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

by Sharon Winzeler, OFS
Communications Committee Chair

“When you serve and engage, you find meaning in your life. This helps you fill a hole in your life that only God can fill,” said Susan Junker, senior development officer for the St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) in Phoenix, Arizona. She led Chapter attendees on a tour of the world’s largest St. Vincent de Paul facility. The visit was part of the ‘half-day away’ tradition at Chapter to help attendees become acquainted with the area.

One of the tour groups with members from Chapter. (Cathy Roszhart)

In a concerted effort to address poverty and promote dignity, the Phoenix Diocese operates comprehensive programs that reflect the shared values that Franciscans will recognize. Under the auspices of the SVdP, 380 staff members and 16,000 volunteers run the operation that focuses on spirituality, community and service.

With 82 SVdP conferences actively engaged in food distribution, medical and dental services and housing, the initiative aims to serve the vulnerable and foster a sense of belonging. Every month, the society organizes food deliveries to local families, utilizing banana boxes for distribution. Each conference can pick up pallets of food twice monthly, with dedicated Vincentians personally delivering these essentials directly to homes so the families don’t have to wait in line. Last year local volunteers distributed 168,000 food boxes.

The Last Chance Gift Store plays a vital role in providing affordable household items and furniture to those in need. With a fleet of 10 trucks collecting donations across the valley, the store offers a second chance for items that have cycled through other outlets, allowing families to purchase goods at low prices.

A bicycle repair shop on the premises repairs and maintains a fleet of bicycles to provide transportation for those in need.

A significant aspect of the SVdP outreach includes free medical and dental clinics. Supported by a network of volunteers and partnerships with medical schools, the clinics focus on preventive care, including nutrition counseling and specialized children’s dental services. Last year there were 18,700 visits to the dental and family wellness clinics. A photographic exhibit called the Hall of Smiles illustrates the improvements that dental care has made in the lives of children.

Recognizing the increasing need for transitional housing, especially for the disabled and individuals aged 55 and older, the diocese operates multiple housing facilities. These spaces accommodate 231 residents and are designated to self-sufficiency, with an average stay of nine months. Efforts include support for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Residents may bring their dogs, and a vet clinic is scheduled to open soon. Statistics show that 98 percent of SVdP transitional housing graduates remain housed one year later.

The food service building houses one of the Southwest’s largest commercial kitchens which is used to prepare 7,000 meals a day. Many of the meals are distributed by 30 local agencies that lack kitchen facilities.

Meals are also served on site. Community engagement is enhanced through family-style dinners served Monday through Friday, providing meals, fun, and fellowship for parents and children. SVdP is also proactive in alleviating homelessness, utilizing an app for emergency assistance requests. This personalized approach allows families in crisis to receive timely support, focusing on maintaining housing stability and fostering income opportunities.

A work area for “Love in a Box” (Jane DeRose-Bamman)

Secular Franciscans visiting the center felt at home amidst the Vincentian spirit of service and sacrifice, especially when they arrived in one of the new housing units with the words attributed to St. Francis of Assisi stenciled in large letters on the wall, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”

The day away was followed by a lively game night back at the retreat center. The trip, game night and hospitality at Chapter were graciously hosted by the St. Thomas More Region.

Chapter Day Away – St. Vincent de Paul Facility of Phoenix

It is interesting to note that at the entrance of the Child Jesus into the solemnity of the Temple, in the great comings and goings of many people busy with their work: priests and Levites, numerous devout people and pilgrims to encounter the God of Israel, yet none of them noticed anything.  Jesus was a child like the others, a first-born Son of very simple parents.  Even the priests proved incapable of recognizing the signs of the new and special presence of the Messiah and Savior.  Except for two senior members of the community, Simeon and Anna.

Father’s Homily – video

Father’s Homily – text

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – The Presentation of the Lord – Fr. Christopher

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

 by Sharon Winzeler, OFS
Communication Committee Chair

Daily Mass in the Our Lady of the Angels Church offered attendees at the 2024 Chapter in Scottsdale, AZ, the Holy Eucharist as well as food for thought.
Masses were celebrated throughout the week by the attending CNSA friars—Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv., Fr. John DeLaRiva, OFM Cap., and Fr. Jerome Wolbert, OFM. Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix presided at the Friday evening Mass.

From left to right are, Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv., Fr. John De La Riva, OFM Cap., and Fr. Jerome Wolbert, OFM.

Fr. Marek’s homily at the opening Mass on the Feast of the Stigmata emphasized that true discipleship requires us to listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. He reflected on the suffering of the stigmata or suffering as a transformative experience—”the kiss of Jesus”—that can lead to profound change if we invite God into our darkest moments. He suggested that just as Francis found joy in adversity, we too can find meaning by replacing feelings of rejection with gratitude, and woundedness with healing.

The message warned against the dangers of power and control, advocating instead for servant leadership. Ultimately, the homily encouraged spending time in prayer, reminding us that our lives reflect the gospel to others, making us living testaments of faith. (Listen to Fr. Marek’s homily.)

During Thursday’s Mass, Fr. Jerome talked about how Christ’s sacrifice was not solely a response to sin but an expression of God’s love as articulated by John Duns Scotus, who suggested that Jesus would have come to us even without the fall of Adam and Eve. “Our religion, true Christianity, says God came to dwell with us,” Fr. Jerome said.

The essence of true Christianity is that God chose to dwell among humanity, despite the reality of human sin and suffering. This love calls Christians to reflect on their own willingness to extend love to others, even those who may harbor animosity towards them.

The sermon used the example of a saint who faced persecution to illustrate the metaphorical “stones” people throw, which represent the hardened hearts of others. It concluded with the idea that only by confronting uncomfortable challenges can individuals cultivate a heart open to God’s love and transformation.

During the closing Mass, Fr. John used a personal example to reflect on ‘what a gift it is to be a servant.’ He conveyed the profound impact his mother’s life of service had on his family as evidenced by two aprons that she wore. He said these protective garments, worn during countless moments of nurturing and care, represented not just pieces of cloth but the essence of selfless service, attentiveness and love his mother demonstrated throughout her life. This example celebrated the beauty of serving others with love.

In this homily, Fr. John reflected on the idea that our trajectory in life is intertwined with God’s presence and guidance. He encouraged listeners to “listen to Him with faith,” reassuring them that amidst life’s chaos, God will care for them.

While challenging moments may humble us, they should not discourage us. He invited everyone to embrace the richness and grace that come from serving others. The aprons symbolize his mother’s kindness and love. He encouraged listeners to “cherish in a special way the apron—the call that is a labor of love,” reminding them of the profound beauty in serving one another.
Bishop Dolan used the phrase “form follows function” in the context of our spiritual journey. He pointed out how a church building can reflect the spiritual journey of a community. He noted the openness to nature that worshippers experience in Our Lady of the Angels Church. He pointed out how its large windows bring nature to the worshipper and foster a deeper spiritual experience.

Architectural glasswork above the back of the church

His homily also explored the idea that “form follows function” in the context of our Christian journey, where our primary function is to follow Christ by dying to ourselves and embracing love. He emphasized that this exercise can sometimes become overshadowed by daily activities, causing us to lose sight of our purpose as Christians.

In addition, Bishop Dolan reflected on the call to know the Lord, urging listeners to consider whether they are truly aligned with this desire as they prepare to receive the Eucharist. He asked congregants to listen to the words of the upcoming song which began, “Only this I want: but to know the Lord.” His message encouraged introspection about what one truly wants in the spiritual life, prompting a return to the essence of faith and commitment.

Homilies at Chapter 2024

“The beauty of Truth appears in him, the beauty of God Himself who draws us to Himself and, at the same time captures us with the wound of Love, the holy passion that enables us to go forth…to meet the Love who calls us.”  “The Contemplation of Beauty” (then) Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, 2002.

Father’s Homily – video

Father’s Homily – text

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher