The National Chapter OFS-USA 2024

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

Group Photo

The National Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States assembled at the base of Camelback Mountain in the Sonoran Desert to pray, listen, learn and conduct fraternity business.

The Franciscan Renewal Center, informally known as “The Casa” in Scottsdale, AZ, was the site of the annual meeting where 58 participants gathered including the National Executive Council, Regional Ministers, National Spiritual Assistants and visitors.

Amidst the serenity of cactus, bougainvillea, hummingbirds and blue quail, Secular Franciscan leaders tuned into the voice of the Holy Spirit and embarked on the work of the Order.

Formation focused on servant leadership, including emotional intelligence skills for leaders and conflict resolution. Daily Mass was celebrated by the CNSA friars who attended as well as John Dolan, bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix.

Each day before meetings, Vickie Klick, OFS, chair of the Centenary Task Force, led members in prayer with meditations on the Stigmata that St. Francis received 800 years ago. All of those materials are available for members to access on the Centenary Web Page.

During the business meetings, members of the National Fraternity Council approved national guidelines for each of the following topics:

  • Virtual Participation in Meetings/Gatherings
  • Fraternal Records Retention
  • Determining Stipends
  • Franciscan Code of Conduct
  • Councils in Conflict
  • Suspension or Dismissal of a Member or Removal from Office

All of the guidelines can be accessed on the

National Guidelines Web Page.

The Conference of National Spiritual Assistants (CNSA) consists of four friars – one from each friar obedience: Fr. Jerome Wolbert – Order of Friars Minor (OFM), Fr. John DeLaRiva – Capuchin (OFM Cap.), Fr. Marek Stybor – Conventual (OFM Conv.), and Fr. Christopher Panagoplos – Third Order Regular (TOR). They assist the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States and are responsible for guiding all the spiritual assistants of the OFS in the U.S. At Chapter, Fr. Marek became the President-in-Turn of the CNSA on the National Executive Council and will serve a two-year term.

In addition, Corinne Lorenzet, OFS, from Blessed Solanus Casey Region, became the new administrative assistant to the CNSA, succeeding Miriam Kennedy, OFS.

The following reports were made:

Chapter of Elections – In preparation for the National Executive Council elections to be held on September 13, 2025, National Minister Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, requested submission of names for the nominating committee by November 1, 2024. A slate of nominees should be prepared by July 13, 2025. Servant leadership workshops will be planned in anticipation of the election.

Ecumenical Committee – Members will meet in Colorado March 21-22, 2025, to participate in a retreat with the Joint Committee on Franciscan Unity. Videos from the last retreat are on our national website, on the Ecumenical / Interfaith Committee webpage under “Resources.”

Formation Commission – Chairperson Layna Maher, OFS, reported that nine chapters of the Aspirants’ (formerly Inquirers) handbook called Let Us Begin is being piloted. The second formation book is underway and titled For This You Were Called. Reflections and action items are included in the chapters.

Franciscan Youth/Young Adults – Chairperson Kathleen Molaro, OFS, said fraternities are encouraged to identify “Who and where are our youth?” “What age would you prefer to work with?” and “How much time do you have to devote to this area of fraternity life?” Answers to these questions will direct the FY/YA programs in local fraternities. She emphasized that the youth have a desire to be a part of the Church in the same way as adults by growing spiritually, serving the community, enjoying fellowship, discovering their vocation and learning peaceful, Franciscan ways to relate to others.

Treasurer’s Report at Chapter

A 2025 General Fund budget and the budget for the upcoming 2026 Quinquennial were passed at Chapter. In addition, the financial statements for the eight months ending August 31, 2024, were reviewed and accepted.

2025 General Fund Budget

The budget for the 2025 General Fund was presented and discussed in detail. After some thoughtful dialogue, three small additions were made, and the revised budget was approved. It represents $352,664 in total expenditures. The projected net loss of $57,164 will be taken from savings if needed.

The budgeted fair share of $215,000 is based on the reported membership in the 2024 Region annual reports, calculated at $22 per member. A fair share increase of $5 was approved at the 2023 Chapter.

Budgeted Income:

  • Fair Share: $215,000
  • Formation Book Sales: $59,500
  • Interest and Miscellaneous income: $21,000
  • Total Budgeted Income: $295,500

Budgeted Expenditures:

  • CIOFS Fair Share: $45,000
  • 2025 Chapter: $63,210
  • TAU-USA: $40,000
  • NEC, 3 Commissions, 14 Committees, CNSA: $132,454
  • Formation Book Printing: $52,000
  • JPIC Award, Liability Insurance, Other: $20,000
  • Total Budgeted Expenditures: $352,664

Budgeted Net Loss:

  • Net Loss: $(57,164)

If you have any questions or need clarification, please reach out to Claudia via email at: ofsusatreasurer@gmail.com

 The opportunity to meet Franciscans from throughout the country and learn about the efforts of the National Executive Council were among the advantages first-time attendees at Chapter were able to experience.

Wayne Armstrong, OFS :  “I’m impressed by the leadership and all of the work that national has to do,” said Wayne Armstrong, OFS, vice minister of Our Lady of the Rockies Region. Wayne appreciated the emphasis on servant leadership as well as the spirituality of the week. “It makes me want to be more involved,” he said.

Charlie Neumann, OFS :  “Chapter has been very fraternal. Wherever you go, people greet you, and everyone is very welcoming,” said Charlie Neuman, OFS, councilor of the La Verna Region. He was pleased with the location as well as the balance between work, spirituality and fellowship at Chapter. “We think first from our heart, and then we cross our T’s,” Charlie said.

Linda Monitello, OFS:  “All the work that national does behind the scenes is unbelievable,” Linda Monitello, OFS, secretary of the St. Maximillan Kolbe Region, said. “Everyone needs to come to a Chapter at least once. It is so comfortable here,” she said.  She intends to return to her region and encourage others to become involved in the national work of the Secular Franciscans. “Committees would be a good place to start,” she said.

Chapter attendees prayed and remembered 300 Secular Franciscans, friars, brothers and sisters who met Sister Death in the past year. Each one was called by name by regional ministers during the Rite of Remembrance led by council member Donna Hollis, OFS.

The TAU-USA Fall 2024 Issue 113 is on the way by snail mail to Professed active members.  It has many wonderful photos of the Chapter.  You can also down load the entire magazine from our website.

    A few SNAP SHOTS at the Chapter

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/12/23/the-national-chapter-ofs-usa-2024/

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 4th Sunday in Advent – Fr. Christopher

In both the narrative and Elizabeth’s witness, the connection is made between the greeting and the infant leaping for joy.  Mary’s salutation activates what is growing in Elizabeth, what is coming to birth in her.  What is growing in her is God-directed.  Humility and lowliness are the proper responses.  These interior attitudes form our Franciscan vocations, and open the door between human impossibility and divine possibility.

Father’s Homily – text

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/12/22/the-gospel-through-a-franciscan-lens-4th-sunday-in-advent-fr-christopher/

Open post

FORMATION FRIDAY – Christmas Time – December 20, 2024

Please share with your local fraternity

Thank you to Anne Mulqueen, OFS

 

It is said that Christmas is a time for children, but I say Christmas is a time for all who have not lost the wonder, joy and delight in celebrating the gift of the birth of a baby, human and divine, who came to earth to be one of us. On Christmas eve, 1223, our Father Francis made his ardent love for the Incarnation of God tangible through the reenactment of Bethlehem in a cave in Greccio.

 

In the First Life of St. Francis, Thomas of Celano writes that Francis wanted the birth of Christ to come alive, presenting anew the birth of the baby Jesus in a cave in Greccio. Francis wanted this event to be, noted and recalled with reverent memory. It is almost eight hundred years later, and we continue to display the Christmas creche in our homes and in our churches. And so during this Christmastide, let us set aside time to recall with reverent memory the wonder of the Incarnation as we gaze on the crib that holds Mary’s baby.

 

What prompted St. Francis to create this scene? St. Bonaventure would say he wanted to rouse the hearts of those weak in the faith. Thomas of Celano would say the child had been forgotten in the hearts of many; but by grace he was brought to life again through St. Francis.

 

St. Francis was a man of action. So what did he do? He invited his brothers and the people in the village to a cave, filled with animals, straw and a feeding trough, that served as a crib for the infant savior. Francis wanted everyone to experience the humility and poverty of a tender God who was born into the world as a poor and helpless baby. He wanted everyone to experience the love of God poured out in the Incarnation. At the appointed time the people arrived, carrying torches and candles. And their hearts were no longer cold, but filled with love. Everyone gathered in joy around this divine baby, lying in a manger.

While gazing at the crib of the infant Jesus, ponder this quote from Pope Francis. “When, at Christmas, we place the statue of the Infant Jesus in the manger, the nativity scene suddenly comes alive. God appears as a child, for us to take into our arms. Beneath weakness and frailty, he conceals his power that creates and transforms all things. It seems impossible, yet it is true: in Jesus, God was a child, and in this way he wished to reveal the greatness of his love: by smiling and opening his arms to all.” [Admirabile Signum 8]

It is always best to read the original sources on a subject in addition to a reflection or commentary. Therefore, please go to https://www.franciscantradition.org., pray first, then read and meditate on the following accounts of Francis’ reenactment of the nativity at Greccio. For those without access to the Internet, please read the account of the first Nativity in any biography of St. Francis you have or in the printed resource Volume 1 The Saint.

· The Life of Saint Francis by Thomas of Celano, Chapter XXX, [FA:ED, vol. 1, 254-257]

https://www.franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/the-life-of-saint-francis-by-thomas-of-celano/695-fa-ed-1-page-254

 

· The Life of Blessed Francis, Legenda Maior, by St. Bonaventure, Chapter 10, [FA:ED, vol. 2, 610-611]

https://www.franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-founder/the-legends-and-sermons-about-saint-francis-by-bonaventure-of-bagnoregio/the-major-legend-of-saint-francis/the-life-of-blessed-francis/1699-fa-ed-2-page-610

 

Just one question to discuss or to comment on in your journal:
Has anything you read or meditated upon reawakened your imagination about the WORD made flesh—the invisible God made visible in a baby and has it changed your understanding of the nature of God?

Por favor comparta con su fraternidad local

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Formación 20 de diciembre, 2024

 

Gracias a Anne Mulqueen, OFS

 

Se dice que la Navidad es una época de niños, pero yo digo que la Navidad es una época de todos los que no han perdido el asombro, la alegría y el deleite de celebrar el don del nacimiento de un bebé, humano y divino, que vino a la tierra para ser uno de nosotros. En la víspera de Navidad de 1223, nuestro Padre Francisco hizo tangible su ardiente amor por la Encarnación de Dios a través de la recreación de Belén en una cueva en Greccio.

 

En la Primera Vida de San Francisco, Tomás de Celano escribe que Francisco quiso que el nacimiento de Cristo cobrara vida, presentando de nuevo el nacimiento del niño Jesús en una cueva de Greccio. Francisco quiso que se tomara nota de este evento y que fuera recordado con memoria reverente. Han pasado casi ochocientos años y seguimos exhibiendo el pesebre navideño en nuestros hogares y en nuestras iglesias. Así que durante esta Navidad, dediquemos tiempo para recordar con reverencia la maravilla de la Encarnación mientras contemplamos el pesebre que sostiene al bebé de María.

 

¿Qué impulsó a San Francisco a crear esta escena? San Buenaventura dijo que quiso despertar los corazones de los débiles en la fe. Tomás de Celano dijo que el niño había quedado olvidado en el corazón de muchos; pero por gracia fue devuelto a la vida a través de San Francisco.

 

San Francisco fue un hombre de acción. Entonces, ¿qué hizo? Invitó a sus hermanos y a la gente del pueblo a una cueva llena de animales, paja y un comedero, que serviría de cuna al niño salvador. Francisco quería que todos experimentaran la humildad y la pobreza de un Dios tierno que nació en el mundo como un bebé pobre e indefenso. Quería que todos experimentaran el amor de Dios derramado en la Encarnación. A la hora señalada llegó el pueblo portando antorchas y velas. Y sus corazones ya no estaban fríos, sino llenos de amor. Todos se reunieron en alegría alrededor de este divino bebé, acostado en un pesebre.

Mientras contempla el pesebre del niño Jesús, reflexione sobre esta cita del Papa Francisco. “Cuando, en Navidad, colocamos la estatua del Niño Jesús en el pesebre, el pesebre de repente cobra vida. Dios se nos aparece como un niño, para que lo tomemos en nuestros brazos. Debajo de la debilidad y la fragilidad, esconde su poder que crea y transforma todas las cosas. Parece imposible, pero es verdad: en Jesús, Dios era niño, y así quiso revelar la grandeza de su amor: sonriendo y abriendo sus brazos a todos.” [Admirable Signum 8]

Siempre es mejor leer las fuentes originales sobre un tema además de una reflexión o comentario. Por lo tanto, visite http://franciscanos.org/frandp/menup.html , ore primero, luego lea y medite en los siguientes relatos de la recreación de la natividad de Francisco en Greccio.

  • La Vida de San Francisco de Tomás de Celano , Capítulo XXX

http://franciscanos.org/fuentes/1Cel03.html

  • La vida del Beato Francisco, Legenda Maior, de San Buenaventura, Capítulo 10

http://franciscanos.org/fuentes/lma04.html

 

Solo una pregunta para discutir o comentar en su diario :
¿Algo que leyó o meditó ha vuelto a despertar su imaginación acerca de la PALABRA hecha carne, el Dios invisible hecho visible en un bebé y ha cambiado su comprensión de la naturaleza de Dios?

 

Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Vice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USA
Listen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025

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

This is a day of jubilant song and tragedy, and it’s up to us to decide what to be part of.  Advent’s waiting and hastening makes us choose, and to see our choices in the perspective of God’s long-standing plan for us—wanting only to love us, to never leave us, and to have a covenant of peace established with us last forever, until all the world knows the mercy of God.

Father’s Homily – text

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/12/13/the-gospel-through-a-franciscan-lens-3rd-sunday-in-advent-fr-christopher/

Open post

FORMATION FRIDAY – Part Three: Living the Charism – December 13, 2024

During Advent we wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We know that he walked on this earth. We know that he is always with us in the Eucharist. But now, we wait for Him to come again.

For three weeks we will focus on the prayer that St. Francis prayed as he knelt before the Crucifix of San Damiano. Each part of it has significance during this time of waiting and conversion.

Most High,
glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart
and give me
true faith,
certain hope,
and perfect charity,
sense and knowledge,
Lord,
that I may carry out
Your holy and true command.

Part Three: Living the Charism

“…that I may carry out Your holy and true command.”

CONSIDER:

+Our Rule: Article 2—”The Secular Franciscan Order holds a special place in this family circle. It is an organic union of all Catholic fraternities scattered throughout the world and open to every group of the faithful. In these fraternities the brothers and sisters, led by the Spirit, strive for perfect charity in their own secular state. By their profession they pledge themselves to live the gospel in the manner of St. Francis by means of this rule approved by the Church.”

+Our Rule: Article 10— “Uniting themselves to the redemptive obedience of Jesus, who placed his will into the Father’s hands, let them faithfully fulfil the duties proper to their various circumstances of life17. Let them also follow the poor and crucified Christ, witness to him even in difficulties and persecutions18.”

+Our Rule: Article 14—”Secular Franciscans, together with all people of good will, are called to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively. Mindful that anyone “who follows Christ, the perfect man, becomes more of a man himself”, let them exercise their responsibilities competently in Christian spirit of service25”

+Admonition XVII: The Humble Servant of God

“1Blessed is that servant Mt 24:46 who no more exalts himself over the good the Lord says or does through him than over what He says or does through another.
2A person sins who wishes to receive more from his neighbor than what he wishes to give of himself to the Lord God.”

https://franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/writings-of-francis/the-undated-writings/the-admonitions/150-fa-ed-1-page-134

+ During Advent, we focus on how well we carry out what we are called to do in our lives as Secular Franciscans. Now is the time to ask ourselves how familiar we are with our Rule and with what we promised at Profession.

Questions for discussion or to answer in your journal

+As Franciscans, we are called to intensify our baptismal promises through our profession.
–What were the promises made for us at our Baptism?
–Which articles of our Rule present the greatest challenge to me?
–Do I read and pray some portion of Scripture each day? How do I carry out what I am being asked to do by Jesus in the Gospel?

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Formación 13 de diciembre, 2024

Durante el Adviento esperamos la venida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Sabemos que caminó sobre esta tierra. Sabemos que él está siempre con nosotros en la Eucaristía. Pero ahora, esperamos que Él regrese.

Durante tres semanas nos centraremos en la oración que rezó San Francisco mientras se arrodillaba ante el Crucifijo de San Damián. Cada parte tiene un significado durante este tiempo de espera y conversión.

Tercera parte: Vivir el carisma

“…para que cumpla tu santo y verdadero mandamiento.”

Sumo, glorioso Dios,
ilumina las tinieblas de mi corazón
y dame fe recta,
esperanza cierta
y caridad perfecta,
sentido y conocimiento, Señor,
para que cumpla tu santo y verdadero mandamiento.

CONSIDERE:

+Nuestra regla: Artículo 2—”En el seno de dicha familia, tiene un puesto peculiar la Orden Franciscana Seglar, la cual se configura como una unión orgánica de todas las fraternidades católicas esparcidas por el mundo entero y abiertas a todo grupo de fieles, en las cuales los hermanos y las hermanas, impulsados por el Espíritu a alcanzar la perfección de la caridad en su estado seglar, se comprometen con la Profesión a vivir el Evangelio a la manera de San Francisco con la ayuda de la presente Regla confirmada por la Iglesia5.”

+Nuestra regla: Artículo 10— “Asociándose a la obediencia redentora de Jesús, que sometió su voluntad a la del Padre, cumplan fielmente las obligaciones propias de la condición de cada uno en las diversas circunstancias de la vida17, y sigan a Cristo, pobre y crucificado, testimoniándolo aún en las dificultades y persecuciones18.“

+Nuestra regla: Artículo 14— “Llamados, juntamente con todos los hombres de buena voluntad, a construir un mundo más fraterno y evangélico para la edificación del reino de Dios, conscientes de que “quien sigue a Cristo, Hombre perfecto, se hace a sí mismo más hombre”, cumplan con competencia las propias responsabilidades con espíritu cristiano de servicio25.”

[Cap. XVII: Del humilde siervo de Dios]
+ Admonición XVII: “1Bienaventurado aquel siervo (Mt 24,46) que no se exalta más del bien que el Señor dice y obra por medio de él, que del que dice y obra por medio de otro. 2Peca el hombre que quiere recibir de su prójimo más de lo que él no quiere dar de sí al Señor Dios.”

http://franciscanos.org/esfa/adm-ae.html

+ Durante el Adviento, nos enfocamos en qué tan bien llevamos a cabo lo que estamos llamados a hacer en nuestras vidas como franciscanos seglares. Ahora es el momento de preguntarnos qué tan familiarizados estamos con nuestra Regla y con lo que prometimos en Profesión.

Preguntas para platicar o para responder en su diario

+ Como franciscanos, estamos llamados a intensificar nuestras promesas bautismales a través de nuestra profesión.
— ¿Cuáles fueron las promesas que nos hicieron en nuestro bautismo?
–¿Qué artículos de nuestra Regla me presentan el mayor desafío?
— ¿Leo y oro alguna porción de las Escrituras todos los días? ¿Cómo llevo a cabo lo que Jesús me pide que haga en el Evangelio.

 

Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Vice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USA
Listen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
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Juan de Padilla