Minister’s Message
Each of us, as we follow God's path for us, find ourselves in places we never dreamed we would be, doing things we never thought we would do.
We need to Be More Welcoming to Build Our Church & Our Fraternities!
He (Jesus) makes them (his disciples) see that the Christian journey is about changing hearts. It is about learning to live differently, under a different law, with different rules. It is about turning from the path of selfishness, conflict, division and superiority, and taking instead the path of life, generosity and love. It is about passing from a mentality which domineers, stifles and manipulates to a mentality which welcomes, accepts and cares.
A “Trinity of Be-Attitudes” with an “Examination of Conscience” Concerning the Vitality of our Fraternities
When my Mom's health really began to plummet after the death of her younger son, I needed to take her to her wonderful and wise General Practitioner, Doctor Leibowitz.
The Primary and the Four Marks of a Vibrant Secular Franciscan Fraternity
Not to be legalistic, but the last words of the last Canon of the Code of Canon Law offer the primary focus of a vibrant Secular Franciscan Fraternity. Those last words read: “the salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law in the Church, is to be kept before one’s eyes”
“Prayer, Formation, Fraternal Sharing and Necessary Business, and in this order!”
We all know from the Nicene Creed that the four marks of our Church, the Body of Christ, are that the Church is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic.
The Franciscan Command to Smile!
“And all the friars, no matter where they are or in whatever situation they find themselves, should like spiritually minded men, diligently show reverence and honor to one another without murmuring (1 Peter 4:9). They should let it be seen that they are happy in God, cheerful and courteous, as is expected of them, and be careful not to appear gloomy or depressed like hypocrites.”
Lady, Holy Queen, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Virgin!
“I greet you, Lady, Holy Queen, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Virgin...chosen by the most holy Father of heaven; consecrated to holiness through His most holy and beloved Son and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter
Guidelines for Fraternal Life During Social Distancing
The National Priority of Fraternity Life has never been more important than at this time of social distancing. Some of you have asked how to maintain fraternity activities during this time.
The Road to Emmaus
Biblical scholars will tell us that most of the Easter narratives in the Gospels feature an empty tomb and/or a non-recognition of the Risen Lord.
The San Damiano Crucifix
Should we talk about Christ Crucified as we enter the Easter Season? Absolutely!