National Chapter

She Is on the Margins – Highlights of the National Chapter

Donna Hollis, OFS, is the 2021 recipient of the National Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Award presented at the National Chapter. ... Carolyn Townes, OFS, JPIC animator, introduced Hollis as a Franciscan living out her call. “She is on the margins, at the border, taking care of those who have nowhere to lay their heads at night,” Townes said. “She does not judge or question why – only, what can I do to help? How can I love you and care for you – one human being to another? One child of God to another child of God.” [...]

Carolyn Seal2022-09-30T08:11:20-04:00May 2nd, 2022|Categories: From the Newsletter, JPIC, National Chapter|0 Comments

Recognizing the Power of Loving, Serving – Highlights of National Chapter

When your earthly journey is over and you meet our heavenly Father, which of the two greetings do you expect? “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” “Where were you?” [...]

Carolyn Seal2022-09-30T08:12:38-04:00April 25th, 2022|Categories: From the Newsletter, JPIC, National Chapter|0 Comments

The Call to ‘Rebuild My Church’ – Highlights of National Chapter

An echo of St. Francis’s vision of God’s call to “rebuild my church” resounds in the 21st century inspiration of ‘prophetic creativity,’ a concept that appears in recent Franciscan and church documents. [...]

Carolyn Seal2022-09-30T08:15:29-04:00April 18th, 2022|Categories: Formation, Fratelli Tutti, From the Newsletter, National Chapter, Prophetic Creativity|0 Comments

National Chapter Virtually Engaging and Inspiring

For the second year, virtual hugs and warm smiles filled the computer screens of between 80 and 100 regional ministers, national leaders, spiritual assistants and observers. From across the country, they converged on screen for the 2021 National Chapter, prepared to engage in discussions and make decisions for the good of the Order. [...]

Carolyn Seal2022-05-19T19:50:53-04:00April 4th, 2022|Categories: From the Newsletter, National Chapter|0 Comments

2021 Chapter Documents Available

A rich array of texts and presentations from the 2021 Chapter meeting are conveniently accessible now on the website.

Sharon Winzeler2022-05-11T15:16:04-04:00December 13th, 2021|Categories: Announcements, Formation, National Chapter, New Resource, Uncategorized|2 Comments

Local Fraternity is the Heart of the Order

In her presentation titled “Fraternity: Our Way of Life,” Menditto elaborated on five key elements to living in communion with one another — collaboration, community, communication, commitment, and conversion.

Carolyn Seal2022-05-14T15:03:33-04:00April 26th, 2021|Categories: From the Newsletter, National Chapter|0 Comments

National Spiritual Assistants Focus on Impact of Pandemic

Not surprisingly, the Conference of National Spiritual Assistants, understanding the impact that the pandemic has had on the brothers and sisters, took the opportunity to address the issues of this new reality.

Sharon Winzeler2022-05-14T15:05:21-04:00April 19th, 2021|Categories: CNSA, From the Newsletter, National Chapter|0 Comments

‘Where there is a need, there is a Franciscan’

Monica Olivera, OFS, is the 2020 recipient of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Award.Olivera founded First Nations Outreach that serves remote Native American communities.

Sharon Winzeler2022-05-14T17:13:18-04:00April 4th, 2021|Categories: JPIC, National Chapter|0 Comments

A Franciscan Approach to Today’s Times

Father Christopher called on chapter participants to “see the disruptions” as “an opportunity to be alone with Jesus and go deeper and deeper.” Approach these unsettling times with a Franciscan heart, he advised, by maintaining a joyful attitude like St. Francis of Assisi while being penitent and seeking conversion.

Sharon Winzeler2022-05-14T17:15:16-04:00March 22nd, 2021|Categories: Fratelli Tutti, From the Newsletter, National Chapter|0 Comments

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