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To Be Served or To Serve

As much as I enjoy being with brothers and sisters from our Franciscan family, serving as the National Minister is quite a bit of work. Sure, I “get to” travel to fulfill my responsibilities. Often that means time building relationships with brothers and sisters, learning the blessings and challenges encountered in each area and praying together as part of daily Mass and morning/evening prayer. Following the fun part comes meetings and then time developing a report to document the findings.

Carolyn Seal2024-12-24T14:21:20-05:00December 9th, 2024|Categories: From the Newsletter, Minister’s Message|0 Comments

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 2nd Sunday in Advent – Fr. Christopher

John’s highway is ultimately a way to let God get close, to make it possible to welcome Jesus as the Giver of the Spirit.

Miriam Kennedy2024-12-07T08:57:45-05:00December 7th, 2024|Categories: CNSA, Homilies|0 Comments

Don’t jump to Christmas too early

New Year’s blessings to you. The beginning of the liturgical year also means the start of the Advent Season. Notice I wrote Advent Season, not Christmas Season. Although the Church says the Christmas Season doesn’t start for 3+ weeks, the rest of society doesn’t buy it. Most of our friends, neighbors and businesses have jumped to Christmas already. By the time the Feast of the Nativity arrives, and the actual Christmas Season begins, many have moved on - ready to take down the decorations.

Jim Thomas2024-12-01T12:13:52-05:00November 30th, 2024|Categories: Voices of Gospel Living|Tags: Jane DeRose-Bamman|24 Comments

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 1st Sunday in Advent – Fr. Christopher

God came down. This is the heart of the seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. God prefers to live with us in spite of our sinful ways, our anger and violence, our lack of love for one another. We find God here on earth.

Miriam Kennedy2024-11-30T14:20:59-05:00November 30th, 2024|Categories: CNSA, Homilies|0 Comments

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – The Feast of Christ the King – Fr. Christopher

We are called to belong to the truth, to claim what is real in our lives, living a Catholic Christian Franciscan life, and to follow the teachings of Christ and His Church.

Miriam Kennedy2024-11-23T09:32:47-05:00November 23rd, 2024|Categories: CNSA, Homilies|0 Comments

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher

Things may be overwhelming and tough now, but the future belongs to God and to the values demonstrated in the life of Jesus, as we prepare to go to meet Him.

Miriam Kennedy2024-11-15T21:03:28-05:00November 16th, 2024|Categories: CNSA, Homilies|0 Comments

News from General Chapter in Rome Nov. 9-17

Follow reports from the XVII General Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order celebrated in Rome from Nov. 9-17, 2024.

Sharon Winzeler2024-11-11T12:45:41-05:00November 11th, 2024|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher

"And so, whether we are able to do a little or a lot, whether we are able to give a little or give in abundance, it is who we become in the doing, and in the giving, that is the greater gift that God desires."

Miriam Kennedy2024-11-09T10:24:00-05:00November 9th, 2024|Categories: CNSA, Homilies|0 Comments

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 31th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher

When we recognize God’s beauty in people, God’s beauty in creation, then God’s incarnate love is present and at work in us.

Miriam Kennedy2024-10-31T18:21:42-04:00November 2nd, 2024|Categories: CNSA, Homilies|0 Comments

Treasurer Vocation

I recall when I was in initial formation and my local fraternity was getting ready for elections, they were mentioning the council positions and when they said treasurer, I thought “Well, Lord, you have provided me with the skills so this is a way I could serve if that is what you want.” And so I have - at the local level for many years, at the Regional level for several terms and now at the National level for two terms.

Jim Thomas2025-02-05T12:34:35-05:00February 4th, 2025|Categories: Voices of Gospel Living|Tags: Claudia Kauzlarich|4 Comments