Well, we're here in Assisi! It's difficult to know where to begin. The pace has slowed down quite a bit as we have more time to wander, to get to know the place, and to reflect on all that this town is and means to us.

Just spending time in the town square, listening to the variety of languages, seeing tourists and families wander the area, meet friends, and celebrate life...it's a whole different world. Of course, the others in the group have FORCED me to go out for gelato on several occasions (I highly recommend the peach and the lemon).

We've climbed to the top of the Rocca Maggiore and remembered the battle that took place between the middle class and the nobles of Assisi. We've joined the Poor Clares for vespers at the Basilica of St. Clare (my Italian is coming back slowly!). We've visited the church that now stands on the site of the property owned by Francis's father. This IS a small town and it's easy to imagine how word of Francis's actions would have traveled from one end to the other in less than an hour.

This morning we went to San Damiano. From that vantage point we could see Rivo Torto (where Francis gathered with the early brothers) and the Porziuncula (the 'home base') as well as the area where Francis would have ministered to the lepers. All those stories on paper come to life in this small town. The walk DOWN to San Damiano was gorgeous...of course that meant that we would have to walk UP on the way back. Am getting used to the pace, though.

And a photo of the piazza!

Monday, July 14, 2008 10:40:28 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [3] | 

Well, we've finally arrived in Assisi. After the hustle and bustle of Rome we spent much of this past week in the Rieti Valley (away from internet access). Rieti is one of those areas where Francis found spots for quiet and solitude...at the tops of mountains and in tiny caves. It took a bit of huffing and puffing but I made it to the top of Poggio Bustone...a spot where Francis went to find peace and the assurance of God's love and concern.

This too is the home of Greccio, where Francis celebrated that memorable Christmas Eve...calling the people to gather, to celebrate, and to remember the wonder of God's love. The day ended with a wonderful celebration of Christmas. The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (who run the retreat house where we stayed) couldn't quite understand why we were celebrating Christmas in July...but they joined in the spirit and sang some Italian Christmas carols for us.

One of the 'newest' highlights, though, was at La Foresta...yes, there is an ancient cave where Francis spent time in solitude and prayer...but there is also a strong reminder of the Franciscan presence here today. Several years back a friar became aware of the growing number of young men who were not 'well connected' with society. As a result, they turned to drugs, alcohol, and a host of other destructive behaviors. Here he started a community called Mondo X. This is a self-sufficient community of young men who come to learn how to deal with the world in healthy ways -- they refer to themselves as 'communities of Life'. Some stay for three years, some stay on longer and become the 'directors' of the communities. There is a strong sense of the power of community and the support that they give to one another. And they proudly shared with us the stories of Francis and the time he spent in this area.

...On to Assisi

Saturday, July 12, 2008 8:14:53 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Attention Students:

Company Description:  MICHIGAN CAMPUS COMPACT/VOLUNTEER CENTERS OF MICHIGAN

Job Title:  Program Manager AmeriCorps*VISTA

Job Description:

·          Manage, coordinate and report on two AmeriCorps*VISTA programs in Michigan, with between 20-30 members.

·          Coordinate competitive grant processes.

·          Run a recruitment campaign for members.

·          Conduct site visits to campuses and Volunteer centers.

·          Support campuses and volunteer centers in applying for, hiring and placing members.

·          Coordinate and run trainings and gatherings for VISTA members and onsite supervisors, both in state and out of state.

·          Work closely with the Michigan office for the Corporation for National and Community Service.

·          Provide oversight and guidance to the VISTA Leader.

·          Collect and gather data and stories on these programs to inform and highlight the program.

·          Assist in coordinating alumni efforts for the AmeriCorps*VISTA program.

·          Respond to questions from members and constituents regarding the program.

·          Contribute to other areas and partners within MCC, VCM and MNA, including assisting in affiliate’s events and program assistance as assigned.

·          Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Application Method:

Application Deadline:

Contact Person Information:

Ryan Fewins

mailto:rfewins@micampuscompact.org

Wednesday, July 09, 2008 12:23:26 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

I must confess - I never would have thought of an excursion to the town where Thomas of Celano lived much of his life and eventually was buried. But now that we're here, it's clearly an integral part of the journey. The home of Francis's first biographer - a man willing to but his talents at the service of the Order (and willing to subject himself to hundreds of amateur critics!) to let the life and light of Francis - and his passionate desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus - inspire others as well. Centuries later, this quaint little town still looks the same in many ways and has as its 'claim to fame' the body of this humble writer. It makes one wonder...whose story do I tell? What message do I keep alive?

Sunday, July 06, 2008 6:10:48 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [1] | 

These first few days have been 'foundation days'. We missed the day at St. Peter's. Francis had stopped here & exchanged clothes with a beggar -- he wanted to get a better understanding of what it meant to be at the bottom of the pile and at the mercy of others. Of course, the buildings weren't the same back then, but the 'spirit of place' certainly had to be here. Wherever you go, there are sounds of people, of families, of life! Francis must have reveled in it.

The next day -- a visit to St. John Lateran and remembering Francis's first visit to Innocent III. Again he came as a 'beggar', but this time asking for the Church's verbal blessings on his proposed way of life. Years later he returned to receive the official approval for his written rule -- a very different Francis now. He was just as passionate but he carried a few more 'battle scars'. He had spent years walking that fine balance in life of being true to the vision and the dream while trying to live it WITH others (who of course had their own visions and dreams!). He could have gone charging off on his own, but then we probably would not be remembering him today.

Saturday, July 05, 2008 6:10:05 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Knowing that Francis enjoyed being among the people - it seemed appropriate that we check out a 'marketplace' experience. After much walking, a few tram and train rides, and a bus ride, we finally made it to our destination: Navy Pier.

No, you're not crazy. We had a bit of a detour on our trip. Bad weather forced the cancellation of our flight to Chicago...so the plane for Europe left without Sr. Valerie & me. We spent the night in Romulus, MI. (Romulus...Rome...at least there was SOME connection!) Left for Chicago at 7 am and spent some time on Lake Michigan instead of Lake Trasimeno. 24 hours later than planned, we were on our way...safe and sound. Despite the delays, we were grateful for all the helpful people along the way...and the safety of our journey thus far.

More to follow...from the 'real' pilgrimage sites!

Friday, July 04, 2008 6:09:17 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

      There is so much that we (or at least I) take for granted. That was brought home last summer when Sister Judy, one of the Sisters in our Congregation, shared that she was involved in filming a documentary about Catholic Religious in Europe who were persecuted and tortured under Soviet rule from the 1940s through the 1980s. At the end of our community Assembly last summer, Sr. Judy shared a preliminary film clip that included descriptions of how these women had struggled to secretly continue practicing their religion. Many were harassed, beaten, and tortured. When the film clip was over and the lights came back on, there was not a sound to be heard in the room…and you would have been hard pressed to find a dry eye among us.

      This past weekend, a portion of the on-going filming of this project took place here in the Toledo area. If you missed the article in the Toledo Blade, please check it out here.
 

      Sr. Judy hopes that the documentary (Sister Survivors: Catholic Sisters and European Communism) will be ready to be aired next year. It will be a powerful testament to the courage and the faith of countless women and men who made a conscious choice to quietly and peacefully live out their beliefs despite opposition from the government. And it will be a moving reminder of the freedoms that we so often take for granted.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:09:26 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Students here is a link that is on interview tips take a look.

8 Worst Things You Can Say in an Interview, By Anthony Balderrama of CareerBuilder.com

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:19:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Attention Nursing and Social Work Students:

Company Description:  

Job Title:  Care Manager/assessor/screener

Job Description: To conduct in-person assessments, case management, and/or screening for individuals in need of long-term care.

Qualifications: 1 year experience in home care.  Knowledge of the community and reliable transportation required.  EEO/AAP, Bilingual and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.

Application Method: Mail resume

Application Deadline: Until position is filled

Contact Person Information:

Personnel/passport

Area Office on Aging of NW Ohio, inc.

Attn: Pam Wilson

2155 Arlington Avenue

Toledo, OH 43609

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 8:40:17 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Attention Business Students:

Company Description:

Job Title:  Job Order # OH469054, Local Census Office Manager (LCOM)

Job Description: The position manages staff and resources to carry-out office and/or field procedures; to direct and control all operational functions, resources, personnel; and implements a team-based environment to lead a temporary staff of office and field employees through multiple levels on accomplishing production goals and Quality standards of enumerating all of the residents in the 2010 census area of operations.

Qualifications: Must have prior Management Experience.  To see full job description log into scoti, www.scoti.ohio.gov

Application Method: Email Resume

Application Deadline:

Contact Person Information:

Pamoore@co.lucas.oh.us or btucker@co.lucas.oh.us

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 8:34:12 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Attention Business Students:

Company Description:

Job Title:  Job Order # OH469224, Assistant Manager for Quality Assurance (AMQA)

Job Description: Incumbent works closely with and advises the assistant manager field operations and the local census office manager on compliance with pre-established quality assurance goals and procedures for all field data collection operations in the ELCO/LCO.

Qualifications: Must have prior Management Experience.  Must have a high school degree.  To see full job description log into scoti, www.scoti.ohio.gov

Application Method: Email Resume

Application Deadline:

Contact Person Information:

Pamoore@co.lucas.oh.us or btucker@co.lucas.oh.us

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 8:30:01 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Attention Business Students:

Company Description:

Job Title:  Job Order # OH469064, Assistant Manager for Recruiting (AMR)

Job Description: Fulltime Temporary Position that can last up to 36 months.  Responsible for maintaining liaison with organizations that refer applicants and other employment resources.  Will be responsible for conducting the recruitment process to assure that applicants are identified and tested. 

Qualifications: Must have prior Management Experience.  Must have a high school degree.  Must pass a written management test; and have at least the minimum experience in each of the three areas in the Evaluation criteria attachment.  To see Full job description please log into www.scoti.ohio.gov

Application Method: Email Resume

Application Deadline:

Contact Person Information:

Pamoore@co.lucas.oh.us or btucker@co.lucas.oh.us

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 8:26:30 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] |