Franciscan Peacemakers

02/27/2021

What’s melting faster—the Wisconsin snow or this candle wax? ❄️🕯

We’re closed at the shop today since we are outside soaking up this HEATWAVE! We hope you take some time to bask in the glorious sunshine as well. 🌞

02/26/2021

Happy Franciscan Friday!
Have you tried one of our sacred amber candles yet? ✨
If not, come visit us at the shop from 8:00am to 2:30pm today.

02/24/2021

💜 Community Care - Almsgiving that Gives Twice! Read more here to learn about the updates to the Community Care option. Learn how you can "stop the spread" and "spread the love" all at one time! - https://mailchi.mp/21c32326675d/community-care-almsgiving-that-gives-twice

02/24/2021

💜 This week's Midweek Meditation is by Shelly, Director of Communications and Marketing.
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Driving home from picking up kids, my daughter told my son, "Looks like you inherited Mom's need to be right." You know how sometimes something really true hits you in a way that you can actually hear? Well, this was one of those moments. Similar to the year when that same daughter told me I needed to give up yelling for Lent - I knew this was my Lenten marching orders. Straight from the mouth of one of the people whose opinion of me actually matters. (Erg, it really makes me proud and kinda mad all at the same time!).
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And since the Spirit moves this way, I keep getting reminders of my commitment to try giving up being right this Lent, mostly because my kids keep reminding me about it. But yesterday this reminder came in the form of a podcast episode about the power of rethinking what we think we know. Turns out, those people in the world who are especially gifted at forecasting how things will turn out are good at what they do because they form beliefs and opinions - but then make the bold choice to re-think that position and actually change their thinking. They are truly wise because they let their opinion evolve and change.
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"If knowledge is power, knowing what we don’t know is wisdom." - Adam Grant (as heard on the Dare to Lead podcast with Brene Brown).
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So, how does this look in practice? I'm not too good at it yet, but I'm trying to notice when I have the urge to say something that will prove my position on any disagreement or conflict in any given conversation and simply say instead, 'Hmm, tell me more!" or to ask a question and get curious about what the other person is trying to say instead of telling them what I think.
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It's going to be a long Lent, y'all, and I almost want to give up every carbohydrate instead (and I love bread about as much as I love being right.) But I have a feeling that there will be something of true conversion on this journey if I can have the courage and tenacity to stay true to my commitment.
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What would real conversion look like for you this Lent?
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Really? Tell me more! :)

02/23/2021

Parish Based Social Justice Education during the Pandemic - thanks Family of Four!

Grateful to the Family of Four Parishes: Three Holy Women Catholic Parish, Our Lady of Divine Providence Catholic Church, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Old St. Mary Catholic Church Milwaukee - Official for welcoming us as their first Community Ministry Connection partner for the month of February!

We loved having a chance to meet with parishioners to discuss the issue of human sex trafficking and the healing ministry of the Franciscan Peacemakers last week on zoom. Read all about it here - and find a link to watch the hour long discussion with Deacon Steve Przedpelski, Wendy Smith from Washington County Anti-Trafficking Advocates, and Retired Lt Dawn Jones, three people of faith from different walks of life whose energies are directed at seeking justice and healing for survivors.

Remember - only one week left to join the Family of Four in supporting the Riverwest Food Pantry and St. Hedwig Hospitality Center with your donations of soap and lotion. Check out the Community Care Collection at www.franciscanpeacemakers.org for your chance to donate.

#communitycare #endtraffickingnow #Franciscan #StFrancis #StClare #Assisi #Peacemaker #Peacemakers #Catholic #Christian #BlessedAreThePeacemakers #CatholicSocialTeaching #CST #FaithThatDoesJustice #WorksOfMercy #ShopCatholic #Pray #Blessed #GoodNews

The Family of Four Parishes, whose social justice efforts are led by Laura Hancock, introduced a new way for parishes to engage in social justice ministry and education despite the pandemic! Called Community Ministry Connection, each month the parishes will highlight one community ministry with whom...

02/22/2021

Happy Monday, y’all! What are your goals for this week?

We hope to...
💜💜💜 support women in their journey
🧼🧼🧼 make some scent-astic soaps
✨✨✨ shine a little brighter ourselves (yay self care!)

Drop your goals below ⬇️⬇️⬇️

02/22/2021

Together we can change lives for peace and all good!

Thanks for this TikTok, Grace! A super example of how you can help support our mission! Sharing is caring!

02/21/2021

🗣 One week left to donate to our Community Cares Collection.
🗣 This month's partners are the Riverwest Food Pantry and St. Hedgwig's Hospitality Center.
🗣 You buy the product, we deliver it to agency.

02/19/2021

315 times the Franciscan Peacemakers were able to offer a meal, warm clothes, or a listening ear to women on the streets in these frigid temperatures.

Help support our mission today by making a donation or buying our products. These proceeds help us provide women with the most basic resources during these cold and dark months. If you can't support our work financially now, please pray to #endhumantrafficking 🕯💜

02/18/2021

Mid-week Meditation

💜 Join us this Lent! Follow along each Wednesday for reflections, prayers, and favorite passages from yours truly, the Franciscan Peacemakers team. Each week a team member will reflect on one aspect of Lent: Prayer - Fasting - Almsgiving.

🕯This week's contributor is Katie, our intern, focusing on fasting as we celebrate Ash Wednesday.

Fast from lies (we tell ourselves or others) and speak truth to power.
Fast from complaints, comparisons, judgments and be filled with wonder.
Fast from grudges, negative self-talk, hate and be reconciled.
Fast from assuredness, pride, self-interest and become a student once again.
Fast from distractions, avoidance, producing and just be.
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

☮️ & ALL GOOD.

02/16/2021

Flash Sale for Mardi Gras!
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Great time to stock up on your favorite scents and all-natural bath and body products.
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Enjoy 33% off using code MARDI today (Tuesday, Feb 16, 2021) only! Shop now at www.franciscanpeacemakers.org
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Happy Fat Tuesday!

02/16/2021

Why splurge on donuts when you can splurge on Franciscan Peacemakers products? Or... take our advice and enjoy both! 🍩🧼

Use code MARDI for 33% off of everything online and in-store! 🎉
Offer is valid today only so wipe off that donut filling and order some ethically-made body products today!

02/15/2021

👑 Fat Tuesday/Cat Tuesday? 🐱 - Join Deacon Steve and friends tonight on Zoom this Tuesday evening to learn a) whether or not he will be using a Cat filter and b) about the important mission of Franciscan Peacemakers - details here AND get a sneak peek of our one-day-only Mardi Gras FLASH sale! - https://mailchi.mp/d4398b8b54f2/fat-tuesdaycat-tuesday

02/15/2021

Super Negative Temps today but you can bring some Super Positive Vibes by wearing Peace and All Good layers!
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And stay tuned for a Mardi Gras FLASH SALE tomorrow...
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Get on our mailing list to be the first to know! Link in bio!
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02/13/2021

💜 Happy Galentine’s Day (& an early Valentine’s Day) 💜

We’re biased but we think we have some of the best gals around! Drop some love below for Mary, Carmen, Shenise, Shelly, Cynthia, and Shinichi below ⬇️ or tag your best gal pal!

We hold all of those who feel far from love, healing, and community in our hearts today. We especially want to lift up the women we encounter every day who come in search of those very things. May we remember that empowered women empower women and never tire in our mission to create spaces for healing and hope in our world.

A big thank you to those who supported our mission by purchasing one of our Valentine’s Day boxes. We can feel the love & we hope you do too!

02/13/2021

& that’s a wrap! Thank you to everyone who supported our mission by gifting a Valentine’s Day box to a loved one.

& a very Happy Lunar New Year! Take a deep breath and enjoy some wisdom from St. Francis of Assisi as we head into the weekend. 🌙💜

02/11/2021

Come visit us at the shop today or tomorrow to grab those last minute Valentine’s Day gifts! 💜💙💚💛🧡❤️

02/10/2021

🗣People—this is not a drill!
🗣Today is the day!
🗣Order today for guaranteed delivery by Valentine’s Day.

& stay tuned (on Instagram) for the announcing of our FIRST EVER giveaway winner! 🏆

02/09/2021

Is your loved one in need of some serious self-care or just a mini spa day? Either way, we got you covered this Valentine’s Day!

1. The Self-Care is Love box includes: 1 8oz foaming hand soap, 1 handmade bar soap, 1 8oz hand and body lotion, 1 set of three bath bombs, 1 6oz salt scrub, and a personalized love note.

2. The Social Distancing Spa Day box includes: 1 handmade bar soap, 1 8oz hand and body lotion, and 1 set of three bath bombs.

02/09/2021

Oh, Saint Josephine Bakhita, pray for us!
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Human trafficking is an injustice, an outrage, which must be called by its true name – modern slavery. To look at the expansion of prevention strategies is laudable.
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However, unless we address the underlying socio-economic context that gives rise to human trafficking, until we better understand the changing context of race, gender, politics, labor, and migration in the rapidly globalizing world, we cannot dismantle the cultural superstructure which supports the trafficking of human beings.
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If we hope to end human trafficking, then we
must be willing to examine the undercurrents of consumerism and other forces at work, that
allow some to enslave others.
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If we hope to end exploitation, then we must be willing to undo corporations and governments of every sort. If we hope to establish justice and equality, then
we must continually ask ‘why’? (www.sistersagainsttrafficking.org)
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Saint Josephine Bakhita, help us to ask why. Help us to recognize our own complicity in systems of injustice—especially in human trafficking. Guide our minds, hearts, and consumption habits so that all we do may promote liberation and fullness of life for all people.

02/08/2021

Order your Valentine's Day gifts by Feb 10 for on-time delivery to your Valentine... plus don't forget to enter our GIVEAWAY! Get all the details here: https://mailchi.mp/5b9b74834f20/did-someone-say-giveaway

02/05/2021

Giveaway time!!! The Franciscan Peacemakers team will be hosting a giveaway the first Friday of every month. Who’s in???

This month the giveaway is over on our Instagram page and we’re giving away our “Self-Care is Love” Valentine’s Day box. The box includes: one 8oz foaming hand soap, one handmade bar soap, one 8oz hand and body lotion, one set of three bath bombs, a 6oz salt scrub, and a personalized card. The boxed set is available in your choice of Lavender or Peppermint Rosemary. 💝

To win:
1. Follow @franciscanpeacemakers Instagram page
2. Like the Giveaway post on Instagram
3. Tag three friends on the Instagram post that would 🤩LOVE🤩 this box set

*one entry per person
*winner will be announced on Feb. 10, 2021

02/04/2021

Who do you love? How are they helping you become the healthiest version of yourself? Tag a loved one below & let them know! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

02/03/2021

Can’t bring your honey to the spa this year? No worries! Bring the spa home to them.
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Our “Social Distancing Spa Day” set comes in all different scents! Choose from: lavender, honey oatmeal, sacred amber, tea tree eucalyptus, coconut lime, or peppermint rosemary!
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This spa-tacular deal includes 1 handmade bar soap, 1 8oz hand and body lotion, and 1 set of three bath bombs!
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Now go and get your spa on!

02/02/2021

We don’t know who needs to hear this but... 📣📣📣 Self-care is most definitely a form of love! While you’re out and about spreading love this Valentines Day, make sure YOU are receiving some love too!

This fabulous box includes 1 8oz foaming hand soap, 1 handmade bar soap, 1 8oz hand and body lotion, 1 set of three bath bombs, 1 6oz salt scrub, and a customizable love note!

Available in 💜 Lavender or 💚 Peppermint Rosemary! Get yours today.

02/01/2021

ANNOUNCING: FEBRUARY'S COMMUNITY CARE PARTNERS

How's this for a win-win situation?

You support a local community agency with donations of soap or lotion purchased from yours truly (a Milwaukee-based social enterprise providing living wage jobs to women survivors)!

This month: purchase bar soap or 2 oz lotions to be given to Riverwest Food Pantry or the St. Hedwig Hospitality Center. These two ministries are pivotal to our neighbors experiencing food and housing insecurity on Milwaukee's east side and Riverwest neighborhoods.

Beautiful, natural hygiene products will make a lovely addition to the emergency food and hospitality the guests of these two ministries receive. Thank you.

To purchase visit: www.franciscanpeacemakers.org/collections/community-care-collection

01/29/2021

💖 "You're One of a Kind, Valentine" Special!

Mix and match the perfect gift box for your Valentine with 4 bath and body products of your choice - get a free 4 oz candle (you choose the scent)!

Comes with a personalized note card, too! Offer available now through Feb 14, 2021!

Details here:

- https://mailchi.mp/d3c10b06c550/build-your-own-valentines-day-gift-box

01/28/2021

Soap's gotta cure. People gotta rest. How are you taking care of yourself today?

01/26/2021

SNOW DAY - we will be closed Tuesday, Jan 26. Instead, we hope you will join us in some quiet prayer:
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To You, O Love, I lift up my soul;
O Heart within my heart,
in You I place my trust.
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Let me not feel unworthy;
let not fear rule over me.
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Yes! let all who open their hearts
savor You and bless the earth!
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Compel me to know your ways, O Love;
instruct me upon your paths.
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Lead me in your truth,
and teach me,
for through You will I know wholeness;
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I shall reflect your light
both day and night.
-Nan Merrill, excerpt from “Psalm 25”, Psalms for Praying
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#praise #calm #snowday #quiet #prayer #psalm #franciscan #peaceandallgood

01/25/2021

Tis the season for some warm layers! And this one is destined to be a favorite - soft, long-sleeved t-shirt in Unisex sizing with a hood and some extra length. This will have you bringing the warmth of our favorite Franciscan greeting while keeping you toasty! Perfect for the upcoming snow storm!

In Vintage Purple (pictured) or Macchiato Brown.

01/25/2021

Tis the season for some warm layers! And this one is destined to be a favorite - soft, long-sleeved t-shirt in Unisex sizing with a hood and some extra length. This will have you bringing the warmth of our favorite Franciscan greeting while keeping you toasty! Perfect for the upcoming snow storm!

In Vintage Purple (pictured) or Macchiato Brown.

01/22/2021

🙋 Who wants to help be part of the solution? Start here! https://mailchi.mp/f807b4a70633/who-wants-to-help-be-part-of-the-solution

01/21/2021

Yes, Bernie. The croissants at Amaranth Bakery & Cafe are worth lining up for!

#couldnotresist

01/18/2021

#mlkquotes #nojusticenopeace #endtraffickingnow #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesaresacred

01/14/2021

Anyone's hands a little chapped lately? We've got a solution for that! Shop open Mon - Fri 8 am - 2:30 pm! Stop in and get those hands back in shape!
🙌🏽🙌🏾🙌🏼