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OFS Newsletter, June - July 2018 Page 1
August 2018 Issue
MEETING MINUTES - August 3rd
Attended: Brenda Berry, Robin Donner, Anne Keller, Br Pio King, Jeannie Kratzer, Eugene Krentz, Janet Lukesh, Marty Madansky, Mary Makowski, Eileen Moore, Will Moore, John Rosensteel, Mike Ross, Helen Rush, Debbie Watson. Aspirants: Karen Nelson. Visitors: none
Thank you, active members, for notifying a council member when you are unable to attend.
You are in our prayers.
Opening: Eugene lead us in opening prayer. Will shared a thoughtful reflection on Article 18. (See next column.)
The Minutes from the June meeting were approved as written.
Financial Report (Robin): June Checking Starting Balance: $1544.70 June Common fund contributions: +142.00 Initial Formation books: -198.00 Other Formation expenses: -166.26 Meeting expenses: -33.98 Region Minister’s Meeting: -175.00 July Checking Starting Balance: $1113.46 Region Fair Share (second half): -434.50 Franciscan Brothers of Peace (quarterly): -50.00 Spiritual Assistant (quarterly): -25.00 Special Collection: +201.00 Special gift: -201.00 Memorials: -30.00 Common fund contribution: +50.00 July Checking Ending Balance: $623.96
Savings Balance: $467.67
Fraternity of Mary, Queen of Peace
Secular FranciscanOrder Newsletter
Financial Report continued: Our balance is low now after having some big expenditures. We trust it will build up again over time. The financial report was approved.
Member news: Brenda and others shared updates and prayer requests from those unable to attend. (See prayer requests on page 3.) Mike Bartel is very thankful for our support and prayers. Steve is appreciative of the perpetual Masses for his late wife, Pamela.
Apostolates:
Food Shelf: Items needed - canned fruits, canned meats, cereal, baby diapers of all sizes. Homeless ministry: Hygiene items and mens’ white athletic socks.
Nursing Home Ministry: The Estates at Lynnhurst
471 W. Lynnhurst Ave, St Paul, MN 55104 Third Wednesdays: August 15th, 6:30pm
Little Sisters of the Poor 330 Exchange St. South, St Paul, MN 55102
Fourth Thursdays: August 23rd, 6:30pm
BINGO events at Lynnhurst will resume 4 times per year: The next one is Sunday, September 23rd, 1-3pm.
Initial Formation (Jeannie): Meetings on 4th Friday evenings are going well. We will be planning a welcoming ceremony for the new people in the Fall.
Rule Sharing: Article 18: Moreover, they should respect all creatures, animate and inanimate, which “bear the imprint of the Most High,” and they should strive to move from the temptation of exploiting creation to the Franciscan concept of universal kinship. Wills comments: We are all in the same family; we treat all people with dignity and promote each other’s well-being.
OFS Newsletter, June - July 2018 Page 2
The Brothers’ report (from Brs John Mary and Pio): • Our BBQ is Saturday, Aug. 18th and we hope that
everyone can come and have a wonderful time. As always, we are also relying on the Fraternity for generous help in bringing casseroles or salads, and to volunteer for kitchen help and/or to help break down and clean up after the event.
• The Brothers just all got back from a refreshing week at our Spiritual Center and we are ready to put on this big BBQ celebration!
• Renovation of the Blessed Solanus Casey Novice Friary continues. Help is needed. We hope to have it ready by the Feast of Saint Francis, October 4th.
Other news: The National Fraternity has a new website with a series of articles in honor of the 50th anniversary of our Pauline Rule: https://secularfranciscanusa.org
Community Events: TRANSITUS OF SAINT FRANCIS
7:00pm Wednesday, October 3, 2018 St. Bonaventure Catholic Church
901 E 90th St, Minneapolis, MN 55420
Friends of Francis Retreat, October 26-28, 2018 presented by Fr. Dan Crosby, OFM Cap. AMERICA’S NEWEST “BLESSED”: FR. SOLANUS CASEY, AND HIS MESSAGE FOR US ALL Almost a year ago, on Nov. 18, 2017, before a crowd of 66,000 people at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, America celebrated a rare event: Pope Francis declared BLESSED a man born near here, on the banks of the Mississippi: Solanus Casey, a Capuchin Franciscan priest. Our Friends of Francis Retreat will focus on the simple but profound message of his genuine spirituality. Our retreat director, Fr. Dan Crosby, OFM Cap., lived with father Solanus and is happy to share with us what he has learned from this holy American friar-priest.
This is at the Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center: 16385 Saint Francis Lane, Prior Lake, MN 55372 Register at franciscanretreats.net or call (952) 447-2182 or e-mail: [email protected]. Cost: $160.00 per person. Pre-registration is required, along with a $30.00 registration fee.
Ongoing Formation: After the Holy Hour and refreshments, we broke into three groups for inspiring discussions of the Sunday readings and the first half of chapter 7 of The Perfect Joy of Saint Francis “A Crown of Roses and Thorns”. Thank you to Jeannie, Mary Mak and Anne for facilitating the groups.
We returned as one group for intercessory prayer. Eugene lead us in our closing prayer.
Meetings: (located at Queen of Peace Friary)
August Council Meeting: Sunday, August 12th, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Initial Formation: Friday, August 24th, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Beginning Group – Ch 3 “Francis, Clare, Catholic Doctrine”
Advanced Group – Ch 8 “Scripture in SFO Life” Franciscan Journey by Lester Bach
Regular Fraternity Meeting Friday, September 7th
Business meeting 6:30pm
Sharing of Rule: Brenda
Franciscan Holy Hour 7:00pm followed by refreshments and social time.
Treats by Brenda and Debbie
Ongoing Formation 8:30 – 9:30pm Mass Readings for Sunday, September 9th
Chapter 7 of The Perfect Joy of Saint Francis “A Crown of Roses and Thorns” pp 154 – 170
September Council Meeting: Sunday, September 9th, 7:00 – 9:00pm
All professed members are encouraged to attend
Br Paschal Listi – 8/1 Norma Cintron – 8/19
Martin Madansky – 8/25 Marlene Skavnak – 8/27
Brother Conrad Richardson – 9/11
Our newsletter is published monthly by the Fraternity of Mary, Queen of Peace
Secular Franciscan Order c/o Franciscan Brothers of Peace
Queen of Peace Friary 1289 Lafond Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104
Minister: Steve Smith, OFS (612-597-5556) Vice Minister: Eugene Krentz, OFS (952-288-8263)
Formation Director: Jeannie Kratzer, OFS (651-636-8928) Secretary: Anne Keller, OFS (651-335-8484)
Treasurer: Robin Donner, OFS (651-290-7753) Councilor: Eileen Moore, OFS (612-721-1198)
Spiritual Assistant: Brother John Mary Kaspari, fbp (651-675-9286)
OFS Newsletter, June - July 2018 Page 3
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August Prayer requests: Apostolates: • For God’s blessings on the apostolates of our
Fraternity and the Franciscan Brothers of Peace. • For good weather for the Brother’s BBQ on
August 18th. • In thanksgiving for the acquisition of a building
which the Brothers have named the Blessed Solanus Casey Novice Friary. For guidance and provision as the Brothers prepare the Friary to be ready for the novices in October. That logistical issues will be resolved quickly.
• For peace and blessings on all whom we visit in the nursing homes – especially for Patricia.
• For progress for Majella house for women in need. • For the ministry of Grief to Grace for those
recovering from trauma and abuse.
For Fraternity members’ and the Brothers’ needs: • For God’s providence for postulants Steve and
John who will become novices on the Feast of Saint Francis, October 4th.
• In thanksgiving for Perry who is seeking to become a postulant with the Brothers.
• In thanksgiving for our Fraternity and for God’s wisdom and grace to guide the Fraternity Council.
• In thanksgiving for all our blessings and for the needs of all those unable to attend the meeting.
• For all those in Initial Formation as they discern the Franciscan calling in their lives.
• That we will all grow deeper in conversion – and increase in faith, hope and love.
• In thanksgiving that Mike Bartel was able to go home after an extended hospitalization.
• For Janie who has been struggling with water getting into her basement when it rains.
• For all those with acute or chronic health conditions, that they will experience consolation and healing - including Connie, Debbie, Eugene, Frank, Janet, Janie, Jeannie, Br Joseph, Mike Bartel, Mike Gross, and Norma.
• For guidance and safety for Mike Ross and for Bob Brenneman when they are traveling internationally for their work.
• For guidance and safety for Eileen this month as she travels to Kenya.
For all our family members and friends who are dear to our heart and in need of our prayers. • For the soul of Brenda’s daughter’s father-in-law
Anton Rakowitz of Texas who died in June and for consolation for the whole family.
• For the soul of Steve’s wife, Pamela, who died in California in July. For consolation for Steve, for their daughters McKenzie and Stephanie, and for all the grandchildren as they grieve her loss.
• For the soul of Br Dominic’s brother, Kevin, who died in July and for consolation for all the family.
• For blessings on the marriage of Leah (Brother John Mary’s niece) and her husband.
• For peace, healing and comfort for all our loved ones suffering with illness.
o Jeannie’s friend Kim with brain cancer o Barb and Laurie who have cancer o Debbie’s brother Dave who has cancer o Chuck’s mom on hospice o Mary Mak’s friend on hospice o Mary Mak’s brother-in-law liver transplant o Norma’s parents and her sister.
• For the return of our children and loved ones who have fallen away from the Church.
• For Nini’s daughter Maureen. • For the soul of a young man, AJ, who died of a
heroine overdose. • For 20yo Wade at HCMC in a medically induced
coma due to cardiac arrest and heroine addiction – and for his family.
• Continued prayers for Ross Oden – in the hospital now for 6 months. For provision for his family during this difficult journey.
• For continued healing for Regional Spiritual Assistant Kathy Taormina.
For our country and our world. • For wisdom for Pope Francis as he travels to
Ireland. • For the people of Central and South America. • For persecuted Christians in the Middle East. • For all those suffering from natural disasters. • For healing for all those who have been
traumatized by the abuse of authority. • For repentance, healing, justice, and forgiveness
during this time of purification of the leadership of the Church. That we will stay focused on Jesus and his loving Mother.
OFS Newsletter, June - July 2018 Page 4
(Facilitators: make use of the Mutual Invitation Method)
THE PERFECT JOY OF ST. FRANCIS –
Chp. 7, A CROWN OF ROSES AND THORNS, pg. 154-170
Study Questions for September 7, 2018 OFS Fraternity Meeting
In the lst half of Chapter 7, St. Francis explores the desire to preach to the Moors-Moslems, the new order of St. Clare’s Poor Sister’s continues to grow, the Friars Minor continues to grow adding Brother Jacopa (Lady Jacopa Frangipani), and Brother Pacifico (poet & troubadour Divini). Also, Francis struggles with torments and temptations concerning fame, honor and praise, depression, and longing for a wife and children.
Through these struggles, St. Francis’s spiritual life strengthens, grows deeper, and he becomes closer in his love of God. He receives the gift of Mount LaVerna from Count Orlando as a spiritual retreat, he experiences the miracle of the birds, and seeds for the beginnings of Secular Franciscans were being considered. In the 2nd half of this Chapter 7, the Friar Minors suffer from growing pains, brothers are added and brothers leave, the Friars Minor lose their direction while Francis is away traveling and preaching. Francis’s second attempt to travel to the Moors fails due to illness, he converts a wolf to a lamb, receives a Papal indulgence, retreats to hermitages, and spiritually grows in his relationship with Clare. 1. Who was Brother Elias, why was Francis
reluctant to add him to the Friars Minor, and what was the Brother’s reaction to him? Pg. 154-156.
2. How and why did the Friars Minor lose their
direction? How was it fixed? Pg. 157-158. 3. What were the stories of the wolf and the lamb
(Pg. 158-159), and the robbers of the monastery of Monte Casale about? Pg. 163-164.
4. How did the relationship between Clare and St.
Francis grow and change? Pg. 159-161. 5. Francis spent time at the Mt. Subasio in Assisi,
and Mt. La Verna in Casentini, Why? Pg. 156-158, 162.
6. What is the Indulgence of the Portiuncula at
the Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels, and how did it come about? Pg. 164-170.
OFS Newsletter, June - July 2018 Page 5
SEPTEMBER 9, 2018 Twenty-thirdSundayinOrdinaryTime
Reading1 I S 35 :4 -7A
Thus says the LORD: Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing. Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty ground, springs of water.
Gospel MK7 :31-37 Again Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis.
And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him.
He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!”— that is, “Be opened!” — And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.
He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it.
They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Franciscan Gospel Sharing
Gaze on Him look on the words;
read and listen to the Scripture with an open mind, let the words sink into you
Consider Him ponder the words;
think about what is being revealed in your heart and mind and soul
Contemplate Him weigh the words;
decide which article in the OFS Rule relates to the words and ponder that article
Imitate Him outpour the words;
take all of this into the world with a concrete action which today you state aloud
…inthetraditionofSt.ClareofAssisi
Gospel Sharing Discussion Questions: (Facilitators: choose 2 or 3 questions to discuss in the group)
1. What is happening in today’s gospel?
2. What is the connection between the Gospel and the first reading?
3. What word or phrase stands out?
4. How does the Gospel apply to my life?
5. How does this Gospel relate to our Franciscan Rule?
6. What can be my action response as an individual?
7. What can be our action response as a Fraternity?
Christ healing the deaf mute of Decapolis, by Bartholomeus Breenbergh, 1635
