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Francis And Clare And Peace

As the war in Eastern Europe continues, Secular Franciscans – like everyone else – are looking for answers. Perhaps we can turn to Sts. Francis and Clare, as their lives were also affected by the tragedies of war and violence. In 1215, Pope Innocent III launched the Fourth Lateran Council, at which he called for a fifth crusade. St. Francis was likely present at the council, and he heard the call. After two failed attempts, in 1219, he arrived in the Holy Land. However, he was there as a different sort of crusader. He did not arrive with arms; he had a different plan. ...

Carolyn Seal2022-10-23T19:45:52-04:00October 24th, 2022|Categories: From the Newsletter|0 Comments

National Database Committee Unveils New OFS-USA Database

Database Committee Chair Bill Mussatto reports that Release 1 of the new database will be ready for implementation in the Spring of 2023. Release 1 will contain all the necessary day-to-day functions, as well as some new enhancements and functionality. This release will not be in time for the annual reporting cycle for the Regions, so the existing process will be used in early 2023.

Miriam Kennedy2022-10-19T10:37:24-04:00October 17th, 2022|Categories: Database|1 Comment

Let Me Tell You a Story

Telling stories (parables) was Jesus’ favorite way to teach and draw others into his fold. People gathered in throngs to hear what he had to say and to speak to him. Churches too should be places where people come to hear the story of God and to tell their own. That’s how we discover what it means to live gospel lives.

Carolyn Seal2022-10-18T15:24:17-04:00October 17th, 2022|Categories: From the Newsletter, FYYA|1 Comment

National Executive Council Elected Saturday at End of Five-Day Chapter

The new National Executive Council was elected Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Chapter meeting in Detroit. Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, was elected minister, and Diane Menditto, OFS, was elected vice-minister.

Sharon Winzeler2022-10-25T23:55:21-04:00October 15th, 2022|Categories: National Chapter|5 Comments

Listen, Discern, and Go Forth, national minister urges in national State of the Order Address delivered at Chapter

Franciscan discernment starts with listening, and National Minister Jan Parker, OFS, called upon fraternity members to do just that in her State of the Order address delivered at the National Chapter meeting on Oct. 11-15 in Detroit.

Sharon Winzeler2022-10-15T08:04:08-04:00October 15th, 2022|Categories: National Chapter|0 Comments

The Latest from National Chapter

Louise Sandberg, OFS, was announced Wednesday as the 2022 recipient of the National Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Award presented at the Secular Franciscan Order’s National Chapter held Oct. 11-15 in Detroit.

Sharon Winzeler2022-10-13T12:03:53-04:00October 13th, 2022|Categories: National Chapter, Uncategorized|1 Comment

National Chapter Opens with Mass Celebrated by Bishop Battersby

Bishop Gerard W. Battersby opened the National Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order with Mass that included a homily that reminded listeners of the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. The Christ who animated Peter and the other apostles is the same one who animates us, Bishop Battersby said.

Sharon Winzeler2022-10-12T22:47:31-04:00October 12th, 2022|Categories: National Chapter|1 Comment

Day of Prayer and Fasting – October 11

The Ministers General, gathered in Assisi have called us to unite in a day of prayer and fasting for peace, tomorrow, October 11. Please see the attached letter [Copy of letter in this blog and link to the letter with signatures] that was composed on Oct. 4, and is now being sent to us from CIOFS. Please share this invitation widely. The thirty-eight members of the National Fraternity Council, along with many observers, will be gathering tomorrow for the opening of our National Fraternity (NAFRA) Elective Chapter. We will stand together in prayer for this intention.

Carolyn Seal2022-10-10T11:22:49-04:00October 10th, 2022|Categories: Announcements|2 Comments

The Importance of Leaders Presence

This is an article that I have been thinking about for several months. I felt I needed to relate to our leaders the importance of their “Presence.” I would like to share observations I made and complaints I heard in my role as your Multicultural and Diversity Councilor and to provide suggestions on how to make the best of your presence as regional leaders of diverse fraternities. ...

Carolyn Seal2022-10-04T13:43:02-04:00October 10th, 2022|Categories: From the Newsletter|0 Comments

12 Weeks of Franciscan Peace 2022

12 Weeks of Franciscan Peace is a beautiful way to prepare for the coming of the Prince of Peace. The program is available in English, Spanish, and Korean and includes thoughts or themes for each week, a reflection, a Psalm fragment, a reflection question, resolution, and prayer.

Sharon Winzeler2022-10-06T21:45:11-04:00October 3rd, 2022|Categories: JPIC|1 Comment