFR’s Saint Michael Convent was dedicated by Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan in August 2017. The building is the former Saint Michael’s parish rectory, which closed in 2015 when the church joined the city-wide Parish of Saint Monica. The sisters operate a drop-in center for the homeless next door to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church, Parish of Saint Monica, in Atlantic City, as well as a formation house for the Saint Michael Missionaries who work alongside the sisters and live a life of community, prayer and ministry. The sisters share an expansive outreach to the needy of the Atlantic City area, as well as serve as apostolates of evangelization.

The Co-Worker Program invitation continues, “The CFR charism to live the Gospel more intensely in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare involves a commitment to daily personal conversion, a deep prayer life, faithfulness to the teachings of the Catholic Church and an active love for the poor. Being a co-worker means a commitment to prepare for, and presence at, all monthly meetings and to grow in holiness together. Frequent reception of the sacraments and daily personal prayer will be a requirement, praying as much of the Liturgy of the Hours as one’s state permits and receiving spiritual direction are highly encouraged.”

Monthly four-hour meetings begin Sept. 2 and include Holy Hour and a meal with the sisters and a group discussion about a Franciscan topic or a presentation by a CFR priest. Sisters will discern opportunities to take up more responsibilities within the different apostolates according to each one’s availability and gifts.

Franciscan Sister Joseph explained, “We are looking for people who will grow spiritually and as part of a group. They must be very committed and available at least once a week. Their gifts could cover the spectrum – technology, construction, work with the homeless, psychological training – anything they can contribute in a substantial way. We need help!”

She concluded, “This is not for everybody. It is like a vocation, but more committed.”

In a written application for the program, potential co-workers are asked to prayerfully reflect upon which aspects of the sisters’ charism and ministries most appeal to them; what their daily prayer life looks like; their desires, challenges, concerns and areas for growth; what gifts they are prepared to bring to the program, including their work experience, training, skills, time and availability; and a one-page biography explaining how the Lord has led them to consider the CFR Co-Worker Program.

Applications for the Co-Worker Program may be obtained by contacting Sister Joseph at franciscansistersac1@gmail.com; forms may be submitted to that address, then call the convent at 609-343-1545 to confirm receipt. Deadline is Aug. 15, 2023.