Minister’s Messages

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By Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS • National Minister

This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2025  Issue #117)

“When Jane asked if it was ok if she put her name on the ballot, I said that I was open and that I am not going to say no, because I do not want to have a conversation with Jesus as to why I didn’t let Jane run for national minister.” Brian Bamman

The prayers of the Order produced a Spirit-filled Chapter. We have a National Executive Council (NEC) to serve the National Fraternity for the next three years. I have the honor of serving as National Minister for another term. Outgoing members are Claudia Kauzlarich, OFS; Donna Hollis, OFS; Joshua Molidor, OFS; and Cherryle Fruge, OFS. I give praise and thanks to God for their years of service to the Order. These four brought many wonderful gifts to the NEC. We owe them much thanks for their countless hours of service. Let us pray for them as they discern where God wants them to serve next.

For the 2025-2028 term I continue to serve with National Vice Minister Diane Menditto, OFS; National Secretary Susan Ronan, OFS; and International Councilor Mary Frances Charsky, OFS. We welcome four new members: National Treasurer Steve Roszhart, OFS; and National Councilors Christine Blood, OFS, Christopher Leone, OFS, and Corinne Lorenzet, OFS. These new members have served on local and regional Councils and thus know the ins and outs of serving. I look forward to seeing how the Order will be blessed by their “yes.”

Upon re-election, I texted Brian (my spouse and “co-minister” of the OFS-USA) to let him know he was “re-elected.” Of course, Brian Bamman was not a name on the ballot. He’s not a Secular Franciscan. But by virtue of being married to me, he has taken on the responsibility of serving the Order. We work together – the Bamman Team. Although he doesn’t routinely attend the gatherings of the OFS, he is a supporter. I would not be able to serve without him taking care of things at the office and at home while I am away. At times when I’ve shared details of situations with him, he has offered insights, often very helpful in moving the decision along.

During the last term, I learned a lot about myself. I juggled marriage, work and serving the Order. My attempts at multitasking had limited success. I didn’t always navigate my responsibilities well. Often, I would conduct the business of the Order in the evenings or late at night, responding to emails, etc. Brian wondered if I would get enough sleep. When I traveled for the Order, I focused on the meetings and sometimes missed a chance to connect with Brian. I didn’t take the time for my first vocation, sending the wrong message to Brian. This was not the outcome I intended.

This term, I’m beginning again and implementing a few changes. I plan to stay focused on Brian, work, and service of the Order. I will choose to say “no” to other distractions to protect my time.

God gave me good administrative skills, so I naturally gravitate to those responsibilities. But I professed to make, and want to make, a difference – not just administratively. Our profession to live the Rule calls us to be present in society. It doesn’t give me a pass because I am National Minister.

Is it obvious through my actions, writings, Facebook posts, etc. that I am a Christian? Is it evident that I love the Gospel and love the OFS Rule? I’ve been playing it very safe in my 30 years of being a Secular Franciscan. I chal- lenge myself to put urgency in my words and actions, to spread the Good News about the Gospel, our Faith, and our Order. I challenge myself to engage in dialogue with others about injustices in our communities and world. I pray for myself, the new NEC, and each member of the OFS-USA:

“…may you be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father…” (Col 1:9-11)

Life is too short not to share the good news about Jesus and our Order with others. This term, with God’s grace, I will make a difference. Perhaps you too will make a difference by striving to accomplish good works to bear much fruit and grow in the knowledge of God. With this knowledge, let us enthusiastically live the 2025-2028 OFS-USA theme together: Go into the world and spread the Good News!