Chapter meeting renews call to leadership and service

(This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 Issue of TAU-USA #108)

by Sharon Winzeler, OFS

Hosted by the Divine Mercy Region, the first face-to-face chapter meeting in three years included formation, fellowship, a tour of the Blessed Solanus Casey Center, and Detroit landmarks, as well as the election of a new National Executive Council to three-year terms.

A one-man play based on the life of Blessed Solanus was also featured. In addition, election procedures were updated, and the theme and priorities of the coming term were decided.

On the final day of chapter, Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, was elected national minister.

Others elected to the national council were: Vice Minister Diane F. Menditto, OFS; Secretary Susan Ronan, OFS; Treasurer Claudia Kauzlarich, OFS; International Councilor Mary Frances Charsky, OFS; and National Councilors Cherryle Fruge, OFS, Donna Hollis, OFS, and Joshua Molidor, OFS.

Fr. Christopher Shorrock, OFM Conv., became CNSA president-in-turn at Chapter. Because Fr. Chris was called back to his native Australia, Fr. John DeLa Riva,OFM Cap., became president-in-turn on Jan. 1.

Attending were eight NEC members, 30 regional ministers or vice ministers, four CNSA members, and 35 commission and committee members, nominees, and observers. CIOFS Presidency Councilor Silvia (Sissi) Diana, OFS, of Argentina, presided at the elections on behalf of Tibor Kauser, OFS, Minister General.

Bishop Gerard W. Battersby of Detroit opened the National Chapter with a Mass that included a homily reminding listeners of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. The Christ who animated Peter and the other apostles is the same one who animates us.

“The first historical proof of the risen Lord was when the apostles encountered Him after the resurrection. Before they witnessed the resurrection, it was hard for the apostles to remember Jesus’ promise, especially after His savage death. Can you imagine how they must have savored the wonder and explosion of joy that changed everything for everyone? The disciples became transformed men and women,” Bishop Battersby said.

“The North Star guiding our lives is the fact that He is risen. That is the life-giving transformation, because we are risen with Him, and we come to know Him asthe Lord of all creation. This changes everything for us as it did for the apostles and Francis,” he said.

“The Father’s plan is for us to become like Jesus. Do not be afraid. You have eternity to work it out,“ he said. “We must always press into the Resurrection.”

New Regional Ministers

Ten of the regional ministers were newly elected and arrived early for an orientation session led by Bob Longo, OFS, of the St. Margaret of Cortona Region. Regions with newly elected ministers are: Blessed Solanus Casey, Patricia Wilkin, OFS; Brothers and Sisters of St Francis, Ellen Ferrone, OFS; Franciscans of the Prairie, Kathy Adams, OFS; Juan de Padilla, Brenda Haas, OFS; Lady Poverty, Kathy Barton, OFS; Los Tres Companeros, Paul Gonzalez, OFS; Mother Cabrini, Bob Burnham, OFS; Our Lady of Indiana, Cyndi Pilot, OFS; Our Lady of the Rockies, Pamela Boespflug, OFS; and St. Joan of Arc, Elizabeth Killeen, OFS. Kathy Barton, OFS was unable to attend. Ed Meegan, OFS, Vice-Minister, attended chapter for the Lady Poverty Region.

State of the Order

Outgoing National Minister Jan Parker, OFS, delivered her final State-of- the Order, which can be viewed or read on the Secular Franciscan website. She referenced a YouTube video by Dr. Thomas Nairn, OFM, called “A Franciscan Spirituality of Discernment,” which calls us to “Listen, Discern, and Go Forth.”

The call to “Listen, Discern, Go Forth” was adopted as the theme for the national fraternity for the next three years.

Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Award Recipient

Louise Sandberg, OFS, received the 2022 Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Award presented by Joseph Makley, OFS, co-chair for the JPIC Commission. Louise recounted the inspiration she found in Africa. On her first mission there, she said, “I felt like I was visiting God’s favorite people in the whole world.” A video of Louise’s talk is posted on the website.

Guidelines for OFS Councils

Regional ministers were introduced to the CIOFS document Guidelines for OFS Councils which emphasizes the important role local fraternities play in the order. Local fraternities are responsible for accepting, forming and admitting to profession new members, as well as the continuing work of helping professed members, remain active in the order.

The document also explained how the role of minister in the fraternity differs from that of a leader in another club or organization. “The office of Minister cannot be compared to the office of President of any civil law association: it has the function of coordination and representation, it has specific tasks, but does not have “power” prevailing over the other members of the Council,” according to the document.

The document outlines the responsibilities of council members, citing the importance of service to the fraternity. “[A council member is] called in the first person to work for the good of the OFS and to be interested in every aspect of fraternal life, regardless of the service office covered. The style of service in the Council is that of the ‘washing of the feet’ (Jn. 13, 12-17), which is the biblical foundation of service, in the ‘minority’.”

Diane F. Menditto, OFS, Francine Gikow, OFS, and Anne Mulqueen, OFS, from the National Formation Commission delivered a presentation on the guidelines that can be found on the website.

Theme and Priorities

“Listen, Discern, Go Forth” was adopted as the three-year theme for the national fraternity. Reflection questions based on the theme were developed by the National Formation Commission and are available for ongoing formation. Each session connects the theme to the Rule and provides instruction and reflection questions.

The theme will also help direct actions on the priorities of vocations, communications and relationships.

Outgoing Minister Jan Parker noted that listening is a holy encounter in the lives of Franciscans.

“This initial step of listening does not mean a passive hearing (which implies that the action is one-sided), rather it’s very active. In essence, listening becomes an encounter, an encounter with God and with others, an encounter that is critical in directing our discernment. He then challenges us to go forth,” Jan said.

Conference of National Spiritual Assistants (CNSA) Presentations

Keeping with the theme of listening, four friars from the CNSA presented formation on how to converse with and listen to members of the order. Their talks can be viewed on the Chapter 2022 page of the Secular Franciscan website.

Fr. Jerome Wolbert, OFM, outgoing president-in-turn, discussed “Why Is There A Visitation?” Fr. Jerome explained that visitations “help others to experience what it is to be heard, so they also know how to listen.” He said visitations give local councils the ability to experience discernment and the “prayer, caution, and courage that go into it.” In turn, he said, they learn better how to discern and lead.

Fr. John DeLa Riva, OFM Cap. Echoed the “Listen, Discern, Go Forth” message by advising regional ministers to “practice very keen listening. You go on a visitation so you can hear. Listen well.” The title of his presentation is “Animate and Inspire.”

Fr. Christopher Shorrock, OFM Conv., who lived in Milwaukee until recently returning to Australia, discussed the need for Spiritual Assistants. He reminded the professed who are considering the spiritual assistant training program. First, going through the program doesn’t guarantee being a spiritual assistant, but it has its rewards. “If you are called and not chosen, you will be a better Franciscan for it,” he said. He also reminded the audience that serving as a spiritual assistant is not a lifelong commitment. There are term limits, giving the fraternity and spiritual assistant a good opportunity “to refresh and move on.”

Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, TOR spoke on “Discernment.” He talked about how we have gone through dark times with the pandemic and injustices. He compared our situation to the time the Israelites spent in the desert. “They called out for change. God sent Moses.”

We are traveling in the wilderness like the Israelites. “God has found us, is traveling with us. We should never, ever forget,” Fr. Christopher said.

The wilderness gives us a new appreciation of our dependency on God and calls us to be Christo-centric as we see, judge, and act. He encouraged the audience to share this in community with our brothers and sisters.

“Be the visible presence of the invisible ones as agents of God,” he said.

Servant Leadership

The morning of the election, Fr. Cidoune Joseph, OFM presented a talk on Franciscan servant leadership.

Calling upon Franciscan servant leaders to follow the example of John the Baptist, Fr. Cid said, “A Franciscan servant leader loses him/herself in their ministry. Like John the Baptist – they decrease so that others may increase. Jesus and Francis, of course, are our models for this.”

“Franciscan servant leaders are always in second place to the people they serve. The ministry is not about them – but about others and their needs,” he said.

Servant leaders are extensions of Jesus and model His virtues, such as compassion, service, love, forgiveness, commitment, prayerfulness, gentleness, patience, and humility, Fr. Cid said.

The full text of Fr. Cid’s talk can be found on the website.

Election Procedures

A set of procedures for elections was adopted. First, the National Fraternity Council adopted National Fraternity Election Procedures. This document addresses all aspects of the national election, including requirements for the election of persons running for a third term. Second, Guidelines for Nominations from the Floor were approved at chapter. The guidelines outline the procedure for nominating officers at the election. Regional and local fraternities may also use them but are not bound by them.

The 2023 National Chapter will be August 23-27 at Pallottine Renewal Center St. Louis, MO.

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2023/03/20/chapter-meeting-renews-call-to-leadership-and-service/

Open post

FORMATION FRIDAY – Relationships in the Secular Franciscan Order: Part 2

At our National Chapter in October 2022, the National Fraternity Council decided that the priorities for 2022-2025 will be Vocations, Communications, and Relationships. For several weeks, Formation Friday has been exploring each of these priorities.

Relationships in the Secular Franciscan Order: Part 2

Relationships in Fraternity

Prepared by Francine Gikow, OFS, Member, National Formation Commission

 

“The vocation of the OFS is a vocation to live the Gospel in fraternal communion. For this purpose, the members of the OFS gather in ecclesial communities which are called fraternities.” (GC. 3.3)

 

Fraternal communion, commonly described as “relationships” within a fraternity, identifies a key element in our spiritual Franciscan charism- for we cannot be a Secular Franciscan without a fraternity. We are meant to be in relationship with each other and it is how we “do” our mission of building up the church. It takes the concrete experience of living in fraternity to teach us what true “communion” really means.

Here are some key concepts in Franciscan relationships within a fraternity:

· As discussed last week, the model of our relationships is the Holy Trinity– the relational love between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This unity of the Trinity should be reflected in our own relationships.

· We are all mothers, brothers, sisters and spouses of the same God (1LtF:8-11) and our relationships (in fraternity) should be reflective of our God of LOVE.

· Fraternity, then, is a call to unity as a model of Christ’s love to the whole world, all of whom are children of the same loving God.” (Rule Article 13)

· It is a privileged place for us- a place that nourishes ongoing conversion (GC.13) and imitates Christ’s relationship with his disciples and Francis and Clare’s relationship with their followers. This privileged place includes our different “levels” of participation and relationship: local, regional, national and international fraternities.

· Our relationships within the wider Franciscan Family (Friars, Poor Clares, and Religious Sisters) provide “vital reciprocity:” a life giving union with each other to make present the charism of their common Seraphic Father in the mission of the church.(Rule Article 1) Each branch of the Franciscan family brings to the greater Franciscan family their own experiences to enrich and enliven the other branches leading to greater unity.

· Fraternity is “an ecclesial community” for a lived experience of being “church” and a visible sign of the Church, a community of faith and love.(Rule Article 22)

· Fraternity is also, a “school of love.”(GC40, 2-3) It is how we learn about relationships: giving and receiving, learning and teaching, forgiving and asking for forgiveness. It is a sign of Christ’s love to the whole world which is a “call to unity and harmony with all our brothers and sisters, all of whom are children of the same loving God. (Rule Article 13)

· Our purpose of our relationships in Fraternity is: “together with all people of good will, to be called to build a more fraternal and evangelical world as Franciscans, so that the kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively.” (Rule Arrticle 5). We do this through our relationships.

In summary, Franciscans are all about relationships and fraternal communion. However, relationships do not end with just our experience within our fraternities and the Franciscan family- they extend into viewing all of creation and the world in which we live, while being in a “relationship and community of love.” This is called “Universal Kinship,” and in Part 3, the last of our series in “Franciscan Vocation as Relationship,” we will meditate on what it means to extend our concept of relationship to creation and the world.

Questions for reflection in your journal or to discuss with a prayer partner or small group:

· Look up the full references from the above citations of the OFS Rule, General Constitutions and the First Letter to the Faithful and discuss with a partner, what you have learned.

· What struck you from this article? Identify what drew your attention.

· What description of fraternal relationships challenged you and why? Share your thoughts with another.

· Bring to prayer the results of this review and ask God to enrich your relationships in fraternity.

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

Por favor comparta con su fraternidad local.

En nuestro Capítulo Nacional en octubre de 2022, el Consejo Nacional decidió que las prioridades para 2022-2025 serán Vocaciones, Comunicaciones y Relaciones. Durante varias semanas, el Viernes de Formación ha estado explorando cada una de estas prioridades.


Relaciones en la Orden Franciscana Seglar: Parte 2

Relaciones en Fraternidad
Preparado por Francine Gikow, OFS, Miembro, Comisión Nacional de Formación

“La vocación a la OFS es una llamada a vivir el Evangelio en comunión fraterna. Con este fin, los miembros de la OFS se reúnen en comunidades eclesiales, que se llaman Fraternidades”. (CCGG. 3.3)

La comunión fraterna, comúnmente descrita como “relaciones” dentro de una fraternidad, identifica un elemento clave en nuestro carisma franciscano espiritual, porque no podemos ser franciscanos seglares sin una fraternidad. Estamos destinados a estar en relación unos con otros y así es como “realizamos” nuestra misión de edificar la iglesia. Se necesita la experiencia concreta de vivir en fraternidad para enseñarnos lo que realmente significa la verdadera “comunión”.

Aquí hay algunos conceptos clave en las relaciones franciscanas dentro de una fraternidad:

  • Como se discutió la semana pasada , el modelo de nuestras relaciones es la Santísima Trinidad : el amor relacional entre el Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo. Esta unidad de la Trinidad debe reflejarse en nuestras propias relaciones.
  • Somos madres, hermanos, hermanas y esposos del mismo Dios (1CtF:8-11) y nuestras relaciones (en fraternidad) deben ser reflejo de nuestro Dios del AMOR.
  • La fraternidad: “El sentido de fraternidad les hará felices de colocarse a la par de todos los hombres, especialmente con los más humildes, para los cuales se esforzarán en crear condiciones de vida dignas de criaturas redimidas por Cristo”. (Regla Artículo 13)
  • Es un lugar privilegiado para nosotros, un lugar que alimenta la conversión permanente (GGCC.13) e imita la relación de Cristo con sus discípulos y la relación de Francisco y Clara con sus seguidores. Este lugar privilegiado incluye nuestros diferentes “niveles” de participación y relación: fraternidades locales, regionales, nacionales e internacionales.
  • Nuestras relaciones dentro de la Familia Franciscana más amplia (frailes, clarisas y hermanas religiosas) proporcionan una “reciprocidad vital”: una unión que da vida entre nosotros para hacer presente el carisma de su Padre Seráfico común en la misión de la iglesia. (Artículo de la Regla 1) Cada rama de la familia franciscana aporta a la gran familia franciscana sus propias experiencias para enriquecer y animar a las otras ramas y conducirlas a una mayor unidad.
  • La fraternidad es “una comunidad eclesial” para una experiencia vivida de ser “iglesia ” y signo visible de la Iglesia, comunidad de fe y de amor. (Regla Artículo 22)
  • La fraternidad es también, una “escuela de amor” (CCGG40, 2-3). Es así como aprendemos sobre las relaciones: dar y recibir, aprender y enseñar, perdonar y pedir perdón. Es un signo del amor de Cristo al mundo entero que es un “llamado a la unidad y armonía con todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas, todos los cuales son hijos del mismo Dios amoroso. (Regla Artículo 13)
  • Nuestro propósito de nuestras relaciones en Fraternidad es: “junto con todas las personas de buena voluntad, ser llamados a construir un mundo más fraterno y evangélico como franciscanos, para que el reino de Dios se realice con mayor eficacia”. (Regla Artículo 5). Hacemos esto a través de nuestras relaciones.

En resumen, los franciscanos tienen que ver con las relaciones y la comunión fraterna. Sin embargo, las relaciones no terminan solo con nuestra experiencia dentro de nuestras fraternidades y la familia franciscana, sino que se extienden hasta ver toda la creación y el mundo en el que vivimos, mientras estamos en una “relación y comunidad de amor”. Esto se llama el “Parentesco universal”, y en la Parte 3, la última de nuestra serie en “La vocación franciscana como relación”, meditaremos sobre lo que significa extender nuestro concepto de relación con la creación y el mundo.

Preguntas para reflexionar en su diario o para discutir con un compañero de oración o un grupo pequeño:

  • Busque las referencias completas de las citas anteriores de la Regla OFS y las Constituciones Generales y la Primera Carta a los Fieles y discuta con un compañero lo que ha aprendido.
  • ¿Qué le llamó la atención de este artículo? Identifica lo que llamó su atención.
  • ¿Qué descripción de las relaciones fraternales le desafió y por qué? Comparta sus pensamientos con otro.
  • Lleve a la oración los resultados de este repaso y pida a Dios que enriquezca sus relaciones de fraternidad.

 

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

 

Relic of St. Francis of Assisi Stays with National Executive Council

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States met in St. Louis Missouri March 10-12, 2023.

On March 12, 2023, former National Minister, Jan Parker, OFS, visited the current NEC to transfer documents, or so she said.

In reality, she stopped by to transfer a special gift.  She presented Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, the current national minister with a relic of our seraphic father, St. Francis of Assisi.

This relic was given to Jan Parker by St. Kateri Tekakwitha Region when Jan was first elected national minister in 2015. A new tradition has been created. The relic will travel with the national minister to all OFS-related meetings.  St. Francis, pray for us.

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2023/03/15/relic-of-st-francis-of-assisi-stays-with-national-executive-council/

Open post

SHAPING THE FRANCISCAN FOOTPRINT – March 9 – March 15 2023

 

Five Important Spiritual Thoughts from the Liturgy of the Word

…and follow up for the Secular Franciscan

March 9 – March 15

 

1 – The parable of the landowner who planted a vineyard. (Mt 21:33-46)

…We are part of those who killed the son to get what they wanted. Do we let our selfishness control us?

 

 

2 – The parable of the Forgiving Father (Prodigal Son). (Lk 15:1-3,11-32)

OUR FORGIVING FATHER

 

+
The Gospel is the very familiar story of the Prodigal Son or a more positive
way of saying it, the Forgiving Father

– the story has a number of points
specifically for adult spirituality:

+
1 – the younger man squandered his inheritance

– we sin, we make mistakes

– it is a familiar theme of
Lent

– something that comes
up in the readings all the time: we really are sinners, we think thoughts that
are not at all Christian, we say words that should not be said, we do things
that should not be done

+
2 – the younger man comes to his senses

– the pivotal point for the younger son

– and what must happen if our
spiritual lives are to grow—we have to come to our senses, some conversion
experience

– in which we finally
understand that we have to make God more a part of our lives, more than God is
now

+
3 – the father was watching for his son/ran/no reluctance on his part at all
(this is not the way a father would act in the Hebrew tradition)

– this is the kind of God we have

– if we show the slightest sign
of coming to our senses, some type of conversion, God is there and will remain
with us

– this is so generous on God’s
part, “generous to a fault”

– an image so foreign
to people who do not understand God

– the father
running to embrace his son, you and me

+
4 – the older son was angry

– human beings are not always going to
agree with how generous God is because we are so selfish

– we do not rejoice with
another’s good fortune (the Hebrew religious leaders did not miss this
reference)

– we want what we want

– again the
selfishness thought that comes up so often in these Scriptures is present

+
5 – but the father is also generous to the older son

– he goes to him, he begs him

– we who are so selfish—the
Lord keeps pursuing us, hoping that we will come to our senses as well

+
6 – Jesus leaves the story unfinished

– maybe leading us to believe that the
selfishness could not be overcome

– the sin which is not forgiven
most is selfishness because such a one finds it hard to come to his/her senses

 

 

3 – “The woman left her water jar.” (Jn 4:28)

…because there were more important things in her life. What is the most important thing
in my life right now? What should it be?

 

 

4 – “They rose up, drove him out of the town.” (Lk 4:28)

…I obviously do not reject Jesus, but which of his teachings should I listen to more?

 

 

5 – “How
often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” (Mt 18:21-22)

…Is there anyone I am not forgiving?

 

 

Meet the Newly Elected OFS-USA Executive Council

(This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 Issue of the TAU-USA #108)

Jane, Diane, Susan, Claudia, Cherryle, Joshua, Donna, Mary Frances, Fr. John

Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS

Office: Minister

Region: Our Lady of Guadalupe – Empress of the Americas

Residence: Roswell, NM

Local Fraternity: St. Francis

Year professed: 1995

Motivated to be a servant leader because. . . “I never dreamed that I would one day be National Minister. My journey as a member was strengthened with each position – whether elected or appointed. Local minister, regional ecology commission chair, national ecology commission, local secretary, newsletter editor, local treasurer, vocations committee, local minister, national secretary, and currently national minister. My vocation flourishes by witnessing how others live their vocations. So, selfishly, I am motivated to serve because I learn so much from my Franciscan brothers and sisters―they truly nourish my vocation.”

Additional info: “Brian Bamman is my best friend. We’ve been married for 32 years. We were not blessed with children but cared for the adults God brought into our lives. We moved to Roswell, NM,  in 2018. It’s small. I can go for months without driving over 40 miles per hour. Although small, this community is blessed with OFM Friars, Poor Clare nuns, and OFS. When I am not working or at a fraternity meeting (in-person or virtually), I would probably be playing tennis, thinking about playing tennis or planning a trip.”

Diane F. Menditto, OFS

Office: Vice Minister

Region: Our Lady of the Angels

Residence: Hackensack, NJ

Local Fraternity: St. Francis

Year professed: 1979

Motivated to be a servant leader because. . .“Servant leadership is the best way I know to share the gifts God has given me with my brothers and sisters. Serving  the National Fraternity allows me to collaborate with others in moving the Order forward. Sharing what I have learned from great leaders and formators during my 43 years as a Secular Franciscan gives me great joy,”

Additional info: “I love flowers, photography, traveling, teaching and speaking Spanish.”

Susan Ronan, OFS

Office: Secretary

Region: St. Elizabeth of Hungary

City: Sandown, NH

Local Fraternity: Greccio

Year professed: 2003

Motivated to be a servant leader because. . . “The Lord has blessed me with so many gifts―an amazing family, loyal and faithful friends, a love-filled life. It is an honor to offer any assistance I can to my Franciscan brothers and sisters.” Additional info: “Music has been a blessed thread throughout my life…just love to sing!”

Claudia Kauzlarich, OFS

Office: Treasurer

Region: Juan de Padilla

City: Harrisonville, MO

Local Fraternity: Secular Franciscans of the Holy Eucharist

Year professed: 2008

Motivated to be a servant leader because. . . “The Love of God, Christ requests it of us, as well as love of the Order and my brothers and sisters in Francis and Clare.”

Additional info: “The NEC is here to serve each of you. Contact me if you have any questions.”

Cherryle Fruge, OFS

Office: National Councilor

Region: St. Joan of Arc

Residence: Lake Charles, LA

Local Fraternity: San Damiano

Year professed: 2003

Motivated to be a servant leader because. . . “Holy God’s Love motivates me to be all I can as a servant leader. I’m very grateful that my Lord gave me sisters and brothers as companions along the way to mentor me into this role as a servant leader from local, regional and now at national level. I feel the Holy Spirit has been teaching me to live and work with you as if you are my spouse so that I can learn what servant leadership truly is. As Jesus has shown us, we must also do — “I have come to serve, not to be served.” Having never been married, I remember vividly while I was in adoration and before I was to facilitate the teaching on the sacrament of Holy Matrimony in RCIA, I was enlightened in a most profound way that Jesus is my Spouse. This spousal love is being revealed between you and me because as members of the Body of Christ, as His Church, we are His spouse and spousal to each other. This kind of unity is linking us in a very unique way. I look forward to building that deep abiding love with the wider fraternity as this new journey begins in my life. Come Holy Spirit! Show us the way of truth through God’s Love. Amen.”

Additional info: “My parents are deceased. I have two siblings. Carol is the oldest. She lives about an hour from me in Lafayette. My brother Phil was the middle child. I guess by now you know who the “baby” is. Phil and his wife, Sandra passed away a few years back. I was blessed with a 40-year career in a petroleum refinery in Lake Charles, LA. I retired in 2015 and have immensely enjoyed being of service to the church and to the Secular Franciscan Order. Even though the conversion journey has not been easy, I’m madly in love with the work of the Holy Spirit! After all that’s why I’m here because of God’s Amazing Grace.”

Joshua Molidor, OFS

Office: National Councilor

Region: Los Tres Companeros

Residence: Frisco, TX

Local Fraternity: Immaculata

Year professed: 1994

Motivated to be a servant leader because. . . “Our Rule, which asks us to be ready and willing to serve, and is a duty of responsibility to each member (Art. 21)”

Donna Hollis, OFS

Office: National Councilor

Region: Our Lady of Guadalupe

City: Las Cruces, NM

Local Fraternity: Our Lady of Guadalupe

Year professed: 1983

Motivated to be a servant leader because. . . “What motivates me is getting to know my brothers and sisters and being a support to them. My calling is to lift up people’s hearts and give them reasons for spiritual joy. Being Franciscan is to take on the charism of St. Francis, who himself worked with the marginalized emulating the Gospel life. I can do no less. My heart is in love with our Order and those who live out this life. We are the heart, eyes, hands, and feet to others, showing compassion to all people. My true joy of being a councilor is the opportunity to go and visit with my brothers and sisters, encouraging them and showing God’s love and grace in every situation that we grow through together.”

Mary Frances Charsky, OFS

 Office: International Councilor

Region: St. Kateri Tekakwitha Region

Residence: Binghamton, NY

Local Fraternity: St. Francis

Year professed: 1981

Motivated to be a servant leader because. . . “The joy of being with brothers and sisters encouraging each other on our journey to the Lord our God motivates me to be a Franciscan servant leader.  I cherish these times. The Holy Spirit helps me to keep in mind what Jesus would do and to see Jesus in all others. It is as easy as breathing. I see the talents and the gifts of my brothers and sisters. Those who have come before us are role models that we honor and remember. We are grateful for our ability to follow Jesus in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare. My true joy in being a Councilor is the opportunity to go and visit with my Brothers and Sisters, encouraging them and showing God’s love and grace in every situation that we grow through together.”

Fr. John DeLaRiva, OFM Cap.

President-in-Turn of Conference of National Spiritual Assistants

Born (in February of 1961) and raised in Orange County, California. At the age of 29, I joined the Capuchin Franciscans in 1989.

Professed Final Vows in 1996, and was ordained a Priest in 1999.

My ministries have focused on Parish work, Chaplaincy for Hospitals, High Schools, and Jails.

My last assignment was as Rector of the National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi located in San Francisco, CA.

 

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2023/03/13/meet-the-newly-elected-ofs-usa-executive-council/

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