Feed the Birds

We worked at one very long table.

At our December meeting, we continued with our annual Franciscan Christmas tradition of making bird-seed packets to hand out at our parishes on Christmas. 

Here's the recipe for our activity:
* 1000 Uline S-1293 3x5 2 mil plastic bags
* 1000 Avery 5160 2x4 labels
* 100 lbs of birdseed
* cups for measuring
* bottle tops as funnels
* song sheets for singing
* plastic grocery bags for carrying it all home

A great time was enjoyed by all, and we really made a lot of birdseed packets.  In just a little over an hour we went through that entire 100 lbs of birdseed.

What a wonderful way to share a little bit of St. Francis with others at Christmas!

FEEDING THE BIRDS FOR SAINT FRANCIS

A Gift from the
St. Bernard Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order

St. Francis wanted all creation to celebrate the birthday of Jesus.

It was his desire that all mayors and Lords of Castles issue a

decree that would require the scattering of grain on the roads on

Christmas so that our friends the birds might have something to

eat.  The Secular Franciscans, who strive to follow Christ in the

footsteps of St. Francis, ask you to use this token of a gift to feed

the birds on Christmas Day – in the example of St. Francis of Assisi.

Pax et Bonum (Peace and All Good)

St. Bernard Fraternity, Leominster, MA  StBernardSFO@gmail.com



Filling the bags from a big pot of birdseed.



It looks like this end of the table is making a bigger pile of packets, though.

Spiritual Assistant Visit

 

Today's meeting featured a visit from Pam, who recently completed the Spiritual Assistant program offered by region.  She was present for both our council and regular fraternity meeting.  It was an opportunity for us to get her and her to get to know us.  We all got to share a little of our personal journeys into being Secular Franciscans.

 

And thanks to Holy Family for the coffee and goodies leftover from this morning's "Coffee Plus" .



 





Blessing of the Animals

This was the first time our fraternity participated in the Holy Family Blessing of the Animals in honor of St. Francis' feast day.  Fr. Jose was dressed as the Seraphic Father himself to bless dogs, cats, and a couple stuffed animals.  The fraternity provided dog, cat, and people treats (cider & cookies).  It was sunny and very breezy day, but it was a great turn out.