St. Clare of Assisi

Virgin, Foundress, and Woman of Courageous Faith

St. Clare of Assisi was born in 1194 into a wealthy and influential family in Assisi, Italy. From an early age, she was known for her prayerfulness, generosity, and concern for the poor. Although her family expected her to marry well, Clare felt called to give her life entirely to God.

As a young woman, she heard St. Francis of Assisi preach. His message of simplicity, poverty, and complete trust in God touched her deeply. On the evening of Palm Sunday in 1212, Clare secretly left her family home and went to meet Francis and his companions. There, she exchanged her fine clothing for a simple religious garment and began a new life dedicated to Christ.

Her decision shocked her family, who tried to persuade her to return home. Clare remained firm. She had discovered a freedom greater than wealth or social position: the freedom of belonging completely to God.

Other women soon joined her, including her sister Agnes. Together they formed a religious community at the Church of San Damiano outside Assisi. This community eventually became known as the Poor Clares.

Clare and her sisters lived a life of prayer, silence, fraternity, and radical poverty. They owned little and depended upon God's providence. Clare believed that poverty was not simply the absence of possessions. It was a way of making room for Christ and trusting that He alone was enough.

She served as abbess of the community for more than forty years. Although she often suffered from illness, she remained a wise and loving leader. Her sisters respected her not only because of her position, but because she served them with humility. She cared for the sick, performed ordinary household tasks, and encouraged the sisters during difficult times.

Clare also had a profound devotion to the Eucharist. One well-known tradition tells that when soldiers threatened the convent at San Damiano, Clare had the Blessed Sacrament brought before them. She prayed for protection, and the attackers withdrew. For this reason, she is often depicted holding a monstrance or ciborium.

Near the end of her life, Clare received approval for the Rule she had written for her community. It was the first religious rule written by a woman to receive formal papal approval. She died on August 11, 1253, and was canonized only two years later.

Why She Matters Today

St. Clare teaches us that true freedom does not come from possessions, status, or the approval of others. It comes from knowing who we are in God.

She also reminds us that courage can be quiet. Clare did not lead armies or hold political office. Her strength was shown through prayer, perseverance, simplicity, and fidelity to her vocation.

Her devotion to the Eucharist challenges us to place Christ at the center of our lives. In times of fear, uncertainty, or hardship, she turned first to prayer and trusted in the presence of Jesus.

St. Clare also shows us the power of community. She did not pursue holiness alone. She built a spiritual family in which the sisters supported one another through prayer, service, and shared sacrifice.

Reflection

Our culture often tells us that security comes from having more: more money, more recognition, more control, and more possessions. St. Clare chose another path. She discovered that when we surrender ourselves to God, we receive something the world cannot give—peace of heart.

Her life invites us to ask:
What might God be asking me to release so that I can follow Him more freely?

Prayer

God of simplicity and love, You called St. Clare to leave behind worldly security and follow Christ with an undivided heart. Through her intercession, help us trust in Your providence, remain faithful in times of difficulty, and recognize Jesus in the Eucharist. Teach us to live with humility, to serve others generously, and to find our true freedom in You. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Feast Day of St. Clare of Assisi is August 11^th.

Talk on the Life of St. Thomas Aquinas

Thursday, August 13, 2026 - 7:30pm

The Nativity and Epiphany of the Lord Family, Athletae Christi, invites you to a talk on the life of St. Thomas Aquinas, presented by Dr. Luis Enrique Palacios.

Saint Katharine Drexel Parish
Weston, St. Peter and St. Paul Rooms (Portable)

Entering Canaan: Day of Prayer and Healing for Women

Saturday, September 7 and 26, 2026

Are you or someone you know suffering after an abortion?

Come back to God who is Love & Mercy.

To protect the privacy and confidentiality of our participants, the retreat location will be shared upon registration.

Information & Registration
(954) 981-2984 | ProjectRachel@theadom.org
Text "HOPE" or call (786) 750-5632

Entretiempo - Men's Retreat

Friday, August 28 - Sunday, August 30, 2026

A renewing encounter in the middle of life.

Entretiempo is a Catholic Spiritual Retreat for men over 35 years old, that proposes a renewed encounter with God. It is open to ALL those who need to take a pause in life.

This retreat will be taught in Spanish.

Cost of the retreat: total $250

Registration and information

Aquiles Presilla
(954) 654-6142
ENTRETIEMPOFLORIDA@GMAIL.COM

La Niña María Mission

Saturday, August 1^st - September 1, 2026

Campaign begins August 1^st.

On September 8th, we are planning to celebrate "Virgin Mary's Nativity" helping pregnant mothers and babies in Colombia, Venezuela and South Florida.

Be an instrument of love and hope for them!

For this campaign we will be collecting bathtubs with baby items.

Invite family and friends!

If you want to support pregnant mothers, donate baby items and prepare a kit.

Please bring your donations until September 1st, 2026. You will find a box in the parish lobby to deposit the baby kits.

Items list:

• Bathtub
• Towel
• Blanket
• Baby wipes
• Diapers stage 0 – 4
• Body wash
• Shampoo
• Diaper and body cream
• Baby bottle
• Brand new baby clothing 0 to 18 months

To learn more about this mission, contact us.

La Niña María Mission
ninamariaflorida@gmail.com

Schott Communities 5K Run, Walk and Roll

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Save the date! Join us for the Schott "Run, Walk and Roll," taking place in the beautiful community of Southwest Ranches. Entrants can choose to participate in the timed 5K Run, 1K Walk, or join virtually from anywhere. Various awards are handed out.

Don't miss this wonderful community event in support of people who are deaf or who are physically or intellectually challenged.

Times

• Registration: 6:45am
• 5K Run: Starts 8:00am
• 1 Mile Walk and Roll: 8:45am
• Awards and Prizes: 9:15am

Entry fees*

• Early Bird: $25 (Now-8/30)
• Regular Fee: $30 (8/31-10/16)
• Last Chance: $35 (10/17)

*Includes t-shirt to first 500 registrants

Awards

• Top Three Overall Male and Female
• Top Three Male and Female Masters
• Top Three in each age group (Male and Female)

Packet pick-up at Schott Communities

• October 15: 10am to 4pm
• October 17: Starting at 6:45am

skdrexel.org/5krun

Schott Communities
6591 S. Flamingo Road, Cooper City, FL

English      Spanish

Portuguese

Talleres de Oración y Vida

Thursday, August 20, 2026 - 07:00pm

Recover the joy of living once and for all!

We learn practical methods of prayer and develop a personal relationship with the Lord, using the Bible to listen to what God tells you; transforming you into a friend and disciple of Jesus. It is also a life workshop where you will heal wounds of the heart, quiet the anguish of the soul, and drive away fears; achieving great serenity, and a peace never before imagined.

"The Prayer and Life Workshops (TOV) manage to bring the Divine and the human together, hand in hand"

(Thursdays, for 15 weeks)

• Start: August 20, 2026 | 07:00pm - 09:00pm
• Parish: Saint Katharine Drexel | Room: "Holy Family"

This course will be taught in Spanish.

You can register with:

Rossman Palma
(954) 881-0075 (free of charge)

Saint Katharine Drexel Parish
"Holy Family" Room

Felipe Course - Servants of the Living Christ Community

Saturday, August 29^th - Sunday, August 30^th - 8:30am

Come and take part in the Curso Felipe (Philip Course).

A personal encounter with Jesus and a powerful experience of the Holy Spirit.

• Saturday 29 8:30am-5:00pm
• Sunday 30 8:30am-12:00pm
• Donation: $30.00
• Spots are limited!

This course will be taught in Spanish.

Isidro Rodríguez, Paula Zapata
(786) 493-3995 | (786) 280-9050

San Pedro and San Pablo Portable Classrooms, Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Parish
2501 South Post Road, Weston, FL 33327

Register here

CBNSFL Talk & Networking Event

Wednesday, August 26^th - 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Join our CBNSFL Talk & Networking Event at St. Bonaventure - Parish Center.

Guest speaker

Alejandro Lopez, Wings in Weston & Grupo L

Presenting

"Faith in the Public Square"

Please RSVP.

Our mission is to connect, promote, and educate Catholic business owners and professionals in South Florida, to better live their faith in their workplace.

Accepting new members - please visit www.cbnsfl.org.

St. Bonaventure - Parish Center

www.cbnsfl.org

Manage Your Money from God's Perspective - Adult Workshop

Monday, September 21, 2026 & Thursday, September 24, 2026 - 7:00pm

Manage your money from God's perspective (workshop for adults)

God's guidance for spending, saving, giving, investing, and getting out of debt

Class start dates:

• Monday, September 21, 2026
• Thursday, September 24, 2026

Hugo Alvarez, Iris Sánchez, Lisette Hermoso
(786) 212-3069 | (786) 558-6727 | (954) 225-9652

Family Altar Workshop

Saturdays, August 22^nd - September 19^th, October 17^th - November 21^st - 9:30am to 12:00pm

A small Family Altar where everyone gathers to pray together. A ministry that, inspired by the Holy Family, encourages each person and family to establish a sacred space for prayer and connection within their home...

• Duration: 4 sessions
• Suggested Donation: $35

skdfamilyaltar@gmail.com