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Spring 2015
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
By Marie Thomas, OFS, Five Franciscan Martyrs Regional Minister
Dear Fellow Franciscans and Guests,
Our Annual Regional Fraternity Meeting will be May 15-17, 2015 at the San
Pedro Retreat Center in Winter Park, Florida (location and directions may be
found at www.sanpedrocenter.org).
This year we will celebrate the Region’s Tri-Annual Chapter of Visitation. Our
two distinguished guests will be Deacon Tom Bello, National Minister, who
will be the Fraternal Visitor and Brother Bob Brady, OFM, the President-inTurn of the CNSA (Conference of National Spiritual Assistants), who will be the
Pastoral Visitor. Our theme will capitalize on the words, “Be the Joyful Face of
Christ.” Carolyn Townes, the Chairperson for JPIC of NAFRA, will be the focal
speaker on Friday evening. We will also honor those celebrating their 25 and
50+ Jubilees as Secular Franciscans.
Come meet and greet the Ministers and Jubilarians from your neighboring
fraternities in the region. If the Minister must pass up this wonderful
opportunity, then please send an official delegate from the fraternity Council,
normally paid for out of the fraternity common fund. By official delegate is
meant: the elected vice minister or another elected member from the fraternity
council. This official delegate must bring a letter stating that they were officially
delegated by you, the Minister, so they may vote.
However, EVERYONE is welcome to come and enjoy the Franciscan Charism of
the weekend as observers.
The registration form for the annual meeting follows. It may be duplicated,
for others in your fraternity. Please register and pay in full by May 7. Please
note that paid registrations canceled after May 7 are non-refundable. We’d
appreciate you making your checks payable to FFMR-SFO.
Please refer to the end of the Annual Meeting Agenda for a list of the items you
need to bring with you.
Registration and check-in will begin 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2015.
No dinner will be served at San Pedro on Friday so stop for a bite; however,
there will be a social later.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Five Franciscan Martyrs Region of the
Secular Franciscan Order in the United States
is the organic union of all Secular Franciscan
fraternities in the State of Florida, South
Georgia, and Lower Alabama. We desire
to promote in the world a deeper presence
of the Catholic Faith and the Franciscan
tradition; and we seek to bring the Gospel
Beatitudes of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, as
personified by St. Francis of Assisi, to all
our secular, daily lives. We foster a spirit of
prayer, conversion, reconciliation, justice and
service, especially to the marginalized in our
society. We invoke the intercession, honor
the memory, and advance the Cause of the
patrons of our Region, the Five Franciscan
Martyrs of La Florida, who, in A.D. 1597,
freely gave their lives in testimony to the
dignity of Christian marriage and family
life. (Rewritten from original 1991 version
and approved in February 1999, updated
February 20.)
The weekend begins formally with Evening Prayer at 7:00 pm
in the Chapel.
The weekend will conclude after the 10:00 a.m. Mass in
the Chapel, celebrated together with the regular San Pedro
Community on Sunday, May 17th, Trinity Sunday. There will
be no lunch served after Mass.
Wishing all of you a Blessed Holy Lent!
Marie Thomas, OFS
Regional Minister
ANNUAL REGIONAL FRATERNITY MEETING
Other Items to Remember:
On Friday:
REGIONAL EXECUTIVE C OUNCIL
Marie Thomas, OFS
Regional Minister
Jeane Swaynos
Regional Vice Minister
Patricia Gagnon, OFS
Regional Treasurer
Carole Bertrand OFS
Regional Secretary
Rosemarie Ingersoll, OFS
Regional Formation Minister
James Grant, OFS
West Central Councilor
• Place your donated baskets for the Raffle (with your
Fraternity Name on it) in Building 300 on Friday evening.
Bonnie Barlow, OFS
East Central Councilor
• Place your fraternity banner and stand in the Chapel
BEFORE 7:00 pm and pick them up before the 10:00 am
Mass on Sunday.
Maureen O’Hare, OFS
Southeast Councilor
• Place all your local fraternity items for display or sale, etc.
in Building 100.
• Bring your list of deceased members from last year to
Evening Prayer in the Chapel for the Commemoration of
All Deceased Members.
On Saturday during the Annual Regional Fraternity
Business meeting:
Barbara Carroll, OFS
Southwest Councilor
Alice McDonald, OFS
Northwest Councilor
Fr. Kevin Queally, T.O.R.
Regional Spiritual Assistant
• Remember to bring your OFS Ritual.
Janice Novello, Ph.D. OFS
Regional Chair for Franciscan Young Adults
• Bring your copy of the minutes (they will not be available
nor will they be read but corrections, etc. taken.)
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Regional Webmaster
• Bring your copy of Book of Guidelines (they won’t be
available nor will they be read or discussed.)
Theresa Zesiewicz, MD OFS
Regional Newsletter Editor
• Bring your most current roster and give it to Carole
Bertrand, OFS or Bonnie Barlow, OFS.
THE FIVE FRANCISCAN MARTYRS OF LA FLORIDA:
Servants of God, 1597
Bro. Antonio de Badajoz, OFM,
Fr. Miguel de Auñón, OFM,
Fr. Pedro de Corpa, OFM,
Fr. Blas Rodriíguez, OFM,
Fr. Francisco de Beráscola, OFM
ANNUAL REGIONAL FRATERNITY MEETING
Theme: “BE THE JOYFUL FACE OF CHRIST”
May 15-17, 2015 San Pedro Center, Winter Park, Florida
(Please note that all times, except meals, are subject to change)
FRIDAY, MAY 15
TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
4:00 pm
Arrival and Check-In (Dinner is on your own)
300, Lobby
7:00 pm
Evening Prayer including:
Annual Commemoration of all Deceased Members since last year
Chapel
8:00 pm
Conference by Carolyn Townes
300, Conference
9:00 pm – ?
Social
300, Dining
10:00 pm
Optional Night Prayer (Please use your own Breviary)
Chapel
SATURDAY, MAY 16
TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
7:30 am
Morning Prayer
Chapel
8:00 am
Breakfast
300, Dining
9:00 am
Annual Regional Fraternity Business Meeting
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Open with Prayer from the Ritual
Introduce the Pastoral & Fraternal Visitors from NAFRA
Roll Call to establish quorum – Carole Bertrand, OFS
Approval of Minutes (They will NOT be read, only corrections, etc. taken) 300, Conference
Talk by Fr. Kevin Queally, TOR, Regional Spiritual Assistant
Approval of Treasurers Report and Budget – Pat Gagnon, OFS
Formation Goals & Achievements – Rosemary Ingersoll, OFS
Vote on the Book of Guidelines (No discussion) – Jim Grant, OFS
11:00 am
Mass for Saturday, the 6th Week of Easter
Chapel
Noon
Lunch and Break
300, Dining
1:00 pm
Regional Triennial Chapter of Visitation: Re-Introduce Fraternal Visitor Tom
Bello and Pastoral Visitor Br. Bob Brady, OFM
300, Conference
4.00 pm
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Benediction
(Franciscan Crown Rosary will be recited)
Chapel
5:30 pm
Break
6:00 pm
Dinner
300, Dining
7:30 pm
Evening Prayer
Chapel
8:00 pm
Surprise Announcement and Raffle Basket Drawing
300, Conference
9:00 pm – ?
Social
300, Dining
10:00 pm
Optional Night Prayer (Please use your own Breviary)
Chapel
SUNDAY, MAY 17
TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
7:30 am
Morning Prayer
Chapel
8:00 am
Breakfast
300, Dining
9:00 am
Closing Remarks by the NAFRA Visitors
300, Conference
10:00 am
Mass for 7 Sunday of Easter
Chapel
11:00 am
Celebrated with the local San Pedro Community
300, Lobby
th
Departure After Mass and May God Keep You Safe in Your Travels!
MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL MINISTER
By Marie Thomas, OFS, Regional Minister
How Are You?
Really, how are you? Most folks respond, “Staying very busy.”
We’ve become a nation of very, very busy people who must
constantly be doing something. We are either texting, or
composing, or cooking, or sewing, or saying the rosary, or
helping others, etc. We’ve become very busy people who feel we
must fill up ALL the empty spaces in our lives. It seems ‘being
busy’ has become a status symbol. It makes us feel important.
We tell ourselves, “After all, if we didn’t do it, who would?” My
goodness, we are so vital. Others couldn’t get along without us!
We are needed. And… We are fooling ourselves if we believe
any of that hogwash written above!
Our need to fill every moment of spare time, reveals our own
intolerance for free time and has us anxiously looking for
ways to fill it up. But if all our time is used up, there is no time
to experience or hear of new things. So many of us simply
hang on to the old familiar ways which, we are convinced, are
the best. In other words, we often prefer to hang on to a bad
certainty rather than risk experiencing a better uncertainty.
How can we expect new results, if our hearts and minds are so
full of our own convictions that we cannot listen to the sounds
of a new reality? We must make time and learn to listen to our
own inner heart.
This reminds me the parable from the gospels about the master
who was leaving town. Before he left, he gave his three servants
some talents. To one servant, he gave 10 talents, to another 5,
and to the third one, he gave only one talent. Well, you know
how it goes: the first and the second servants doubled their
money so the master gave them much more. The third one,
however, buried it. He didn’t want to lose any of it.
We are a good deal like these servants except for one big
difference. The Master is NOT leaving us. We are never totally
alone or in charge! Yet, many of us are still afraid to say “yes”
to God when we refuse to accept a nomination for an office.
We are afraid of “change” when we insist on doing the same
thing at every monthly gathering. We are even afraid to put
down the rosary and sit quietly for a few minutes with God to
listen to Him. Let’s not wallow in our fears and take a chance at
a new experience!
Contemplation, to which all Franciscans are called, is a vision
of the heart. If our heart is open, God can speak to us and He
will show us true reality and lead us to love.
Did You Know?
Only the Provincial of the Province or the Provincial
Spiritual Assistant to which your fraternity is bonded, has
the authority to appoint a Spiritual Assistant. No one else
has the authority to appoint a local spiritual assistant: not a
Regional Spiritual Assistant, not a Bishop, etc.
If You Need...
• A Permanent Franciscan Register is now available in
2 different styles. As of May 1, 2014, fraternities were
able to purchase a beautiful up-to-date, hardcover,
permanently bound fraternity register in their choice
of styles. To see a full description of each style and
place an order, see the information on the back cover
of the TAU-USA, or go to TAU Publishing’s website at
http://www.tau-publishing.com/
• Cancelled Stamp Collecting is a simple project for
any fraternity and the Franciscan Missions would
appreciate receiving them because they can turn them
in for money. Their Address: Franciscan Missions,
P.O. Box 130, Waterford, WI 35185-0130. If you wish
more information, contact Elizabeth Wincelowich,
OFS, 4752 21st Avenue N., St. Petersburg, FL 337133104. She collects these used, cancelled stamps for St.
Anthony of Padua Fraternity in St. Petersburg.
• Medications: Don’t know what to do with your
unused medication? ‘Hope for Haiti’ accepts them.
Unfortunately, they cannot accept open bottles of
medications due to Haitian customs’ regulations. All
meds they ship to Haiti must be in a sealed container
and have at least 1-year before expiration. There is
only one location in Florida: Hope for Haiti, 1021 5th
Avenue North, Naples, Florida 34102 and phone 2397183 Ext 206. Remember, the meds must be sealed
and must have a 2016 expiration or later. Thank you!
And We Need….
• History of the Five Franciscan Martyrs and/or
Our Region: In preparation for our Region’s 25th
Anniversary, it would be beneficial to have the history of
our Region and of the Five Franciscan Martyrs. Anyone
who remembers anything or even just knows about it or
has any old regional newsletters with this information,
please, please give us the article or write an article that we
can print and post on our website. (Search through your
archives because I am sure there are one or two articles in
our old Regional Newsletter.) Thanks for your help!
• Photographers: We are in need of a few more
photographers in the various areas because travel is
both tedious and costly! If you have a digital camera
(or phone that takes pics) and are willing to share them
with the region, please contact Michael Winoski, OFSChairperson from St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity in
Dunedin at Mwinoski@hotmail.com Your generous spirit
will be appreciated!
• Annual Report: Most of the fraternities/communities in
our region have submitted their Annual Reports. Thank
you! Thank you! However, we need ALL of them before
we can send the summary to NAFRA. This information
is important to NEC, CNSA, the Commissions, and many
of your dioceses because all this information ultimately
goes to the Vatican! Please complete the form NOW. If
you don’t have the Fair Share money, send it later, but
complete the forms now! Many folks will be grateful!
Time to Prepare for our Region’s 25th Anniversary!
To celebrate the Five Franciscan Martyr’s Region’s 25th
Anniversary on October 23, 2017, the Regional Executive
Council is sponsoring a 10 day trip to Assisi and Rome. The
potential trip is scheduled for sometime in the middle of
October, 2017. We will spend 7 days in Assisi and 3 days in
Rome. Our tour guide will be none other than our Regional
Spiritual Assistant, Fr. Kevin Queally, TOR, who has acted
as a tour guide 3 or more times and knows his way around.
However, he warns that there will be a great deal of walking so
start your fitness program now and bring out the piggy bank so
you can start saving. Watch for more details in the future.
“To celebrate the Five Franciscan
Martyr’s Region’s 25th Anniversary on
October 23, 2017... We will spend 7 days in
Assisi and 3 days in Rome.”
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE MINISTER
By Jeane Swaynos, OFS
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Five Franciscan Martyrs Regional Council is sharing some
of our travels and activities with you so you know where we
will be and what we will be doing. Below you will find a partial
schedule.
Pax et Bonum,
Jeane Swaynos, OFS
FIVE FRANCISCAN MARTYRS REGIONAL VISITATION & ELECTION SCHEDULE
For April to August, 2015
APRIL
1
Regional Newsletter Deadline
V
1
Wednesday
9:00AM
San Damiano
St. Mark Hall, Summerfield
V
11
Saturday
9:30 am
S. John Capistrano
Holy Redeemer, Tampa N
V
11
Saturday
Noon
S. Francis of Assisi
Our Lady of Lourdes, Dunedin
V
18
Saturday
8:30 am
Stigmata of St. Francis
St. Thomas, Sarasota
E
25
Saturday
8:00 pm
S.Francis/Espejo de Cristo
Im Concep PCtr, Hialeah
V
25
Saturday
9:30 am
Queen of Peace
Queen of Peace, Ocala
MAY
V
2
Saturday
8:30am
Padre Pio
St. Martin DePorres Church, Jensen Beach
15-17
Annual Meeting
(Chapter of Visitation Bro. Bob Brady, OFM, Pastoral Visitor), San Pedro and Deacon Tom Bello, Fraternal Visitor
JULY
1
Regional Newsletter Deadline
9-12
National Servant Leadership Workshop, Loretto, Mary Frances Charnesky & Fa. Michael Higgins
AUGUST
20-23
Peace Retreat for Youth at Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL (JPIC invited)
28-30
Formation Workshop Francisan Retreat Center, Independence, MO
MESSAGE FROM THE TREASURER
Respectfully submitted by Patricia Gagnon, OFS, Regional Treasurer
2015 PROPOSED BUDGET - REGIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
ACCOUNT
2014
Actual
Budget
2014
Approved
Budget
2015
Proposed
Budget
BUDGET ASSUMPTIONS
Income:
Annual CHAPTER
$15,220
$15,500
Accomodation Income at San Pedro Center
FAIR SHARE
$35,790
$36,575
$35,790
(2013 Actual: 672 Professsed paid) (2014 actual 653 Professed @ $55)
Other Inc
REC Non Cash Donation
$1,959
$-
$2,000
Basket Raffle at Chapter $1,109. Visitation stipends $850
$2,220
$-
$3,800
REC expenses - not reimbursed- donated back to region - actual was 7
months in 2014
Workshops
$214
$-
$250
Income from 3 workshops
TOTAL INCOME
$55,403
$36,575
$57,340
Income from Chapter was not included in Proposed Budget for 2014
$13,111
$1,500
$13,500
offset by Annual Chapter income.
$500
Region to subsidize 50th anniversay attendees to Chapter - estimate 10
at $50 each
$11,475
NAFRA per capita contribution @ $17 for 665 members (Includes TAUUSA, CIOFS and FAN)
$2,400
3 NEC to come to Winter Parks - estimate $800 each - travel from NC,
DC, CA.
Expenses:
Annual CHAPTER Expense
Annual Chapter Subsidy
NAFRA Per Capita (FAIR SHARE)
$11,305
$11,305
NAFRA Regional visitation 2015
NAFRA meeting 2016 -Reserve
REC Minister's Expense
$1,722
REC Vice Minister Expense
$491
$11,505
REC Secretary Expense
REC Treasurer's Expense
$235
REC Formation Director
$2,000
NAFRA Conference Nov 1, 2016.
$3,000
Travel Reimbursement - Mileage, Lodging, Tolls, etc
$2,000
Travel Reimbursement - Mileage, Lodging, Tolls, etc
$500
Travel Reimbursement - Mileage, Lodging, Tolls, etc
$500
Travel Reimbursement - Mileage, Lodging, Tolls, etc
$500
Travel Reimbursement - Mileage, Lodging, Tolls, etc
REC Councilors Expense
$2,400
$3,000
Travel Reimbursement - Mileage, Lodging, Tolls, etc
REC Meeting Expense
$6,167
$6,200
$6,200
REC Meetings 2 scheduled for 2015.
Web Site
$590
$700
$600
Web Site (100% paid by FFMR beginning in 2013).
Regional Spiritual Assistant (RSA)
$200
$-
$500
Stipend to RSA
General Liability Insurance
$800
SA Training/Workshops
NAFRA Annual Meeting (Minister)
$1,625
RSA assistance, courses, books
$800
$2,000
NAFRA meeting Travel Expense for Minister and Vice, Oct 10, 2015,
Clinton, NJ
$800
$-
No one attending in 2015
$762
$1,000
$800
Loretto Summer Seminar, July 7, 2015. St. Francis University, Loretto,
PA (Regional Vice-Minister to attend)
$300
Reserve for Franciscan Youth Activities
$833
$1,000
$775
Andy to attend
$500
To be determined
$675
($1 per professed member) $2,944 at end of 2014 Amount in Reserve
$377
RSA Workshop
Loretto Summer Seminar
YouFra
National Retreat Belleville,IL JPIC
Did not renew - covered under NAFRA
Apostoates/Donation
Regional Emergency Assistance Fund
$665
Record Retention/Storage
$1,137
$1,200
Record storage at Uncle Bobs Storage at $72.54 per month + misc.
Postage, Copies, Office Supplies
$213
$200
$500
Printing, Supplies, Postage, Copies
Other Miscellaneous Expense
$75
$100
$100
Spiritual Bouquet, Gifts
Reserve to savings
$15,785
$2,190
Accrual to bring region into compliance with 1 year reserve guidelines
Total Expenses
$55,403
$36,575
$57,340
Net Income
$0
$0
$0
MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY
By Carole Bertrand, OFS, Regional Secretary
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Below is a short synopsis of the Regional Executive Council
Meeting that was held in early March, 2015. We are publishing
this in an effort to keep you fully informed of all that we both
decided and are discussing.
Peace & good,
Carole Bertrand, OFS
Regional Secretary
Highlights of March, 2015 Meeting
To All Fraternity Councils:
Many of the Annual Reports and Demographics have been
completed and sent to the Regional Minister. However a few
are still missing so they cannot be compiled and forwarded to
NAFRA, etc.
We completed the Pre-Visitation Questionnaire for our NAFRA
Visitation Chapter which is slated for this May. However,
they wish to view all the Certificates of Establishment (&
Reactivation) AND the Spiritual Assistant’s Appointment
Letter from the Provincial Spiritual Assistant of the Province
to which you are bonded (Give them to your Area Councilor)
and we are missing quite a few. These MUST be in Regional
Permanent File that Carole, Regional Secretary, maintains.
A new Spiritual Assistants course is beginning for 2015. Both
Fr. Kevin Queally, TOR, and John Deaton, OFS, are the
Instructors. But if you look at the directory, there are many
fraternities with no Spiritual Assistants so if you have been
professed 5 years or more and ‘think’ you ‘might’ be interested
in becoming a SA, contact Fr. Kevin immediately.
Formators’ Workshops are being planned in each area.
Formation Directors and their teams will meet with Rosemary
Ingersoll, OFS, Regional Formation Director, to review
the initial steps of formation: First Contact, Orientees, and
Inquirers sessions. The first successful workshop was held in
the Southwest Area. A time and place needs to be established
in the other areas.
The Regional Newsletter was sent not only to all the Provincial
Spiritual Assistants this year but also to all the Bishops in
Florida.
The Book of Guidelines was revised in order to include the
excellent recommendations made by fraternity members.
They have been re-typed (for the umpteenth time by Jim &
Jeannette Grant) and the final copy will be distributed by
email to members. At the Annual Meeting, there will be an
‘up and down’ vote with no other comments or corrections.
We wish to thank all those members who contributed those
wonderful recommendations.
After about 12 years of faithful and conscientious work, Fred
Schaeffer, OFS, requested assistance and is considering
retiring from the Regional Website. Fortunately, Robert (Bob)
Davis, from Our Lady of Guadalupe Fraternity in Tallahassee
has volunteered to pick up the site. He has worked for IBM,
designing and managing website for 29 years. We welcome Bob
with open arms and look forward to working with him as he
and Fred begin this effort.
In anticipation of the Region’s 25th Anniversary on October
23, 2017, a ten day pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome is in the
early stages of planning.
Andy Buchleitner, OFS, Regional JPIC Chairperson, will
represent the Five Franciscan Martyrs Region in August at the
JPIC Retreat in Bellesville.
Jeane Swaynos, OFS, Regional Vice Minister, will represent
our region in July at the Leadership Workshop in Loretto, PA.
Fraternities who have had their last Visitation or Election in
2012 are due for another visit this year. Please contact your
Area Council with a date.
Annual Meeting procedures were discussed. A cover letter,
agenda, registration, and evaluation were completed. The fee
for full commuters and Saturday only participates was reduced
and Jubilarians who are 50+ years deduct $50 from the entire
weekend, full commuter, or Saturday only. You should have
received a copy.
Next year’s Annual Meeting was moved up to the earlier
date of April 29 to May 1, 2016 to avoid conflicts with Holy
Communions, Graduations, Weddings, etc.
The next Regional Newsletter deadline date is July 1 so …send
in a paragraph on what you have been doing ….professions,
how many you have in Formation, special speakers at your
meetings, what apostolates you are working on, exciting things
you have done this year so far, etc.
Submit your articles to Theresa. tzesiewi@health.usf.edu
MESSAGE FROM THE FORMATION DIRECTOR
By Rosemary Ingersoll, OFS
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
I would like for any fraternity who is able to host a formation
workshop contact me as it is important that formation
review be given to all formation directors and teams. A
central location in your area is something to consider so as to
minimize travel time for all. I look forward to and thank you
for your assistance in getting these workshops underway in all
areas.
Recently I noted some remarks from Lester Bach,OFM
Cap, the author of many Franciscan books, “The Franciscan
Journey” among them. He speaks about formation, use of the
FUN formation plan and this book as resources for formators
as they offer lessons to newcomers through orientation, inquiry
and candidacy to profession. He also stresses the need for
feeling in the heart, not just facts about the Order to capture
the essence of living the Franciscan life. Both of these texts
provide the necessary material to fulfill these needs and have
been accepted by the National Formation Commission as
the current formation plan to be used by all fraternities. My
continuing goal is to provide the necessary formation review
to accomplish this task and assist where needed along the
way. Remember that without formation there would be no
Franciscan Order. We must all work together as we travel this
journey of conversion and spread the Gospel to others by living
our Franciscan way of life.
There will be a formation workshop for regional formation
directors held in August, in Independence, MO and hosted
by the National Formation Commission. I look forward to
attending, meeting those from other regions, and hearing
about updates and plans about formation in the future.
If you are blessed with a Spiritual Assistant for your fraternity,
please keep him/her informed as to all activities and formation
schedules so that attendance can be planned. One of the most
important responsibilities for the S.A. is to attend formation
lessons, guiding and advising as needed. Having an S.A is a
wonderful asset for fraternities!
As Lent comes to a close, many blessings for a joyful Easter.
Rosemary Ingersoll, OFS
FFMR Formation Director
MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL NEWSLETTER EDITOR
NEWS FROM NAFRA:
By Theresa Zesiewicz, OFS
Greetings!
Outreach Sunday: “I Will Make You Fishers of Men”
For those of you who have been breathlessly awaiting news
about the 2015 Summer Seminar - here it is! All information
can be found in the attached flier and Registration Form, or
Online at: https://my.francis.edu/sfubus/ICFL/ICFLseminar.
asp
For a minute, sit back and remember the first time you felt a
desire or “call” to be a Secular Franciscan. Each of us has our
personal story to share. Perhaps this “calling” was our burning
desire for many years, or it may have been a powerful, newfound conversion. If you were fortunate enough to belong to a
parish that has an associated fraternity, you may have known
fraternity members who introduced you to the Order. If not,
how did you learn about the Secular Franciscan Order? Do you
perhaps wish someone had told you about the Order earlier in
life?
Many Catholics may be drawn to live the Gospel Life and
practice ongoing daily conversion in the footsteps of St.
Francis, but simply do not know about the Secular Franciscan
Order.
The Five Franciscan Martyrs Regional (FFMR) Council voted
to proclaim the Sunday after the Transitus as Outreach Sunday
(October 4, 2015). On this day, we will go out and teach our
brothers and sisters in our respective parishes about the
Secular Franciscan Order, only with permission from our
respective Pastors.
How can we tell others who and what we are?
• We are currently developing a brochure that explains the
what it means to be a Secular Franciscan. These will be
included in your Annual Regional Meeting packets, for
Ministers and Council.
• Your Council may ask representatives of your fraternity
to speak at Mass on October 4th following Communion
about the Secular Franciscan Order.
• Additional fraternity members could be available after
mass to answer questions.
• Your pastor may allow you display your fraternity banner
in church.
• We will also mark Outreach Sunday in all the diocesan
newspapers.
More information will be available at the Annual Regional
Meeting, if you can mark the date now!
Peace and Blessings,
Theresa
The topic for this year’s seminar is “Servant Leadership” and
we have two wonderful speakers: Rev. Michale Higgins, TOR
and our own Mary Frances Charsky, OFS. A profile of each of
them is given in the attached information.
Please share this information within your regions and
fraternities. Remember, space is limited, so please register
early.
We hope to see many of you this summer in Loretto.
Pat
Patricia B. Serotkin, O.F.S., D.Ed.
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
Saint Francis University
P.O. Box 600
Loretto, PA 15940-0600
Email: pserotkin@francis.edu
Voice: 814-472-3222
“Start by doing what is necessary; then do
what is possible; suddenly, you will be doing
the impossible.” - St. Francis of Assisi
2015 OFS SUMMER SEMINAR
July 9-12, 2015
Endorsed by the National Executive Council of
the Secular Franciscan Order - USA
“SERVANT LEADERSHIP” – PRESENTERS
Fr. Michael Higgins, TOR – Special Assistant to the
Mary Frances Charsky, OFS – National Councilor,
President, Franciscan School of Theology
NAFRA-USA
Fr. Michael is a Franciscan of the Third Order Regular (TOR)
and is currently working as Special Assistant to the President
and Dean of the Franciscan School of Theology in Oceanside,
California. He has been a Franciscan, TOR for thirty-seven
years and was ordained to the priesthood in June of 1985. Prior
Mary Frances Charsky, OFS, professed as a Secular Franciscan
in 1981 and is a member of St. Francis Fraternity in
Binghamton, NY. She currently serves as a National Councilor
for NAFRA-USA. Regionally, Mary Frances has served as
Minister, Councilor and Formation Team member and in her
to religious life, he served in Viet Nam as a radar repairman
in the US Army and was the assistant manager of a large
electronic store in Natick, Massachusetts. Since joining the
Third Order Regular he has served in parish ministry, campus
ministry, adult education, and college instruction on both
the undergraduate and graduate levels. He has also served
in formation as the Director of Novices for the Sacred Heart
Province. Finally, he also has served the Third Order Regular
in Rome first as the Secretary General of the Order and then as
the Vicar General and Minister General.
local fraternity as Minister, Vice-Minister, Formation Director,
Councilor and Formation Team members. Her leadership
training has included professional as well as Franciscan spiritual
experiences.
Fr. Michael’s academic credentials include: Bachelor of Arts
(B.A.) in Psychology, Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master
of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.), Master of Arts in Spirituality
(M.A.), Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.Th.D.), and Doctor of
Philosophy in Higher Education Administration (Ph.D.)
Fr. Michael is committed to the spread of lay ministry and
leadership in the local church and has served the Sacred Heart
Province both as the Provincial Spiritual Assistant to the
Secular Franciscan Order and as the Local Spiritual Assistant
to St. Clare’s Fraternity in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
During his time as Vicar General of his Order he also held
the position of General Spiritual Assistant to the Secular
Franciscan Order.
Mary Frances’s academic credentials include: Bachelor of
Science (B.S.) in Education, Master of Science (M.S.) in Special
Education, Certificate of Advanced Study in Supervision
and Administration, and doctoral level graduate study in
Supervision and Administration. She has also completed
coursework in Clinical Supervision and Staff Development, and
the IDEA Fellows program sponsored by the Kellogg Foundation
on leadership development. Her Franciscan spirituality training
includes multiple experiences such as workshops, retreats,
summer seminars at Saint Francis University and course work
at the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University.
Mary Frances has been employed as a teacher of students with
special needs, as well as an elementary teacher, a coordinator of
special services, an elementary school principal and an adjunct
professor at Binghamton University. She is also involved as a
volunteer in a wide variety of parish, hospital, diocesan, and
foreign-service ministries.
2015 OFS SUMMER SEMINAR
July 9-12, 2015
Endorsed by the National Executive Council of
the Secular Franciscan Order - USA
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Thursday- July 9, 2015
Saturday – July 11, 2015
• 12:00 - 4:30 PM – Registration (Christian Hall)
• 8:00 AM – Breakfast (Torvian)
• 5:00 PM – Dinner (Torvian Dining Hall)
• 9:15 AM – Morning prayer (DiSepio)
• 6:30 PM – Evening prayer (DiSepio)
• 9:30 AM – Session 5 (DiSepio): TBA
• 7:00 PM – Session 1: TBA
• 11:30 AM – Break
• 8:30 PM – Social (Christian Hall)
• 12:00 Noon – Lunch (Torvian)
• 2:00 PM – Session 6 (DiSepio): TBA
Friday – July 10, 2015
• 8:00 AM – Breakfast (Torvian)
• 3:30 PM – Break
• 9:15 AM – Morning prayer (DiSepio)
• 4:00 PM – Eucharist – Sunday liturgy (Immaculate
Conception Chapel)
• 9:30 AM – Session 2 (DiSepio): TBA
• 5:00 PM – Dinner (Torvian)
• 11:30 AM – Break
• 6:30 PM – Evening prayer (DiSepio)
• 12:00 Noon – Lunch (Torvian)
• 7:00 PM – Session 7 (DiSepio): TBA
• 2:00 PM – Session 3 (DiSepio): TBA
• 8:30 PM – Social (Christian Hall)
• 3:30 PM – Break
• 4:00 PM – Eucharist (Immaculate Conception Chapel)
Sunday, July 12, 2015
• 5:00 PM – Dinner (Torvian)
• 8:00 AM – Breakfast (Torvian)
• 6:30 PM – Evening prayer (DiSepio)
• 9:15 AM – Morning prayer (DiSepio)
• 7:00 PM – Session 4 (DiSepio): TBA
• 9:30 AM – Session 8: TBA
• 8:30 PM – Social (Christian Hall)
• 12:00 Noon – Lunch and Departures
2015 OFS SUMMER SEMINAR
July 9-12, 2015
Endorsed by the National Executive Council of
the Secular Franciscan Order - USA
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO SAINT FRANCIS UNIVERSITY
From Northwestern Pennsylvania: Take I-79 to Rt. 422 East
to Ebensburg. In town, turn left at the traffic light onto High
Street. Continue straight at next light. Turn left on to Manor
Road. Saint Francis University is six miles on the right.
From Cleveland (Ohio area): Take Ohio Turnpike East to
I-80 East. Take I-680 South to Route 422 East (approximately
120 miles) to Ebensburg. In town, turn left at the traffic light
onto High Street. Continue straight at next light. Turn left
on to Manor Road. Follow this road for six miles to the Saint
Francis University entrance on right.
From Southwestern PA and Southeast Ohio: Take Route
22 East from Pittsburgh to second Ebensburg exit (Ebensburg/
Loretto exit). Bear right at end of exit ramp. Proceed straight
(crossing over Route 22). Turn right at the first light on to
Manor Road. Follow this road for six miles to the Saint Francis
University entrance on right.
From Northeastern PA/Central New Jersey: Take I-80
South to I-80 West to Exit 161 (Bellefonte). Take US99/Rt. 220
South approximately 50 miles to Altoona. Take Rt. 22 West to
Lilly/Portage Exit. Turn right onto Rt. 53 North. Continue on
Rt. 53 North approximately two miles to traffic light (Sheetz on
left). Turn left at light and continue beneath railroad overpass.
200 yards beyond overpass, bear right at Saint Francis
University sign onto St. Joseph Street. Take this road four
miles to Loretto. At Village Cross monument on traffic circle,
bear left. Saint Francis University entrance is 200 yards on left.
From Southeastern PA, Baltimore, MD, and Washington,
D.C.: Take PA Turnpike (I-76) West to Bedford Exit 146 (220
North/I-99 North). Turn left after toll booth. At top of hill, turn
left onto US99/Rt. 220 North to Altoona. Travel approximately
30 miles to Rt. 22 West. Continue from Altoona -- previous
paragraph.
If you are programming your GPS, set it to:
117 Evergreen Drive, Loretto, PA 15940
GENERAL INFORMATION:
• Room check-in is 3:00 PM, July 9th.
• Check out time is 12 Noon, July 12th.
• Sorry, no early arrivals or late stays.
• All rooms are air-conditioned and have a private bath.
Linens and towels are provided.
• If you need a hair dryer, bathrobe, umbrella, iron, or
other amenity, please bring those with you.
• We cannot accommodate special room requests other
than handicapped access.
• Commuter registration does not include room or board –
meals are paid at the door at the dining hall.
• Shuttle service is provided to/from residence hall, dining
hall, and conference center for all attendees.
AIR TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION:
Please note: No transportation to/from airports is provided by
the Seminar. We recommend flying into one of the following
options and driving to campus.
• Johnstown Regional – JST (25 mi.)
• Altoona-Blair County – AOO (30 mi.)
• University Park (State College, PA) – UNV (73 mi.)
• Pittsburgh International – PIT (100 mi.)
Other questions? Please contact Diane Rombouts at
814-472-3219 (daytime) or e-mail icfl@francis.edu
2015 OFS SUMMER SEMINAR
“SERVANT LEADERSHIP” REGISTRATION FORM
To register online visit: https://my.francis.edu/sfubus/ICFL/ICFLseminar.asp
To register by mail: Please send this registration form and check payable to “Saint Francis University” to:
ICFL, Saint Francis University, P.O. Box 600, Loretto, PA 15940-0600
Name (First & Last): _____________________________________
Home Phone: (____)__________________
Address: ______________________________________________
Cell Phone: (____)____________________
City: ________________________________
State: __________
Zip: _______________________________
Fraternity: ____________________________
Region: ______________________________________________
Email: _______________________________
RESIDENT (ON CAMPUS) REGISTRATION
Accommodations are located in Christian Hall which is air-conditioned.
Rooms:
____ Single Room $270 /After June 1, 2015 registration is $295 per person $__________
(Limited number of single rooms available)
____ Double Room $220 /After June 1, 2015 registration is $245 per person $__________
____ I will be rooming with:_______________________________________
____ I will need a roommate – please match me up
COMMUTER REGISTRATION
(No Room Or Meals) @ $70 per person $__________
OTHER DETAILS
• Resident Registration Fee includes residence hall room and all meals.
• Commuter Registration Fee does not include room or meals.
• Payment must be made at time of registration and is NON-REFUNDABLE.
• Register before June 1st to receive a $25 discount on the RESIDENT registration fee.
• Seminar registration is limited to 100 participants.
• DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS JUNE 18, 2015.
No registrations will be accepted after this date.
Questions? Contact Diane Rombouts, (814) 472-3219 (daytime) or e-mail icfl@francis.edu
OVER 50 YEARS
• Michael Esposito, OFS, 69 yrs.
• Francis Arnold, OFS, 59 yrs.
• Esther Subero, OFS, 56 yrs.
• Grace Viola, OFS, 69 yrs.
• Mary Jo Bossone, OFS, 59 yrs.
• Michael Albano, OFS, 55 yrs.
• Marilyn F. Holmes, OFS, 68 yrs.
• Bernice Grum, OFS, 59 yrs.
• Marie Fry, OFS, 55 yrs
• Marie T. Fee, OFS, 67 yrs.
• Maria Scorpio, OFS, 59 yrs.
• Jackie Musone, OFS, 55 yrs.
• Concetta Quatrano, OFS, 64 yrs.
• Sheila Thompson, OFS, 59 yrs.
• Roy Eidem, OFS, 54 yrs.
• John Joseph Steel Jr. OFS, 62 yrs.
• Luke Amato, OFS, 58 yrs.
• Elaine Goetz, OFS, 54 yrs.
• Catherine Arsenault, OFS, 61
• Ed A. (Ted) Rodgers, OFS, 58 yrs.
• Joan Keefe, OFS, 54 yrs.
• Elizabeth Gessler, OFS, 61 yrs.
• Edward Anthony Smith, OFS, 58 yrs.
• Gerald Liberti, OFS, 53 yrs.
• Marie Grabowski, OFS, 61 yrs.
• Karyn Reedman, OFS, 57 yrs.
• Nancy Nalewaiski, OFS, 53 yrs.
• Marie Curry, OFS, 60 yrs.
• Dorothy Carden, OFS, 56 yrs.
• Mary A. Roche, OFS, 53 yrs.
• Theresa Weeks, OFS, 60 yrs.
• Josephine Napinski, OFS, 56 yrs.
50 YEARS
• Ann Esposito, OFS
• Dcn. Robert Esposito, OFS
• John Gerney, OFS
• Elaine Janet Licato, OFS
• Kristine Littrell, OFS
• John Probert, OFS
• Udith San Antonio, OFS
25 YEARS
• Mina Aldridge, OFS
• Aurea Crawford, OFS
• Bobbee Chyna, OFS
• Martha Dilley, OFS
• Joseph Halloran, OFS
• Frances Hartman, OFS
• Rose Mazaika, OFS
• Anastasia McLaughlin, OFS
• Marie Munroe, OFS
• Lorraine Reagan, OFS
• Shirley Szarowitz, OFS
NEWS FROM THE REGION
EAST CENTRAL AREA
Daytona Beach / Debary, Florida
Little Flowers of St. Francis Fraternity, Daytona Beach
The month of March was special in more ways than one
for local fraternities. Douglas Clorey, OFS, President of
Franciscans International and former Vice Minister of our
Order visited the Little Flowers of St. Francis Fraternity of
Daytona Beach on March 13th. The following Saturday, Doug
joined St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity of DeBary along with
his wife Marion, who was successful in getting out of the snowladen Prince Edward Island, Canada. Marion serves Canada
as their International Councilor. It was a wonderful experience
for everyone – we are truly family no matter where in the world
we live and serve.
Front (left to right) Karen Szczesniak, OFS, Spiritual Assistant; Marcia
The Day of Recollection
Rudman, OFS, Minister. Back (Left to right) Douglas Clorey, OFS,
The Day of Recollection, held January 10th, was sponsored by
the Little Flowers of St. Francis, Daytona Beach. Franciscans
from St. Maximilian Kolbe, DeBary and Nombre de Dios (as
well as Little Flowers) were led by Deacon Bill Joyce, OFS,
Spiritual Assistant for Nombre de Dios, St. Augustine. Deacon
Bill traveled from New Jersey to present his program, which
centered on Franciscan Saints.
Franciscan International President, Mary Jane McMenamy, OFS,
Sally Lucchesi, OFS and Louise Taylor
St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity, DeBary
(Left to right) Rev. Blasé Romano, TOR, guest speaker; Carmen
Thompson, OFS, Minister; Doug and Marion Clorey, OFS
NORTHEAST AREA
San Damiano OFS Fraternity, Summerfield, FL
By A.J. Monacelli, OFS, Minister
November
At our November 5th, 2014 gathering we recognized those who
have been professed for 25 years or more. We have eleven such
brothers and sisters. We gave each a certificate stating their
number of years. They ranged from 26 years to 60 years. We
have two who celebrate their 50 year anniversary this year.
They are Deacon Bob Esposito and Ann Esposito. We have one,
Libby Gessler, who celebrated 60 years. We are so blessed by
all our members and I learn so much from them.
On November 14th, we had a retreat day. Father Anthony
Baetzold CFR from the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal came
from New York to be with us. After morning mass, he talked
to us about San Damiano and the Blessed mother. He gave
us insight to his order and told many stories about Father
Benedict Groeschel who was one of the founders of the order
and passed away this year on the Transitus.
On November 15th, Father Anthony celebrated mass and
officiated at the Profession of seven candidates. That was
followed by lunch at, of course, an Italian restaurant. This was
my first time being Minister at a Profession and I found it very
moving. It brought back memories of my Profession.
January
We started 2015 on a sad note. One of our newly professed
members, George Sullivan, passed away on January 2,
2015. George was loved by all of us and he deepened our
spirituality by knowing him. We know he now has a heavenly
home with St. Francis.
At our January gathering, we had the Ceremony of
Welcoming for two people to begin Inquiry. We had the Rite
of Admission for two people to begin their candidacy. We are
growing as we have two other people who are in orientation.
March
In March, we had Deacon Bob Esposito OFS lead us in the
Stations of the Cross. This has become a Lenten tradition for
our Fraternity. Ann Esposito OFS assisted him in a version
I have never heard before. It was from Mary’s point of view
also. What did she feel during our Lord’s Passion? It was a
very moving presentation.
April
In April, we will have our visitation from the Region. We are
looking forward to welcoming Rev. Kevin Queally TOR and
Marie Thomas OFS to our gathering. This will be my first
visitation as Minister so I am sure I will learn much from
them.
December
We closed the year at our December gathering on the 3rd by
viewing the movie “Mary of Nazareth” after the gathering.
SOUTHWEST AREA
The Solanus Casey Fraternity, Venice, FL
By Thomas Shumate, OFS, Minister
• The Solanus Casey Fraternity meets on the third Sunday
of the month, in the Soy Building at the Church of the
Epiphany.
• On January 18th, elections were held for all council
positions, under the supervision of Barbara Carrol.
• On March 18th, the Rite of Admission was held for two
members from the Inquiry phase, Janina Walczok and
Agnes Reid. There are two more members that will be
admitted in the near future.
• At this time, there are two people in orientation, and
three in Inquiry.
• One of our members volunteers at the Resurrection
House for the homeless. The Fraternity supports this
program by donating clothes and other items.
WEST CENTRAL AREA
By Jim Grant, OFS
St. Michael the Archangel, Tampa, FL
Wednesday evening January 14th, Regional Vice-Minister
Jeane Swaynos and Regional Spiritual Assistant Fr. Kevin
Queally, TOR conducted a Fraternal and Pastoral Visitation for
St. Michael the Archangel Fraternity, Tampa. The fraternity
actively involved in their host church, St. Patrick’s and their
community.
We welcomed Marie Coady, Ralph Castellano, and Maria
Victor into our Candidacy program! Congratulations as you
continue to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis in living the
Gospel life.
Sunday February 15th, Regional Minister Marie Thomas
conducted a Fraternal Visitation for St. Anthony of Padua
Fraternity, St. Petersburg, FL. The fraternity is very active in
their community and have several new members in formation.
Saturday March 7th, Regional Vice-Minister Jeane Swaynos
conducted a Fraternal Visitation for El Encuentro Fraternity,
Lake Wales, FL. The fraternity, although small in numbers, has
a large presence in Holy Spirit Church, where they hold their
meetings, as well as the surrounding communities in which
their members reside.
Saturday March 21st, Deacon Ric and Pam Nagle hosted,
at their condo complex’s clubhouse, a mini Lenten Day
of Recollection for the members of St. John Capistrano
Fraternity, Tampa. Franciscans from St. Michael the Archangel
Fraternity, Tampa, St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity, St.
Petersburg, and St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity, Dunedin were
also in attendance. Three members of the Order of Secular
Servants of Mary were special guests and led the Rosary of the
Seven Sorrows of Mary.
The day began with a breakfast social, then Fr. Tom Murphy,
OFM, the Day of recollection facilitator, was introduced. His
discussion subject was from the Gospel of John, chapters
seven and eight, “The Chiastic Parallelism” adapted from “The
Genius of John” by Peter Ellis. Following the discussion, Fr.
Tom and Fr. Guy Morgan, OFM concelebrated Mass for the
fourth Saturday of Lent, assisted by Deacon Ric.
After the celebration of the Mass, everyone shared a brown
bag luncheon, augmented with several shared dishes as well as
some fermented grape juice.
The afternoon closed with the reciting of the Rosary while Fr.
Tom celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Saturday April 11th, Regional Vice-Minister will conduct a
Fraternal Visitation for St. John Capistrano Fraternity, Tampa.
That same day, Regional Minister Marie Thomas will conduct
a Fraternal Visitation for St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity,
Dunedin.
In March, we also celebrated our Seder meal. Thanks to all who
attended, and Sharon McHugh, OFS for her kind and generous
donations to the Seder, and her hard work!