This is from the Fall 2023 Issue 110 of the Tau
Building Relationships with the help of Jesus
By Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, National Minister
Relationships is the third aspect of our national focus for 2022-2025. The Gospel and our Rule call us to be in relationship. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt 18:20 NAB
Reflecting on Jesus’ reminder from Matthew 18:20 – if two or three are gathered in his name, then He is there, we recognize that relationships with our Franciscan family members are especially important.
From August 22, the National Fraternity Council experienced our fraternal and pastoral visitations as required by Article 26 of the OFS Rule and Articles 92-95 of the OFS General Constitutions. We are connected with our fourth fraternity – the international fraternity. Through this process, we continued to build relationships with our international family. Although the official report is not expected for several months, the initial feedback was overall positive. The visitation identified areas for us to work on which fit in with our priorities and theme.
Over the last year, the National Executive Council (NEC) has worked on building or enhancing relationships with the Regional Executive Councils (RECs). We learned that some of our RECs have grappled with issues. Relationships are strained. Some relationships are wounded because of harsh behavior. We received a report of blatant racist behavior.
When relationships are good – it is easy for them to flourish. What are our reactions when the relationship is strained a bit? What happens if there is conflict?
Of course, none of us are perfect. We are called to live the Gospel. We will fall short at times. However, there is no place for racist attitudes or remarks in living the Gospel. Respectful dialogue is critical for our fraternal way of life. However, as we know from OFS Rule Article 7, we are called to daily, ongoing conversion. Thus, we must never lose hope that our transgressions can be overcome. We must take it seriously and be committed to start again each day.
For council members encountering these situations, they may need to implement Jesus’ teachings referenced earlier in Matthew 18 (verses 151n which are also woven into the procedures specified in our General Constitutions Articles 56.2 and 58.2. If our members don’t feel they have the skills to effectively address the issues, then please reach out to the other council members or the members of the next higher council level for assistance.
Let us be encouraged to look for opportunities to build relationships:
- within or outside the Franciscan family (OFS Rule Articles 1, 2, 12,17,19),
- with other members of the Church (OFS Rule Articles 5, 6, 8),
- with people in our communities (OFS Rule Articles 13,14,15, 16) or
- with the non-human part of creation (OFS Rule Articles 1 1, 18).
I am challenged to embrace the opportunities for perfect joy, so that God’s glory can shine. May the Holy Spirit lead us as we listen, discern, and go forth to build up the kingdom of God.
Minister’s Messages – Archives
2023
Building Relationships with the help of Jesus TAU 110 fall 2023
Good Communication TAU_109_Sp_2023
Priorities Ministers Message TAU_108_win_23
2022
What A Difference Six Months Make TAU _107_fal_2022
Franciscan Jubilee – Minister’s Message TAU-USA Summer 2022
“Great Things Can Happen” – Minister’s Message Spring 2022
2021
- National Minister’s Message – “Who We Are” – TAU-USA Fall 2021
- Minister’s Message – “Chosen for Each Other” – TAU-USA Spring-Summer 2021
- Minister’s Message – “A Call to Prophetic Creativity” TAU-USA Winter 2020/2021
2020
2019
- National Minister’s Christmas Message -2019
- National Minister’s Message – TAU-USA Summer/Fall 2019
- OFS Mission Opportunity – To Assist Migrants and Refugees
- National Minister Message TAU-USA Spring 2019
- 2019 Easter Message from National Minister OFS
- Easter Messages From Our National and International Ministers
- Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land
2018
- September 2018 – Formation Visioning Workshop
- June 2018 – Our Jubilee Begins! (40th anniversary of our Rule)
- May 2018 – National Fraternity Elective Chapter
- May 2018 – Prepare for Pentecost!
- February 2018 – As Lent Begins
2017
- August 2017 – Contemplating the Cross and the Lent of St. Michael
- TAU-USA Spring 2017 – When Things are Out of Order
- June 2017 – Pentecost Message from International Minister
- June 2017 – Pentecost Message from National Minister
2016
2015
- Christmas 2015 – O Sweet Gift of Christmas!
- December 2015 – The Moment of Mercy
- Advent 2015 – Finding Joy in Our Littleness
2014
- October 2014 – Please Pray that Third Decade of the Rosary for our One Secular Franciscan Order and our Four Fraternities
- March 2014 – Another, Perhaps Lenten, Look at “Fair Share” With a Short and a Long Answer
- January 2014 – New Things for the New Year 2014: Temporary Suspension or Permanent Dismissal? Being the Merciful Presence of God
2013
2012
- October 2012 – National Minister’s Annual Report to the Order
- June 2012 – Please Join Us in Presence or in Prayer at the 2012 National Secular Franciscan Quinquennial Congress!
- March 2012 – I Thirst
- January 2012 – Gathered Around the Manger in 2012
2011
- September 2011 – Summer Vacations
- May 2011 – The Road to Emmaus
- March 2011 – The Beatitudes of Penance
- January 2011 – The Joy and Mystery of the Incarnation
2010
- December 2010 – Prepare the way of the Lord!
- August 2010 – The Heart of Our Faith is the Person of Jesus Christ
- June 2010 – Taking, Blessing, Breaking, Giving
- May 2010 – The Blessed Mother, St. Francis and All of Us
- April 2010 – The San Damiano Crucifix
- February 2010 – Brothers and Sisters of Penance
- January 2010 – Come and March for Life in Prayer