(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Winter 2026  Issue #118)

By Janice Benton, OFS and Susan Tabor, OFS • National Accessibility Committee Co-chairs

Remembering Beloved Team Member,

Michael Freeman, OFS

On November 3, 2025, Sister Bodily Death came unexpectedly for our brother, Michael Freeman. Michael served on the OFS Accessibility Committee since its inception. He faithfully served his fraternity in the Joan of Arc region, and was active in serving his region, including as the JPIC animator for several years. Michael was a devoted husband and father and worked as a special education teacher.

We will miss him so much! Though he was often quiet, when he did speak, we listened because we knew he had been thinking and that what he had to say would be important. He was always reminding us to let the Holy Spirit do its work. He was passionate about peace and justice issues, and about his Franciscan call.

Mike’s absence creates a hole in our committee. We will miss his thoughtfulness, his passion and compassion, and his quick wit. Please pray for us, Michael, as we continue our work. Rest now in the arms of God.

Michael Freeman. OFS

October 2025 Accessibility Webinar

On October 8, 2025, the Accessibility Committee hosted its first national webinar focusing on why creating access for individuals who are deaf or who live with a range of disabilities is so important for every Secular Franciscan fraternity and region. We repeated the webinar on October 26 for those unable to attend the first session. We were pleased to welcome nearly 100 participants from 21 regions. Three members of the committee presented their experiences and guidance. Connie Wild shared insights from the Deaf Community: “Truth is, deaf people aren’t looking for a cure, but respect and acceptance for who they are both culturally and socially. We choose to answer God’s call to the Franciscan vocation. We can evangelize. We can grow as a spiritual family, following the way of St. Francis.”

Michael Freeman offered insights on people living with autism or intellectual disabilities (ID), sharing from an article written by Fr. Mark Nolette, spiritual director of Autism Consecrated entitled “Lessons from Horton Hears a Who.” Fr. Nolette notes: “As an autistic person, as well as a Catholic priest, the story resonates with me on several levels. I see myself in that small object that others dismiss as a speck of dust. They never ask themselves if there might be more here than meets their first impression.” In reflecting on people with autism or ID who may explore a Franciscan vocation within our fraternities, Michael noted: “When you see us, what do you see? Do you see a mere dust speck and then dismiss us as having no value? We need you to see us for who we are. Listen to us, do your best to understand this. We need you to discover what we bring to the Church, our gifts, and our values.”

Co-Chair Susan Tabor noted: “Sometimes things happen, and some people have felt unwelcome. We thank those here with us today. This indicates your care for this issue and that you would like to be a part of making things better. Our hope and prayer is that as we work and dialogue together within our fraternities and regions, we can pour forth a contagious understanding. We work to learn to view everyone in our fraternities, those who have been around for a while and those who are new and aspiring, with new eyes, seeking and encountering growth and understanding. Moving forward from a positive stance such as this one will increase love, trust, and productivity in our fraternities.”

If you would like to view the recording of this webinar, or to share any questions or ideas, please email us at OFS.USA.accessibility@gmail.com.

Watch for future webinars coming in 2026!