(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2024  Issue #113)

Group Photo

The National Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States assembled at the base of Camelback Mountain in the Sonoran Desert to pray, listen, learn and conduct fraternity business.

The Franciscan Renewal Center, informally known as “The Casa” in Scottsdale, AZ, was the site of the annual meeting where 58 participants gathered including the National Executive Council, Regional Ministers, National Spiritual Assistants and visitors.

Amidst the serenity of cactus, bougainvillea, hummingbirds and blue quail, Secular Franciscan leaders tuned into the voice of the Holy Spirit and embarked on the work of the Order.

Formation focused on servant leadership, including emotional intelligence skills for leaders and conflict resolution. Daily Mass was celebrated by the CNSA friars who attended as well as John Dolan, bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix.

Each day before meetings, Vickie Klick, OFS, chair of the Centenary Task Force, led members in prayer with meditations on the Stigmata that St. Francis received 800 years ago. All of those materials are available for members to access on the Centenary Web Page.

During the business meetings, members of the National Fraternity Council approved national guidelines for each of the following topics:

  • Virtual Participation in Meetings/Gatherings
  • Fraternal Records Retention
  • Determining Stipends
  • Franciscan Code of Conduct
  • Councils in Conflict
  • Suspension or Dismissal of a Member or Removal from Office

All of the guidelines can be accessed on the

National Guidelines Web Page.

The Conference of National Spiritual Assistants (CNSA) consists of four friars – one from each friar obedience: Fr. Jerome Wolbert – Order of Friars Minor (OFM), Fr. John DeLaRiva – Capuchin (OFM Cap.), Fr. Marek Stybor – Conventual (OFM Conv.), and Fr. Christopher Panagoplos – Third Order Regular (TOR). They assist the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States and are responsible for guiding all the spiritual assistants of the OFS in the U.S. At Chapter, Fr. Marek became the President-in-Turn of the CNSA on the National Executive Council and will serve a two-year term.

In addition, Corinne Lorenzet, OFS, from Blessed Solanus Casey Region, became the new administrative assistant to the CNSA, succeeding Miriam Kennedy, OFS.

The following reports were made:

Chapter of Elections – In preparation for the National Executive Council elections to be held on September 13, 2025, National Minister Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, requested submission of names for the nominating committee by November 1, 2024. A slate of nominees should be prepared by July 13, 2025. Servant leadership workshops will be planned in anticipation of the election.

Ecumenical Committee – Members will meet in Colorado March 21-22, 2025, to participate in a retreat with the Joint Committee on Franciscan Unity. Videos from the last retreat are on our national website, on the Ecumenical / Interfaith Committee webpage under “Resources.”

Formation Commission – Chairperson Layna Maher, OFS, reported that nine chapters of the Aspirants’ (formerly Inquirers) handbook called Let Us Begin is being piloted. The second formation book is underway and titled For This You Were Called. Reflections and action items are included in the chapters.

Franciscan Youth/Young Adults – Chairperson Kathleen Molaro, OFS, said fraternities are encouraged to identify “Who and where are our youth?” “What age would you prefer to work with?” and “How much time do you have to devote to this area of fraternity life?” Answers to these questions will direct the FY/YA programs in local fraternities. She emphasized that the youth have a desire to be a part of the Church in the same way as adults by growing spiritually, serving the community, enjoying fellowship, discovering their vocation and learning peaceful, Franciscan ways to relate to others.

Treasurer’s Report at Chapter

A 2025 General Fund budget and the budget for the upcoming 2026 Quinquennial were passed at Chapter. In addition, the financial statements for the eight months ending August 31, 2024, were reviewed and accepted.

2025 General Fund Budget

The budget for the 2025 General Fund was presented and discussed in detail. After some thoughtful dialogue, three small additions were made, and the revised budget was approved. It represents $352,664 in total expenditures. The projected net loss of $57,164 will be taken from savings if needed.

The budgeted fair share of $215,000 is based on the reported membership in the 2024 Region annual reports, calculated at $22 per member. A fair share increase of $5 was approved at the 2023 Chapter.

Budgeted Income:

  • Fair Share: $215,000
  • Formation Book Sales: $59,500
  • Interest and Miscellaneous income: $21,000
  • Total Budgeted Income: $295,500

Budgeted Expenditures:

  • CIOFS Fair Share: $45,000
  • 2025 Chapter: $63,210
  • TAU-USA: $40,000
  • NEC, 3 Commissions, 14 Committees, CNSA: $132,454
  • Formation Book Printing: $52,000
  • JPIC Award, Liability Insurance, Other: $20,000
  • Total Budgeted Expenditures: $352,664

Budgeted Net Loss:

  • Net Loss: $(57,164)

If you have any questions or need clarification, please reach out to Claudia via email at: ofsusatreasurer@gmail.com

 The opportunity to meet Franciscans from throughout the country and learn about the efforts of the National Executive Council were among the advantages first-time attendees at Chapter were able to experience.

Wayne Armstrong, OFS :  “I’m impressed by the leadership and all of the work that national has to do,” said Wayne Armstrong, OFS, vice minister of Our Lady of the Rockies Region. Wayne appreciated the emphasis on servant leadership as well as the spirituality of the week. “It makes me want to be more involved,” he said.

Charlie Neumann, OFS :  “Chapter has been very fraternal. Wherever you go, people greet you, and everyone is very welcoming,” said Charlie Neuman, OFS, councilor of the La Verna Region. He was pleased with the location as well as the balance between work, spirituality and fellowship at Chapter. “We think first from our heart, and then we cross our T’s,” Charlie said.

Linda Monitello, OFS:  “All the work that national does behind the scenes is unbelievable,” Linda Monitello, OFS, secretary of the St. Maximillan Kolbe Region, said. “Everyone needs to come to a Chapter at least once. It is so comfortable here,” she said.  She intends to return to her region and encourage others to become involved in the national work of the Secular Franciscans. “Committees would be a good place to start,” she said.

Chapter attendees prayed and remembered 300 Secular Franciscans, friars, brothers and sisters who met Sister Death in the past year. Each one was called by name by regional ministers during the Rite of Remembrance led by council member Donna Hollis, OFS.

The TAU-USA Fall 2024 Issue 113 is on the way by snail mail to Professed active members.  It has many wonderful photos of the Chapter.  You can also down load the entire magazine from our website.

    A few SNAP SHOTS at the Chapter