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COME AND MARCH FOR LIFE IN PRAYER

"O God, our Loving Creator, all life is in Your hands from the moment of conception until death. Help us to cherish our children and to be grateful for the privilege of sharing in Your work of creation. Bless all those who defend the rights of the unborn, the poor, the handicapped and the aged. Enlighten and be merciful toward those who do not value the gift of life. Help them to seek and find you. Grant that by our care and respect for all people and all life, we might be a sign of Your Love in our world today. We pray as always in Jesus' name. Amen."

Carolyn Seal2022-05-17T14:51:55-04:00August 12th, 2020|Categories: Formation, New Resource|1 Comment

NAFRA Guidelines Concerning Secular Franciscan Prison Ministry

“I was . . . in prison and you visited me” Matthew 25:35-36. It is good to consider how we might maintain the good things we are already doing, do some things in a different or better way, or even consider doing some new things.

Sharon Winzeler2022-05-17T14:53:53-04:00August 10th, 2020|Categories: National Chapter|0 Comments

“On the Care and Feeding of Our Fraternities”

In the Gospel of John ... ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ (John 21:15-17) ... And, what is the Lord trying to teach Peter, the first “minister” of the first “fraternity” of the first “observers” of “the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”? (Secular Franciscan Order Rule 4, http://www.nafra-sfo.org/sforule.html). ... Thus, love is the third great lesson of this Gospel story; love is the answer to the Lord’s expectations of us in lesson one and how we should respond to the Lord’s love in lesson two. Lesson four is how we should manifest our love. “Feed my lambs.” “Tend my sheep.” “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-16).

Carolyn Seal2024-08-16T11:22:48-04:00August 5th, 2020|Categories: Formation, New Resource, The OFS Rule|0 Comments

From Humble Beginnings. . .St. Francis of Assisi Deaf Fraternity

"Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” St. Francis. It is good to begin with a quote of our Holy Father St. Francis. In this simple quote, I find what our Deaf Catholic Fraternity, is all about.

Sharon Winzeler2022-05-17T15:37:35-04:00August 2nd, 2020|Categories: From the Newsletter|0 Comments

ST. PADRE PIO SECULAR FRANCISCAN FRATERNITY, GUAM

With the canonical establishment of the St. Padre Pio Fraternity on Jan. 4, 2020, in Guam, the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order USA now reaches to the westernmost part of the United States. “The Holy Spirit has found a welcome home in the hearts of the brothers and sisters of St. Padre Pio Fraternity, and these are not just pretty words. ...

Carolyn Seal2022-05-17T15:42:22-04:00July 29th, 2020|Categories: From the Newsletter|1 Comment

Lockdown

Yes there is fear. Yes there is isolation. Yes there is panic buying.  Yes there is sickness. Yes there is even death.

Sharon Winzeler2022-05-17T18:03:47-04:00July 27th, 2020|Categories: From the Newsletter|1 Comment

FRANCISCAN LIVING

Have you ever read what St. Clare actually wrote? If not, you will be in for a pleasant surprise! Although a lot has been written about St. Clare, reading what she actually said can be quite an eye opener!

Carolyn Seal2022-05-17T18:05:51-04:00July 26th, 2020|Categories: From the Newsletter|0 Comments

Embracing Technology in Times of Necessity and Change

From quarantines to stay-at-home orders, isolation is a challenge for those who meet regularly in fraternities and participate in parish and community activities. Secular Franciscans are in the world, working and playing among people all the time, so it is no surprise that during a time in which people must avoid contact with each other brothers and sisters may feel apprehensive.

Sharon Winzeler2022-05-17T18:07:44-04:00July 21st, 2020|Categories: From the Newsletter|0 Comments

NATIONAL ARCHIVES OFS-USA

Archives are important documents and artifacts that need to be preserved. They are as diverse as the institutions and people they serve. ... An archivist is more than a historian—more like a museum curator.

Carolyn Seal2022-05-17T18:10:25-04:00July 15th, 2020|Categories: From the Newsletter|0 Comments

Accompanying Young People: Looking Back, Looking Forward

The National Franciscan Youth and Young Adult (FY/ YA) commission was formed in 1995, and members have contributed articles to the TAU-USA since its inception in 1996. In looking back at the very first FY/YA commission article published, it is interesting to note that right from the start, the intention of the commission has been to motivate Secular Franciscans to understand our role in accompanying youth.

Sharon Winzeler2022-05-18T11:09:25-04:00July 13th, 2020|Categories: Formation, National Chapter|0 Comments