By Sharon Winzeler, OFS • Communications Committee Chair
The National Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States met September 9 – 14, 2025, at the Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville, Maryland. Over the course of five days, the regional ministers, national leaders, and spiritual assistants, elected a new National Executive Council, adopted a budget, and prayerfully conducted the business of fraternity. There were 75 attendees in all, including those mentioned above, the international representatives, host region volunteers, election nominees, members of other Franciscan organizations, and other observers.
Budget Discussions and Approvals
Outgoing treasurer Claudia Kauzlarich, OFS, presented the proposed budget, which prompted thoughtful discussion both in the large assembly and within councilor groups. After deliberation, the chapter approved the 2026 budget, with a total projected income of $309,504 and expenses of $351,219. Although expenses exceed income by $41,715, this is not considered deficit spending, as previous years’ surpluses will cover the difference.
To strengthen governance, the National Fraternity Council (NAFRA) voted to add an additional in-person meeting of the new National Executive Council (NEC). This adjustment allows for two NEC gatherings annually, plus a third meeting prior to the 2026 Chapter. It was also decided that committee chairs may be invited to the 2026 Chapter, pending available space at the Spiritual Life Center.
NAFRA voted against rejoining the Franciscan Action Network as an institutional member. Local and regional fraternities and individuals may choose to support the organization.
2026 National Budget Snapshot
Income: $309,504
- Fair Share from Regions: $218,504
- Formation Book Sales: $73,000
- Interest & Miscellaneous: $18,000
Expenses: $351,219
- CIOFS Fair Share: $45,000
- 2026 Chapter: $61,520
- NEC + CNSA: $62,970
- Commissions, Committees & Task Forces:$56,729
- TAU-USA: $40,000
- Formation Book Printing & Sales: $64,000
- Insurance & Other: $21,000
Projected Shortfall: $41,715
(Covered by surplus funds from previous years— no deficit spending.)
Renewed Commitment to printing TAU-USA
Members across the country have expressed concern about not receiving printed issues of TAU-USA, the national newsletter. Two years ago, printing and mailing of the TAU was reduced from three or four to one issue a year because of increasing costs, with the remaining issues available only digitally.
Editor Caroline Yandell, OFS, presented research on ways to reduce publishing costs while maintaining quality. She is committed to producing more print issues within the approved budget of $40,000, ensuring that all members who would like a printed issue receive one.
She suggested the best way to reduce costs is to ask fraternity members if they would like to receive their issues digitally instead of by mail. That would reduce printing and postage costs and allow those who need the printed version to receive theirs in the mail.
Caroline said a request sent to members in her region resulted in the majority opting out of the print edition. She encouraged regional ministers to ask local ministers to poll their fraternities and adjust the TAU delivery preferences in the database.
Rite of Remembrance
One of the most moving moments of the Chapter was the Rite of Remembrance, a solemn prayer service honoring the 379 Secular Franciscans who met Sister Death in the past year. Paul Gonzalez, OFS, led the service.
Regional ministers read aloud the names of their departed brothers and sisters and placed roses in vases while everyone recited the Crown Rosary. These vases were later carried into the chapel where daily Mass was celebrated, recognizing our continued prayers for our beloved deceased within the Franciscan family.
Formation Highlights and Goals
Layna Maher, OFS, reported significant progress by the National Formation Commission and others in 2025, including:
- Piloting of the new Initial Formation Book #1: Let Us Begin
- Writing Book #2: For This You Were Called
- Offering workshops for regional and local fraternities
- Sharing weekly Formation Fridays
- Providing guidance and resources upon request
- Writing the “Sowing the Seeds” Guide for Formators (being drafted by Jan Parker, OFS, and Mary Bittner, OFS)
- Supporting ongoing formation for the NEC Looking ahead to 2026, the Commission aims to:
- Develop a companion guide for completed chapters of the Candidacy formation program
- Continue writing additional chapters of For This You Were Called
- Offer workshops and presentations at local and regional levels
- Host a Regional Formation Directors Zoom gathering (date TBD)
Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Kathleen Molara, OFS, highlighted outreach to young people by the Franciscan Youth and Young Adult (FY/YA) Commission. She said that research shows there are five basic desires expressed by today’s young adults:
- A deeper prayer life and connection with God and the Church
- A sense of belonging in community
- Opportunities for service
- Discovering and strengthening vocations
- Learning peaceful ways of resolving conflicts
The National FY/YA Commission continues to offer online training to support these efforts. Members were encouraged to help youth by calling them into both service and community, echoing the Franciscan call to live the Gospel. Training for fraternity members is offered through Canvas. Contact Kathleen for more details.
Franciscan Call to Love
Ana María Raffo Laos, OFS, of Peru, presider at the election, offered an inspiring talk on the “Urgency of Love” at Chapter. You can read it in English or Spanish on the website at
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/wp-content/uploads/THE-URGENCY-OF-LOVE-EN-and-SP.pdf
Guidelines Adopted
Two sets of guidelines were adopted. One is the Guidelines for Affiliates for those who want to participate in the life and activities of a local fraternity without becoming professed. The guidelines address the conditions and process of obtaining affiliate status.
The other guidelines address local and regional fraternities in need of Fraternal Accompaniment. “Occasionally the members of a fraternity struggle with attaining or maintaining [listed] goals. Situations occur when help, support or interventions are necessary and requested by members of the Order,” the guidelines state.
The guidelines outline examples of struggling fraternities. Some of those examples include:
- A fraternity has fewer than five members and is no longer growing.
- Fraternities struggle to meet due to age and illness of members.
- Fraternity council members do not get along, and their personality and internal issues are affecting their ability to function.
- Fraternity council members are not fulfilling their duties.
- The fraternity is unable to elect a new council due to unavailability of nominees or lack of quorum present.
- Members of the fraternity consistently quarrel and are divisive. An unwelcome atmosphere dominates gatherings, and the council has been unable to restore serenity.
Fraternal accompaniment is a process of supporting, encouraging, sharing, mentoring, and ‘walking with’ brothers and sisters in another fraternity for the purpose of:
- assisting them in becoming ‘whole’ again as a vibrant fraternity or
- if after an appropriate length of time, determining if deactivating the fraternity is appropriate.
Quinquennial Update
Cathy Roszhart, OFS, announced the availability of a scholarship for members attending the Quinquennial July 29 – Aug. 2 in Lexington, KY. Application deadline for the scholarship is May 30, 2026. You can access the application online. Members are encouraged to reach out to their local and regional fraternities for financial assistance before applying.
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