(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2025 Issue #117)
Meet your 2026 Q Planning Committee.
(Pictured from left to right) Br. Bob Brady, OFM; Cathy Roszhart, OFS Joe Edwards, OFS; Susan Ronan, OFS Jim Graczyk, OFS; Claudia Kauzlarich, OFS Diane Menditto, OFS; Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS
What does it take to put on a Quinquennial? Your Q planning committee has been meeting monthly for the past 3 years and performed 2 site visits. Many subcommittees are being formed, and many talents and gifts are being put forth to help make our 21st Congress, a meaningful experience for all who attend.
Why should you attend the Q?
This National gathering, by its very name, Quinquennial Congress, refers to the fact that it happens only every 5 years. Ask anyone who has attended a Q in the past, and they will tell you that it was an amazing experience and an awesome opportunity to “rekindle the flame of their vocation” as we come together with members of our National fraternity family.
Please note: Some of you may have been planning to attend the Chapter of Mats in Rome which ultimately didn’t materialize and was cancelled. Although this is disappointing, it gives us the chance to focus on our National gathering.
Addressing concerns about the cost.
Register before December 31, 2025 and save. Early birds will pay $550/person.
A $100 non-refundable deposit will secure your registration and you can make payments until May 30, 2026.
Since our congress this time is centrally located, many of our members will be able to drive to Lexington, KY and won’t incur the cost of flying. Plan to carpool and share the cost for gas.
Lastly, we secured a group rate at the Marriott Griffin Gate. Sharing a room with another person will significantly help reduce the expense.
Remember to reach out to your local fraternity and ask if your common fund can subsidize some of the cost. Your Regional Executive Council may also have reserved a certain amount to help you cover your registration, hotel and/or travel expenses. Finally, your Q Committee has set aside some money to offer scholarships (See application on Website at https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-Q-Scholarship-Application.pdf
Please contact your Regional Minister or email Chris Leone, OFS at cleoneofs@gmail.com for more information. It is our goal to help anyone who wants to attend the Q, is able to attend the Q!
Your Q planning committee is looking forward to seeing you at the Q.
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