by Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS National Minister

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

Jane, National Minister giving the State of the Order AddressNational Minister Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, updated attendees on the status of the three national priorities – Vocations, Communications and Relationships – in the annual State of the Order address delivered at Chapter on September 18th.

National Chapter  2024

(The Video YouTube of the Address)

Vocations

  • As of July 2024, there were 10,232 active professed members and candidates.
  • Of these, 25 regions experienced a decrease in membership, with losses ranging from 7% to 23.8%.
  • Conversely, five regions saw increases of 6.5% to 9.7%.
  • Each region is comprised of candidates, aspirants, and seekers, with numbers ranging from 6 to 98. There is potential for a membership increase of 5% to 24%.
  • In 2023, 13 fraternities were Currently, there are 22 active Emerging Communities or Newly Forming Groups.
  • Membership distribution across regions includes two with fewer than 100 members, six with 101 to 300, nine with 301 to 500, and

13 with over 500 members.

  • The national fraternity continues to seek opportunities to promote vocations wherever possible, including at the Eucharistic Congress held in July.
  • The United States is the sixth largest in membership among countries in the world following Italy, Mexico, India, Korea and

Communications

  • The Communications Committee, which includes members from various subcommittees, held three virtual meetings instead of one in-person summit. They

discussed protocols for consistent communications representing OFS-USA, established social media guidelines, confirmed translation processes, and addressed bulk email and document transfer logistics.

  • The NEC planned workshops and introductions for new Regional Executive

Relationships

  • This year the NEC conducted six visitations and eight elections.
  • There was significant participation nationally and internationally with attendance at various chapters, involvement in the International Formation Secretariat, representation from the USA by the general vice minister, and participation in the Korean Congress.

Other updates

  • New Look: The updated Ritual became available in August 2024 and can be ordered from the Gospel to Life Bookstore.
  • Language Translations: Key rites and ceremonies will be translated into Spanish and possibly Korean.
  • Formation Pilot Test: The National Formation Commission is pilot testing the first book for initial formation.
  • 2026 Quinquennial Preparation: Preparations continue for the upcoming Quinquennial event July 29 – August 2, 2026, in Lexington, KY.
  • Servant Leadership Workshops: Additional workshops are being planned before the Chapter of Elections in September 2025.
  • Important election preparation deadlines: Nomination Committee by May 13, 2025. Slate of Candidates by July 13, 2025. Chapter of Elections on September 13,