Season of Caring for Creation: Sept. 8-14
Week 2 of the Season of Caring for Creation has begun. See mediations and thoughts from Carolyn Townes, OFS, national JPIC animator.
Season of Caring for Creation September 1 – 7
Pope Francis recently proclaimed September 1 as a World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation as the Orthodox Church has done since 1989, to “draw from our rich spiritual heritage the reasons which feed our passion for the care of creation.”
“Jesus Never Invites Us To Failure!” Servant Leadership in the Secular Franciscan Order
It always surprises me when I attend a fraternity election, and someone whom everybody else says will be the right person for the job, the right fit for the position, and that person tells me, “I’m not ready.” Or “I’m not worthy.” Or, my favorite, “But I’m a sinner.”
NAFRA Guidelines Concerning Secular Franciscan Prison Ministry
“I was . . . in prison and you visited me” Matthew 25:35-36. It is good to consider how we might maintain the good things we are already doing, do some things in a different or better way, or even consider doing some new things.
From Humble Beginnings. . .St. Francis of Assisi Deaf Fraternity
"Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” St. Francis. It is good to begin with a quote of our Holy Father St. Francis. In this simple quote, I find what our Deaf Catholic Fraternity, is all about.
Lockdown
Yes there is fear. Yes there is isolation. Yes there is panic buying. Yes there is sickness. Yes there is even death.
Embracing Technology in Times of Necessity and Change
From quarantines to stay-at-home orders, isolation is a challenge for those who meet regularly in fraternities and participate in parish and community activities. Secular Franciscans are in the world, working and playing among people all the time, so it is no surprise that during a time in which people must avoid contact with each other brothers and sisters may feel apprehensive.
Accompanying Young People: Looking Back, Looking Forward
The National Franciscan Youth and Young Adult (FY/ YA) commission was formed in 1995, and members have contributed articles to the TAU-USA since its inception in 1996. In looking back at the very first FY/YA commission article published, it is interesting to note that right from the start, the intention of the commission has been to motivate Secular Franciscans to understand our role in accompanying youth.
Reflection On Our Franciscan Senses
When we were very young, we learned that we have five basic senses that help us collect information and process the world around us. We see, we hear, we smell, we touch, and we taste. Our senses give us an awareness of the world around us.
Celebrating Sister Mother Earth
In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.