(This article originally appeared in the Fall 2020 Issue of the TAU-USA #101)

Shortly after the tragic death of George Floyd this past May, St. Joan of Arc Regional Minister Cherryle Fruge shared that her region had started a diversity team. The following is a report from Cherryle about this effort: 

 The idea of developing a Diversity Team began so we could do a process of elimination to dissect the roots of racism that falls under the umbrella of All Violence. The agenda for the first Zoom gathering was to find out “Who We Are” by each telling our story. “Have you ever been discriminated against or shunned on your Franciscan Journey. Have you experienced discrimination within the Order?”

We needed to first work “within” before we could work outward – ruling out if there were any issues within the Order concerning racism or discrimination of any kind to all people of diverse cultures. If there is a problem within the Family, we have to work on addressing the dysfunction, educate and reconcile our differences so we can begin healing the wounds from the inside out. Once the wholeness of our self returns, only then can we more fully understand how to educate with love and compassion in the world in which we live.

I am happy to say that everyone on the team said that the Order “felt like home” and being in fraternity sustained them. Since there are no issues within the Order in our region, our focus moved to educate ourselves on the Beatitudes of Good Communication amongst all people. I heard a quote that went something like this: “You are the other part of me, I don’t yet understand.” We need to learn from each other. This is why learning and practicing mindful dialogue is so important with all people, because we don’t understand each other and what life is like from the perspective of other cultures. We are now working “outward” to help make this happen.

Cherryle Fruge, OFS, St Joan of Arc Regional Fraternity

Note:     Banner by Deacon Patrick depicts the Mission Statement of the SJA Region Diversity Team: Like Francis’ Mission, Go Rebuild Our Church, We believe as we work inward to rebuild ourselves then we will understand how to work outward to rebuild God’s Church in the world – One Living Stone at a time.

https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2020/12/14/regional-diversity-team/

Dear Sisters and Brothers of the National Fraternity,

I truly hope you are experiencing the beauty of this Advent season, and that you are doing well.

In this Advent season, in this time of pandemic, in this time of so much uncertainty for so many, and in this time of such unrest in our society, we turn to our Blessed Mother for her help.  Let us turn to her joyfully and in confidence as we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe today.

Here is a very festive video that makes me so happy!   I invite you to take 3 minutes, and maybe even dance as you watch it… or at least tap your feet!

Our Lady is with us in all that is going on in our lives, and in our world.  Like her, let us believe that what has been spoken to us will be fulfilled!  Because it will be! 

By the way, I have some history with these Capuchin Poor Clares, and it touched my heart to see them. They reside at the Monastery of Our Lady of Light in Denver.  Check out their website and order some of their cookies!  They are great….so yummy!

Their website is http://capuchinpoorclaresdenver.org/

I will also take this opportunity to again thank you for your prayers and support.  I continue, with God’s help, to manage the little side effects of chemo with only minor bumps along the way, and I am so happy to be able to continue many of the things I need, and want, to do.  In other words, I’m rolling with it, and blessedly I find joy in this interesting, though unexpected, new part of my journey.

May you find joy in your journey today as well. God is with us!

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, pray for us!

Peace and love,
Jan

P.S. Feel free to share this message…  and share the joy!

Jan Parker OFS

Celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe