Our National Priorities Revisited
At our National Chapter in October 2022, the National Fraternity Council decided that the priorities for the following three years would be Vocations, Communications, and Relationships. As we enter 2025, we have a year - long opportunity to assess our progress and plan for the future.
Nuestras prioridades nacionales revisadas
En nuestro Capítulo Nacional en octubre de 2022, el Consejo de la Fraternidad Nacional decidió que las prioridades para los tres años siguientes serían las Vocaciones, las Comunicaciones y las Relaciones. Al entrar en 2025, tenemos una oportunidad para evaluar nuestro progreso y planificar el futuro.
Don’t jump to Christmas too early
New Year’s blessings to you. The beginning of the liturgical year also means the start of the Advent Season. Notice I wrote Advent Season, not Christmas Season. Although the Church says the Christmas Season doesn’t start for 3+ weeks, the rest of society doesn’t buy it. Most of our friends, neighbors and businesses have jumped to Christmas already. By the time the Feast of the Nativity arrives, and the actual Christmas Season begins, many have moved on - ready to take down the decorations.
Treasurer Vocation
I recall when I was in initial formation and my local fraternity was getting ready for elections, they were mentioning the council positions and when they said treasurer, I thought “Well, Lord, you have provided me with the skills so this is a way I could serve if that is what you want.” And so I have - at the local level for many years, at the Regional level for several terms and now at the National level for two terms.
Mentoring
Professed members of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) are responsible for the welfare and growth of our prospective members and have a role as mentor in multiple circumstances.
Gospel to Life – Life to Gospel
I heard of a story years ago, of a young man making numerous attempts to change the world. With so much chaos and darkness, he felt it was falling apart. He was disheartened because his efforts seemed fruitless.
Celebrating the Anniversary of our Franciscan Profession
Recently I was at a Mass and ceremony on the 25th anniversary of Profession for a Sister of St. Francis. What an inspiration it was! This was a reminder for me and all of us present about what a gift our Profession is to us. It was a reminder that during our years as Franciscans, we make a sincere effort to make present the charism of our common Seraphic Father in the life and mission of the church.
Promises Made, Promises Kept
Many of us, who may have spent years living with our spouse, have been reminded of our matrimonial promise….to love, honor, and cherish. In sickness and health, for better or for worse, till death do we part.
Reflect on the Sacred Heart
In my home, visitors see religious articles throughout. These include a crucifix by the entrance of most of our rooms. My office has all my Franciscan images along with my framed profession certificate. In our primary bedroom, we have a collage of religious art across from the chairs where I often sit to pray.
Fraternity is more than local
As I write this, I am on my way home from Rome after attending a meeting of the CIOFS International Formation Secretariat. Working with my brothers and sisters has been such a positive and uplifting experience that I began to think about why this would be so.
Fraternidad es mas que local
Mientras escribo esto, estoy de vuelta a los Estados Unidos desde Roma después de asistir a una reunión del Secretariado de Formación Internacional de la CIOFS. Trabajar con mis hermanos y hermanas ha sido una experiencia tan positiva y enriquecedora que comencé a reflexionar sobre por qué sería así.
Placing ourselves at the common table of our Lord
Our lives are not our own. We are called to give over our lives in service to others. Pope Francis inspires us to find ways to reach across the boundaries of all Christian faiths. “Our borders should be windows, not barriers of division,” he challenges.
Voices of Gospel Living: Privilege
This is Leap Year and as we approach that extra day on Feb. 29 I urge you to pay close attention to what might cause your soul to leap as you come to encounter the crucified Jesus, and the results of His resurrection.
Reflections on gentle journey of peace, love
The gentle journey to profession in the Secular Franciscan Order opened my heart’s pathway to listen to Jesus’ GPS and participate in the experiences He had prepared along the journey.
Epiphany of Jesus Among Us
“How will you respond to someone new that comes into your path? How will you present Jesus in your heart to them?”
MARANATHA: We long for your coming, O God!
During December we ardently await and long for God’s presence. We yearn for God’s son Jesus to come among us in peace and joy. In Advent we are hoping and wishing that we are ready for the coming of the Christ Child.
You Can’t Take It With You
The idiom “You can’t take it with you” encourages all to enjoy life now because we can’t take money or possessions with us when we die. It appears that Jesus in Luke 12:13-21 may be advocating for us to spend our money and use up our possessions.
