The National Chapter 2019-2020 “Seemed to Have It All”
“They seemed to have it all,” noted one attendee as she was leaving the OFS National Chapter in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Indeed, the agenda was packed. The spirit of the meeting allowed for the gamut of experiences. An upbeat, spontaneous Conga line, thanks to YouFra’s funky music. Deeply spiritual moments. Discussions on the business of the order. A look at where our Order has been and where it is going, including setting the national Secular Franciscan theme for 2019-2020: “Journey Together in Love and Compassion.” And even sharing Star Trek’s Vulcan greeting to Franciscans around the universe during a group photo op.
The chapter erupted into song and dance when the YouFra team began a presentation with blaring funky music.
There were ample moments to get to know participants from around the country, and daily private and communal prayer. Small group huddles encouraged questions and sharing of ideas, enhancing fraternal life. Large group evaluations and decision-making marathons opened the door for the Order to tackle the challenges and opportunities confronting seculars now and in the future.
The Chapter took place Oct. 15-20 at Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center, hosted by three regional fraternities – Los Tres Compañeros, St. Joan of Arc, and Our Lady of Guadalupe – Empress of the Americas. It took 80 attendees on a five-day journey through Franciscan spirituality, the future of formation, and a hands-on service project that helped 1000 immigrants at the southern border.
Where the Order has been … and where the Order is going. Friars who are truly our brothers (even boogeying and extending Vulcan greetings). Youth embracing the Franciscan charism. Social Justice, peace and integrity of creation. The local bishop’s warm welcome. Pax Christi Retreat Center’s walls heard it all, absorbed it all … and blessed the encounter.
— Mary Stronach, OFS
Daily liturgies and ongoing formation spurred truly spiritual moments.
A Star Trek/Vulcan message to the universe: Live long and prosper…in body and spirit.
Large group marathon sessions
2019-2020 NATIONAL SECULAR FRANCISCAN THEME:
Journey Together in Love and Compassion
Group photo op.
https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2020/02/19/the-national-chapter-2019-2020-seemed-to-have-it-all/
State of the Order: 2019 New Rule, New Unity, New Vision
National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order – USA
By JAN PARKER, OFS, & MARY BITTNER, OFS
In consultation with the National Executive Council
NEW RULE, NEW UNITY, NEW VISION
We’ve been on this journey of renewal for some time now. In the last 40 years the essential structures were set in place – and now we see the progression – the trajectory. What a gift it is to recognize this trajectory as God’s direction for our Order, even as we await its fulfillment.
New Rule, new unity, new vision. The new Rule gave us hope for renewal. A new unity as we formed a worldwide Order. A new vision through the visioning gatherings for Youth, Formation and JPIC. Certainly, from the beginning we have always “begun again” and started “something new” – but there is a particularity about this moment. The delivery of our new Rule was a ‘decisive and powerful moment,’ and this ‘moment’ of grace has been prolonged into a ‘season.’ Truly a new spirit has been placed in our hearts and a holy anointing has been poured out in our midst. Let us, like Francis, be tireless as we pursue holy newness. The way is unfolding before us, and God is with us.
“In these last times, a new Evangelist,
in a holy flood over the whole world.
and the teaching of truth in his deeds.
came into the world.
(1 Celano 89)
Peace and all good,
Jan Parker & Mary Bittner, in consultation with the National Executive Council
National Executive Council
Jan Parker, Minister
Mary Bittner, Vice Minister
Claudia Kauzlarich, Treasurer
https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2020/02/17/state-of-the-order-2019-new-rule-new-unity-new-vision/