Spokane presence stays strong with mutual support, sense of community

by Charish Badzinski
It’s clear for both sisters and affiliates that the sense of Franciscan community and support serves as a significant draw for those seeking connection to FSPA. That’s why it’s no surprise that even for those who live far beyond the walls of St. Rose Convent, that connection to community remains, even thrives, no matter where they are planted.

Such is the case for a small group of FSPA and affiliates living and ministering in the Spokane, Wash., area. It was back in 1915 that FSPA first began founding and ministering in Catholic schools in Spokane and Colfax, Wash., establishing a tradition of service in the West. In 1966, FSPA established the Western Province
as well as a system of “borrowing and loaning sisters that began in order to fill the mission needs out West,” explains Sister Kathy Roberg, who currently lives and ministers in the Spokane area along with eight other FSPA and seven affiliates.

Schools closed over time, and the needs in the West changed. As is standard for FSPA and affiliates, they caught the winds of change and allowed themselves to be called to new ministries to fulfill the needs of the region. These days, the calling is one of offering much-needed personal support to the homebound, hungry and marginalized, as well as gently giving voice to the ideals of Franciscanism through their work.

When Sister Kathy moved to Spokane less than two years ago, she knew she wanted to get involved with people in the margins of society. She found three places to share her ministry: Our Place, a food, clothing and hygiene bank, where she volunteers twice a week and makes knitted baby bonnets, booties and afghans for expectant mothers. Wednesdays she serves a hot meal to about 200 homeless in the House of Charity in downtown Spokane, and on Fridays she waitresses at a free restaurant for women and children, where they serve about 150-200 people at one time. “In all these grace-filled areas I believe I am seeing the face of God and I feel very blessed,” says Sister Kathy. “I’m very busy but I really love my volunteer work.”

For Sister Betty Bradley, watercolor art, writing icons and creating fractals have given her the opportunity to share creative beauty in her ministry, “As each creative artwork is evolving, I am very aware that God and I are playing, creating together,” she explains. “As each piece of art is created, I marvel at its evolution and God’s inspiration!” Other FSPA ministries in the area include bringing communion to or visiting the sick and homebound, preparing meals for community gatherings, offering spiritual direction especially to the Secular Franciscans in the Spokane area and teaching others tips and tricks for successful gardening.

For affiliate Pamela Small, partnering in ministry with FSPA has been, “an answer to my prayers.” Pamela already possessed a Franciscan heart, and was seeking people who shared her vision of caring for the lay person, caring for creation, a love of animals, and mostly, a tie to a religious community in her aging years. In becoming an affiliate with FSPA, she forged a connection and found support that helped her with significant health issues, like in 1999 when she suffered a stroke and nearly died. Though her health prevented her from attending Area Days that year, arrangements were made for her to conference in via telephone, which she says gave her strength. ”I am most grateful for all the prayers from my Franciscan communities and maybe that’s why the Lord decided I had more things to do.”

Affiliate ministries in the Spokane area include serving as deacon or pastoral minister at an area church, calling on shut-ins and the sick or elderly, serving on the altar society or at funeral dinners and fulfilling the role of eucharistic minister. Though their ministry work varies widely, the Spokane-area group has formed a community of their own—one which offers much needed support in ministry and personal lives; when one is sick, the others offer comfort. They come together in local community to share in their personal and spiritual growth, their successes and challenges, their hopes and goals for the future.

For Pamela, her relationship with FSPA has helped her feel connected during times of crisis; FSPA took turns being present to her. “I knew that I was loved,” she said, “and that is the core of affiliation and commitment.”