the ISSUE Encountering Our Future at Provincial Chapter

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1 Capuchin the Journey ISSUE Encountering Our Future at Provincial Chapter

2 Province Mission The needs of the poor and the demands of justice shape our every ministerial endeavor. We attempt to promote the equality of all people within our fraternity, in the churches dedicated to the gospel of Christ, and in the larger world. Capuchin friars minister in a wide variety of settings. Service to people of a variety of cultures in North America and around the globe have allowed us to witness God at work in countless ways. Here in the Northeast United States, the Province of St. Mary serves through any number of institutions dedicated to the service of real human needs and the proclamation of God s love. Urban, suburban, and rural; poor, blue collar, and middle class; Latino, Asian, and English-speaking - the friars can be found living amid all these diverse circumstances. Capuchin Charisms FRATERNITY of the friars joins them in their common goals and taps into their unique talents to most efficiently operate their own community as well as the communities they serve. MINORITY has enabled them to walk with the people they serve and be accepted as one of their own. CONTEMPLATION requires they set aside time to reflect upon the progress and direction of their mission and to listen to God s guidance in their mission. MINISTRY has led the Capuchins to appeal to and often allay the hunger, despair, and loneliness of those among whom Christ would have walked. JUSTICE, PEACE, AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION are uniquely Capuchin because an essential part of the mission of St. Francis was to strive for all of God s creation to live in peace and harmony. From Our Provincial Dear friends, may the peace and blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ be with each of you and your loved ones! My name is Fr. Michael Greco, and I was recently elected to serve as provincial minister of the Province of St. Mary. Every three years the brothers of the Province gather for five days for our provincial chapter (Pages 8-13). It is a time of discussion, prayer, fellowship and discernment. We converse in order to deepen our core values of ministry, fraternity, minority, prayer, and JPIC (justice, peace, and integrity of creation). We leave with renewed fervency to spread the gospel in the style of our Seraphic Father, Saint Francis of Assisi. Before disbanding, we elect new leaders to help make straight the paths. Although I am deeply honored that my brothers would choose me to serve in this capacity, I am just now beginning to get over the shock of it. Fortunately, I am not working alone. The Province chose wisely the four brothers to serve alongside me on the provincial council. Fr. Robert Abbatiello is serving as the vicar of the Province, while Br. Lake Herman, Br. James Peterson, and Fr. Sal Cordaro are serving as councilors. Our provincial chapter concluded on May 18, and within just a few weeks many friars were back together to celebrate a most joyous occasion two brothers ordained to the presbyterate! On June 3, Fr. Scott Surrency and Fr. William Tarraza emerged from Sacred Heart Church filled with the joy and enthusiasm of the Holy Spirit, excited to serve the Church and the world as Capuchin priests. We are so proud of these two men. We thank His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan for honoring us with his presence and beautiful words. The ordination was a grand and blessed event (Page 5). We ask you to continue to pray for Father Scott and Father Will as they begin their new ministerial lives. Finally, I would like to thank you for all that you do to support the work of the Capuchin Friars of the Province of St. Mary. Your prayers and your donations mean so much to us and make all that we do possible. In a few months our brother, Venerable Solanus Casey, will be beatified by Pope Francis (Page 4). We are overjoyed by this news! We hope you will be able to celebrate this tremendous honor with us. Very soon we will share with you the details of the event and the various types of celebrations we will be hosting. I pray you will be able to join us either in person or through prayer. In the meantime, let us follow the good advice of Venerable Solanus and thank God ahead of time for all of the graces He will bestow upon us. Wishing you all peace and goodness, Fr. Michael Greco, O.F.M. Cap. Provincial Minister

3 the Capuchin Journey VOLUME 15 ISSUE Magazine of the Province of St. Mary of the Capuchin Order The Capuchin Journey is our way of letting you know how the Province of St. Mary fulfills its mission. You, as part of our community, share this vision of service to those in need. Through this publication, we want you to see how we use the resources you so generously provide to us. We hope the contents of The Capuchin Journey will convey a sense of the work we do and how valuable your contributions are to this work Features 6 You Are a Priest Forever Ordination of Fr. Scott Surrency and Fr. Will Tarraza 8 Renewing Our Mission, Reviving Our Identity Digging Into Core Values at Provincial Chapter 10 Encountering the Future: Meet the Provincial Council 14 Preserving the Precious Places St. Michael Church Restoration Rebuilds Community 16 Dedicated to the Church and the Order Fr. Peter Kaseta Reflects on a Lifetime of Service Publisher Fr. Michael Greco, O.F.M. Cap. Editors Laura Toledo Br. Anthony Zuba, O.F.M. Cap. Design/Art Direction Laura Toledo Br. Anthony Zuba, O.F.M. Cap. Capuchin Communications Office Donna Smith Kresel Br. John Shento, O.F.M. Cap. Editorial Office 110 Shonnard Place Yonkers, NY Capuchin Mission & Development Office Departments 4 Around the Province 19 Directory facebook.com/stmaryofm.cap twitter.com/stmaryofm_cap Cover: Provincial Council, clockwise from upper left: Fr. Salvatore Cordaro, Br. James Peterson, Br. Lake Herman, Fr. Michael Greco, Fr. Robert Abbatiello. Opposite: Fr. Michael Greco (left), provincial minister, seated in chapel with Provincial Council. The Capuchin Journey 3

4 Around the Province Solanus Casey to Be Beatified in November God called him to holiness as a Capuchin friar. He answered that call simply by answering the door. Venerable Solanus Casey, who served as doorkeeper at four of our Province s parishes, will be beatified, that is, declared blessed, at a ceremony in Detroit on Nov. 18. From 1904 to 1924, as the porter at the parishes of Sacred Heart in Yonkers, Our Lady of Sorrows in the Lower East Side of New York City, and Our Lady Queen of Angels in East Harlem, New York City, Father Solanus received hundreds of visitors every week, and he listened with compassion to everyone who sought his advice and his blessing. No one went away without having been uplifted by his wise words and warmed by his cheerful presence. And many came away with more than this: a sudden and inexplicable healing or a favor swiftly granted. The reports of miraculous healings attributed to Father Solanus prayers continued after he died. Now, nearly 60 years after his death, Pope Francis has advanced the cause for the canonization of Father Solanus. On May 4, the Pope approved a decree acknowledging a miracle attributed to Father Solanus intercession. This clears the way for Father Solanus to be beatified. The miracle pertained to a woman who received a healing for an incurable skin disease after praying at the tomb of Father Solanus at St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit. After asking the friar to intercede for her, immediately she received a visible healing. A panel of medical experts declared the healing miraculous on Sept. 22, 2016, and a panel of theological advisers in Rome concurred on Jan. 19. Father Solanus himself died of a skin disease. Bernard Francis Casey was born on Nov. 25, 1870 near Prescott, Wis., the sixth of 16 children of an Irish immigrant family. He left the family farm at 17 and worked odd jobs as a logger, prison guard, and streetcar operator. He came knocking on the door of the Capuchins in Detroit and was invested as a novice at St. Bonaventure in January Overcoming difficulties in his studies, he was ordained a priest in 1904 and assigned to Sacred Heart Church, Yonkers. From 1924 to 1945, Father Solanus was porter at St. Bonaventure, where his renown as a comforter and healer grew. As the Great Depression loomed and the A statue memorializes Venerable Solanus Casey at Sacred Heart Church, Yonkers, NY. hungry came knocking, he willingly shared with them whatever food was in the friars pantry. From his small acts of personal charity arose what became the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, today a cornerstone of social services in Detroit. Father Solanus returned to New York in 1945, serving for one year at Saint Michael Parish in Brooklyn. He died on July 31, 1957, at St. Bonaventure in Detroit. Solanus was living in the moment and brought a Christ-like light to those who needed it, said Fr. Thomas Franks, who represents the Province on the advisory board of the Solanus Casey Guild, which is headquartered at St. Bonaventure. He noted that Father Solanus exemplified a spirituality of encounter that Pope Francis has championed. Before Father Solanus can be declared a saint, the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints must confirm a second miraculous healing attributed to his prayers. 4

5 First Professions Approved, Postulant Accepted With praise and gratitude to the Most High God, the Province announced on June 2 that it accepted Br. Arnold Lezcano, Br. Scott Leet, Br. Francisco Serrano, and Br. Austin Usar into first profession of vows. They will soon complete their year-long novitiate at San Lorenzo Seminary in Santa Ynez, Calif., where they were invested on July 24, Brothers Arnold, Scott, and Francisco will celebrate their profession at Sacred Heart Church in Yonkers, N.Y., on July 22 at 11 a.m. The presider will be Fr. Michael Greco, the new provincial minister and former director of postulant formation. Brothers Arnold, Scott, and Francisco will begin their post-novitiate formation at San Lorenzo Friary in Jamaica Plain, Mass., in August, joining post-novices Br. Joseph Anderson, Br. Paul Fesefeldt, and Br. Victor Russak. Brother Austin will celebrate his profession at St. Fidelis Friary in Agana Heights, Guam, on July 27. On April 27, the provincial Admissions Board accepted Matthew Herrmann, 23, of Oceanside, N.Y., into the postulancy program. Herrmann, a graduate of Siena College, completed a year of volunteer service with the Franciscan Friars at a soup kitchen in Philadelphia and has been working at his father s construction company. For several weeks this winter and spring, Herrmann lived in community with the brothers at St. Joseph Friary in New Paltz, N.Y. He participated in all of their fraternal prayers, meals, and meetings, as well as most of the parish programs and ministries. At the friary he put his construction skills to good use, installing a sink in a friar s bedroom, repairing a statue and concrete stand for it, and finishing the molding woodwork in the chapel. Capuchins accompanied Catholics at the People s Climate Movement in Washington, D.C., on April 29. Catholics Build Movement To Stop Climate Change On April 29, a day of recordbreaking heat in Washington, DC, Capuchins accompanied Catholics who joined the People s Climate Movement to bring Pope Francis call to care for our common home to the nation s capital. On the morning of the march, Fr. Sam Fuller, who is active with the Franciscan Action Network, concelebrated Mass with Dominican Fr. Hyacinth Marie Cordell at St. Dominic Church near L Enfant Plaza. Organizers estimated that 200,000 people assembled for the march. Clergy and lay leaders of all faiths marched together in one section of the procession. Catholics comprised the largest group in this section. Members of the Parish of Holy Cross-Saint John the Baptist joined the Metro New York Catholic Climate Movement on a bus that brought 50 Catholics from parishes on the West Side of Manhattan to Washington. Many Catholics carried sunflowers created out of cardboard and yardsticks, carpenter s glue and acrylic paint. The flower signs spoke for God s irreplaceable creatures: CATHOLICS 4 BEES. CATHOLICS 4 CORAL REEFS. Some flowers spoke for the things we must use for the sake of God s precious creatures: CATHOLICS 4 THE EPA. CATHOLICS 4 SCIENCE. Some flowers called us to imagine another future: CATHOLICS 4 SOLAR. CATHOLICS 4 VEGANS. We believe a global ecological conversion is possible, said Br. Anthony Zuba, who attended the march. Thus it was with joy more than grief or anger that we marched and prayed, calling for a penance of abstinence from fossil fuels, and a holy poverty that limits the resources human communities consume in developed nations. Friars of Note Fr. John Clermont, the most senior friar in the Province, celebrated his 90th birthday with his fellow friars, family, and friends on April 8 in the dining room at Sacred Heart Friary. Father John has been a religious for 72 years and a priest for 64 years. Fr. John Clermont, 90 years young. The Capuchin Journey 5

6 From left: Fr. Will Tarraza, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Fr. Michael Greco, and Fr. Scott Surrency. You Are a Priest Forever : Fr. Scott Surrency and Fr. Will Tarraza Receive the oblation of the holy people to be offered to God. Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord s cross. With these words, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan handed a paten with bread and a chalice with wine to the two friars who had just been ordained to the order of priesthood: Fr. Scott Surrency and Fr. Will Tarraza. Moments earlier, the cardinal and all the priests present lay their hands on the heads of the candidates. By this gesture, along with the prayer of consecration and anointing with holy oil, according to tradition, the Holy Spirit was bestowed on our brothers, and the conferral of the 6 Order of Presbyter was effected. Friars, family, friends, and fellow co-workers in Christ filled Sacred Heart Church, Yonkers, on the summery morning of June 10 to give their consent to the ordination of our brothers, witness to their promise to fulfill the duties of the priesthood, and ask for God s blessings upon them. Cardinal Dolan, the principal celebrant of the liturgy, had a little fun at our brothers expense. After the presentation of the candidates and the cardinal s election of them for ordination, the assembly applauded. When the clapping ceased, the cardinal said to our soon-to-be-ordained, That s the last applause you will get until your 25th anniversary of priesthood. The cardinal continued to preach the theme of humility, reminding the assembly in his homily that the transformation of our brothers into priests was God s work, begun by God s invitation and fulfilled by God s Holy Spirit. He reminded Father Scott and Father Will that this day was ultimately about Jesus Christ. And while they had been found worthy, that is, prepared by their training for the service as priest, Cardinal Dolan pointed out that no one is truly worthy of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. He advised Father Scott and Father Will to admit their helplessness without God and rely always on the grace and mercy available through Jesus.

7 In addition to the many clerical friars who concelebrated and laid on hands, several friars assisted as ministers of the liturgy. Fr. Maurice Moreau served as master of ceremonies. Br. Joseph Anderson, Br. John Koelle, and Br. Victor Russak were acolytes. One part of the rite of ordination is investiture, the clothing of the ordained in the vestments of their office. Fr. Charles Sammons vested Brother Scott, and Fr. Matthew Janeczko vested Brother Will with the stole and chasuble. And Fr. John Tokaz, director of priestly formation, presented the candidates to Cardinal Dolan. In their acknowledgments, the newly ordained wrote: We would like to express our profound appreciation for the many benefactors of our Province without whose spiritual and material support we would not be able to do what we do as friars and priests. It is our profound hope that we have been faithful stewards so generously entrusted to us. They also acknowledged in a special way the faith communities in which the seeds of their Capuchin vocation was planted: for Father Scott, St. Thomas More Chapel and Catholic Center at Yale University and St. Mary Parish in New Haven, Conn.; for Father Will, St. Bartholomew Parish in Cape Elizabeth, Me., and the Campus Ministry at The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. During their year of diaconal ministry, Father Scott ministered at St. Mary of the Assumption-St. Lawrence Parish in Brookline, Mass., and Father Will served at Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston. For the summer, Father Scott is assigned to Sacred Heart, Yonkers, and Father Will is assigned to Good Shepherd Parish in New York City. Fr. Jack Rathschmidt and Fr. Martin Curtin lay hands on Fr. Will Tarraza and Fr. Scott Surrency. The Capuchin Journey 7

8 Renewing Our Mission Reviving Our Identity Digging Into Core Values at Provincial Chapter Why should people support the life and work of the Capuchin Franciscan friars? This was the question that hovered over the friars as they met for their provincial chapter, the 22nd in the history of the Province of St. Mary. Every three years, all the friars who are able gather to deliberate and make decisions that shape the form of their brotherhood and ministry. From the first day of chapter, the friars were challenged to strengthen their sense of mission. In his letter to the chapter, Fr. Mauro Jöhri, general minister of the Capuchin Order, stated: As Capuchins, our sense of mission is based less on the kinds of ministries we undertake than on the style of our life, and 8 specifically on simplicity, prayer, and fraternity. More than being good workers, friars need to live with integrity and be intentional about projecting their identity. The friars watched a TED Talk on inspirational leadership, which claimed that successful organizations appeal to people s core beliefs. Many religious orders do good works, so why give to the Capuchins? People will support the friars if they believe what we believe. For Capuchins to win their allegiance, the people of God must understand the Capuchin mission: why we do what we do. As Father Mauro stated, A strong sense of mission attracts vocations and encourages fidelity. The friars held small-group and large-group discussions about fraternity, leadership, and ministry. They aimed to get at the values that were most important to our way of life, the values that show other people why they should be a part of our mission. Among those values that surfaced were communication; respect for each other; fraternal engagement; concern for other s needs; and sharing of Christ. On the fourth day, the brothers elected Fr. Michael Greco as provincial minister; Fr. Robert Abbatiello as vicar provincial; and Br. Lake Herman, Br. James Peterson, and Fr. Salvatore Cordaro Tabulating votes during elections at provincial chapter. From left: Fr. Marvin Bearis, Br. James Peterson, Br. Mark Schenk, Fr. Will Tarraza, and Br. John Shento.

9 as provincial councilors (see Pages 10-13). The new council met informally with the friars on the final day to reflect on the discussions held at chapter and listen to them. In his address to the chapter, Fr. Francis Gasparik, the outgoing provincial minister, commended his provincial council for working as harmoniously as a supper club of friends: all agreed on the menu [and] each one was responsible for a part of the meal that is their strength. He described his term of service to the Province as FUN: that is, faith-building, a unique privilege, and nurturing. The friars thank Fr. Vincent Fortunato, a Capuchin from the Province of the Stigmata of St. Francis (New Jersey), for serving as chapter facilitator, guiding their large-group discussions and offering grace-filled reflections during periods of prayer and recollection. Much gratitude goes to Kay Benash, Rev. Suzanne Culhane, Top: Friars covered the walls with notes from their small-group discussions on Capuchin values. Above: Fr. Phil Bohan and Fr. Brendan Buckley. Pat Moore, and Brian Niemiec, members of the Capuchin Franciscan Leadership Council, who assisted the friars in their review of the Province s finances and discussion of development. Finally, the Province thanks the Passionists and their staff at Holy Family Retreat and Conference Center, West Hartford, Conn., for hosting the friars and associates from May 14 to May 19 and extending excellent hospitality to everyone throughout their stay. The Capuchin Journey 9

10 Encountering the Future: Meet the Provincial Council In the midst of their transition into provincial administration, the friars of the newly elected provincial council answered these questions submitted by The Capuchin Journey. Here are a few of their responses. The general minister, Fr. Mauro Jöhri, has challenged our Province to develop a stronger sense of its mission. At chapter we reflected on why we do what we do. So, why are you committed to the Capuchin mission? Father Michael: What I love about our Capuchin mission is its simplicity. As clearly stated in our Constitutions: We follow the Gospel as the highest law in all the circumstances of life (I:5). Our Capuchin call is rooted in our baptismal call. Our mission rises from the gift of our salvation. I am Fr. Michael Greco, Provincial Minister Father Michael joined the Capuchins in 1999, made perpetual profession in 2005 and was ordained in Since 2007 he has been director of postulant formation at St. Michael Friary, Brooklyn. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and religious studies from Villanova University, Villanova, Pa., and a master of divinity degree and master of theology degree from Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Cambridge, Mass committed because I have been saved; and I happily share my gratitude with the world through work and prayer. Father Bob: First, it is a Gospelcentered way of life. Living as a Capuchin Franciscan friar both challenges me and at the same time affords me the opportunity to live life more like Francis of Assisi, who desired to live life more like Jesus, the Lord. Life as a friar, after the example of St. Francis, leads me to Jesus, plain and simple. Second, I have been inspired personally by our brother Capuchins who taught me in grade school and high school, who served in my parish (Sacred Heart in Yonkers), who became wonderful mentors and role models, who became my friends before entering the Order and who are now my brothers. Third, I have heard it said over and over again by many people that our Capuchin brothers in the Province of St. Mary have deeply touched and changed their lives. Our ministries and our Capuchin presence have been instrumental in helping others on the life-long journey of conversion and the proclamation of the Gospel. Brother James: I am committed to the Capuchin mission because it is an integral part of my calling from the Lord to be a Capuchin Franciscan brother. Following in the footsteps of Saint Francis in the manner prescribed by the Capuchin tradition and constitutions is the very thing I vowed for life in Father Sal: I am incredibly blessed to be a member of a fraternity of brothers throughout the Province and throughout the Order who share Saint Francis reverence for God, for all persons and for all of creation. Because of that, I am committed to using the gifts I have been given by God for ministry to His people and thereby sanctifying not only myself but also the people I encounter in my ministry and, hopefully, the situations we live and move in. I want to give back all the good that God has given to me undeserved and unmerited and purely a gift! Brother Lake: This is an exciting time to be Catholic and Capuchin. At chapter our discussions seemed to return to our original call to Capuchin life. Friars seemed to recommit themselves to their vocation as Capuchins. I believe our Capuchin charism can enhance evangelization and renew the mission of the Church. If Saint Francis of Assisi were to visit our fraternities and ministries, Fr. Robert Abbatiello, Vicar Provincial Father Bob joined the Capuchins in 1981, made perpetual profession in 1986 and was ordained in Since 2008 he has been pastor and guardian of Good Shepherd Parish in Inwood, Manhattan. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies and philosophy from Manhattan College, Bronx, N.Y., a master of divinity degree from Maryknoll School of Theology, Ossining, N.Y., and a master of science degree in religion and religious education from Fordham University, Bronx, N.Y.

11 where would he see most plainly the spirit of the religious movement he started? Father Michael: I would like to believe everywhere. Wherever the brothers are sharing the joy of the Gospel with the the people of God, our mission is being accomplished. I do think we do that well in a variety of circumstances. Our joy emanates from who we know ourselves to be and expresses itself in what we do. Father Bob: I believe he would see the spirit of the early friars in the care especially given to our senior friars. Whether infirm or simply under the weight of their years, our senior brothers are cared for, loved, and treated with great respect. So many of our brothers are prayerful, meditative, and faithful in their prayer life, their devotion to the Eucharist, and enjoying one another s company. We have much to learn from these brothers who continue to inspire and motivate us. I believe Francis would also see his spirit in our Province by our obedience and service to the church. We have taken on many San Damiano-type ministries in need of repair, renovation and renewal. We have accepted the invitation of bishops to serve in their dioceses, bringing the Gospel to life in a variety of marketplace ministries, and we have tried to maintain those ministries as long as possible. Brother James: Saint Francis would most plainly see the spirit of the movement he started in our fraternal life. When we spend time together in prayer, ministry and in less formal settings, our relationships and our ease with one another is clearly seen. Father Sal: I believe that Saint Francis would be at home in our fraternities and ministries because he would see the same minority and Br. James Peterson, Provincial Councilor Brother James joined the Capuchins in 2000 and made perpetual profession in He resides at Saint Francis of Assisi Friary in Jamaica Plain, Mass., and serves the Archdiocese of Boston as vice chancellor and assistant to the moderator of the curia for canonical affairs. Brother James holds a bachelor s degree in history from Albright College in Reading, Pa., a law degree from Villanova University School of Law in Villanova, Pa., and a doctorate in canon law from The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Brother James served previously as provincial councilor from 2011 to gratitude to God that he himself had and had experienced with his own brothers and with the people he felt privileged to serve. Whatever the expression is of the Capuchin charism (and thanks be to God there are many) and in whatever time and place, it all comes down to a contemplative sense of God s loving presence in all of creation and in a special way in the persons who were created in His image and likeness. Brother Lake: Saint Francis would clearly recognize the fervor of the original brothers in the chapels throughout the Province. Celebrating Mass, praying the liturgy of the hours, meditating in common contemplation, and in personal prayer, we unite ourselves with Christ crucified, the entire Church and the world. Our personal relationship with Christ directs our relationships and our ministries. With your fellow councilors you will be making decisions that will shape the brotherhood we live and the Church we serve. What are the most important decisions that our Province has to make in the next three years? Father Michael: It is perhaps too soon to consider decisions that need to be made. Rather, I hope in the beginning of this triennium we the brothers can focus on commitment. If each day we can commit ourselves more deeply to the tenets of communal and mental prayer as well as our other charisms of fraternity, minority, mission, and justice, peace and care of creation, then whatever choices we need to make will reveal themselves and be made simply. Father Bob: We have been commissioned by the brothers in the Province to be good, faithful, just, caring, and fraternal leaders. Among the priorities that I believe we need to pay special attention to and perhaps devote a significant amount of time and energy to are helping to strengthen our local fraternities, to emphasize the nature and commitment needed in our brotherhood, not the least of which is our devotion in prayer and meditation. Additionally, we need to consider, as the chapter body commissioned us to do, new ways and possibly new ministries directed at serving the poor, the marginalized, the least favored and most forgotten. Providing personnel in our present ministries can be a difficult task; the thought of expanding our Capuchin Franciscan presence through new initiatives may require cutting back in Wherever the brothers are sharing the joy of the Gospel with the people of God, our mission is being accomplished Fr. Michael Greco, Provincial Ministerr The Capuchin Journey 11

12 Fr. Salvatore Cordaro, Provincial Councilor Father Sal joined the Capuchins in 2005, made perpetual profession in 2011 and was ordained in Since 2014 he has been pastor and guardian of Saint Joseph Parish in New Paltz, N.Y. He has a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting from Baruch College (City University of New York), and master of divinity and master of theology degrees from Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, Brighton, Mass. other ministries. Finally, we also have to consider potential ways in which we can strengthen and stabilize our provincial finances. This will require a great reliance on God s Providence as well as carefully examining our ways of fraternal living in a consumer, commodity-driven society. Brother James: I think we need to reinvigorate our common sense of Capuchin mission. We will be taking Solanus Casey as our motivation for this. If we do this, vocations will come more naturally. We will also need to do everything we can to balance the province budget. Father Sal: We will need to focus on strengthening our financial position; reviewing our formation program to make it better able to attract men to our way of life and then help them take on a Capuchin identity and become effective ministers; helping the individual friars and the fraternities to have a stronger life of prayer; helping our brothers to have a better fraternal life; discerning where and how we can best minister to the people of God; and anything else that comes up for the 12 good of the friars and of the Church! Brother Lake: Typically I believe the question how? is more important than what? Our discussions at chapter reminded me that the most fundamental question is why? I believe the most important discernment we will make as a Province is why we do what we do. Apart from the Holy Spirit, and the brothers themselves, who will you be seeking out for guidance as you serve the Province? Father Michael: We are blessed to have so many partners in our life and ministry who offer their support and advice all of the time. We have wonderful men and women who serve on our advisory boards. They dedicate a tremendous amount of time to help us in our mission to serve the church and the world. We are particularly grateful for the members of our Capuchin Franciscan Leadership Council as well as those people serving on our many other councils and committees. In addition, we are fortunate to have many affiliates to our Province who I am happy to call upon for some good advice; and of course, we have many great people who work for the Province. They are a wealth of knowledge. How blessed we are, indeed, to have so many good advisors. Father Bob: As we serve the Province during the next three years, we need to be in conversation with our lay collaborators on the Capuchin Franciscan Leadership Council, with those that we serve in our varied ministries, with other religious communities engaged in the same ministries as ourselves, with others who have expertise in the area of development and marketing, and those who can assist us in the area of strategic, ministerial planning. This could include conversations with officials and council members of the various dioceses where we presently minister. Br. Lake Herman, Provincial Councilor Brother Lake joined the Capuchins in 1999 and made perpetual profession in He was chaplain at Capuchin Youth & Family Ministries from 2005 to Since 2012 he has been a formation director, serving currently as director of the post-novitiate at San Lorenzo Friary, Jamaica Plain, Mass. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University and a master of divinity degree from Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Cambridge, Mass. This is Brother Lake s second term as provincial councilor. Brother James: In addition to guidance from the Holy Spirit and the brothers, I will be asking for the intercession of the saints. We will also be relying on assistance and expertise from our partners, the Capuchin Franciscan Leadership Council. Father Sal: There are many people laypersons and religious who we have had wonderful relationships with over the years and who so graciously share their time and their wisdom with us. We will continue to call upon them to help us discern where we should be going as a Province and how to get there, especially in light of the challenges that affect us as a Province, that is, what is going on in the Church and in the societies and communities and cultures in which we live and minister. It s always important to have someone who is on the outside let us know what they think is going on with us sometimes there are things that we cannot see on our own! Brother Lake: I think you answered

13 your own question. Additionally, it is helpful to remember that God speaks through unexpected sources. As a Province we all need to pay attention especially to the least among us. How might our benefactors and supporters be of assistance to you as you assume your new responsibilities? Father Michael: Prayer is primary. Our Council, our Province and our Missions need the prayers of our friends. All of our life and work must be built on a foundation of prayer. Beyond the sharing of that gift, financial support is always much needed and appreciated. Without the support of our benefactors we will not be able to continue to care for our elderly brothers who have dedicated their lives to furthering the Franciscan mission. Without financial assistance we will not be able to educate our young brothers so that they might bring the Gospel to the world as priests and brothers. Without financial support, we will have to close ministries that help raise people out of poverty and help inspire the young to live the Catholic faith. We simply cannot do this work without the prayerful and generous support of our friends. Father Bob: Our benefactors are extremely important in supporting, encouraging, and expanding the ministerial service we already offer in the Province of St. Mary. They should also be included in those from whom we seek advice and guidance as we serve and lead the Province. Sharing with us their wisdom, passion and faith, together with their time, talent, and treasure would be a valuable service as we continue to reflect on our identity as Capuchin Franciscans at this time in our history, in the places where and among the people whom we serve, and further help us to reflect on why we do what we do for the sake of God s Kingdom. Brother James: First of all, their prayers will be necessary. Given the demographics of the province, we have fewer friars called upon to support so many others. Our ministries, our senior friars, and our student friars could all benefit from passing along the word of our efforts in the name of Christ and His Church to others who may be able to provide assistance to us in our common mission. Father Sal: We humbly ask for the prayers of our benefactors, and we hold them in our prayers as well. We also ask that the people who support us let us know what they are thinking about how the Province is living the Capuchin spirit and charisms in the many places that we serve. Affirmations of what we are doing right are of course welcome, but so are suggestions and constructive critiques, so that we can know what the people we serve are experiencing and, hopefully, see what we can do to act accordingly. Brother Lake: Join us in our brother Solanus Casey s exhortation, Thank God ahead of time! Trust in God s providential goodness and gracious abundance and so live from a deep sense of faith. Through prayer and gratitude we will be mutually supportive in living out our baptismal call in the world today. As a Province, we thank you for your continued support! Enroll in the Capuchin Mission Association An enrollment in the Capuchin Mission Association is an offering given in faith in honor of a loved one to support the Capuchin Friars caring for the poor around the world. In gratitude, the 12,000 Capuchin Friars throughout the world remember in prayer those who generously sacrifice to help spread the Word to the People of God in mission lands. Capuchin Mission Association Members share in: Monthly Novenas in devotion of St. Padre Pio and St. Anthony Daily prayers of Capuchin Franciscan Friars Special Novenas throughout the year The blessings of helping do God s work through the Capuchins missions. To enroll in the Capuchin Mission Association, call the Office of Mission and Development at (212) Ext. 259 The Capuchin Journey 13

14 Preserving the Precious Places St. Michael Restoration Revives Community A s Saint Francis of Assisi began his life of conversion he went to work restoring ruined chapels. At the end of his life, he reminded his brothers that the Eucharist and Scripture, the very body and blood of Christ and the Word of God, were to be safeguarded in churches. I want to have these most holy mysteries honored and venerated above all things and I want to reserve them in precious places, he wrote in 1226 in The Testament. To the Capuchin Franciscans of the Province of Saint Mary falls the responsibility of keeping up the precious places where the faithful may receive the Son of God in his Word and in his body. If you visit Saint Michael Church in Brooklyn, you will find such a becoming place as Francis dreamed You will also find parishioners dedicated, in the words of the pastor, Fr. Michael Sevigny, to trying to touch the hearts of the people to see how precious God s house is. The Capuchins, who served Saint Michael from 1897 to 2002, returned to the parish in What Father Michael discovered was deterioration and dilapidation of the church and its campus. But what he also found was an

15 energy for restoring the glory of the church. Father Michael and the community got to work. Last November, the people noticed that the floors of the church had not been refinished for probably one hundred years. The floors were sanded and varnished in a week s The sanctuary ceiling had suffered from water damage. The community repaired the ceiling, restoring the vivid apse mural of the risen Christ enthroned in majesty. The interior walls needed attention, too. Newly painted, now they shine like pale yellow marble. We put a refreshing face on the church, and it helped to rebuild the community. Fr. Michael Sevigny, Pastor, St. Michael time. This simple act made the church look cleaner and brighter. The parishioners did not stop there. They noticed how many kneelers were patched up and missing screws. They installed new kneelers. The parishioners paid for everything and donated the labor. The floor and kneelers are but one of many improvements made in the last two years. The front doors have been stripped and refinished. The outside firststory windows have been repainted. Planters have been placed in front of the church. Attractive lanterns illuminate the exterior. The community installed air conditioning in July Just before Holy Week this spring, the parish built altar railings to improve accessibility. Previously, the only angel statuary in the sanctuary was a soaring St. Michael the Archangel perched on top of the reredos behind the back altar. Now, thanks to Father Michael, more angels grace the sanctuary. Four flaming-bright figures, a gift from the pastor, adorn the main altar. With a donation, he purchased two tall angels to flank the back altar. The friars have contributed new chalices and liturgical items from their own store to the sacristy, which has been repainted. The friars chapel has been restored as well, with the ceiling fixed and repainted. A little bit at a time, things are becoming Capuchin again, says Father Michael. Improvement in turnout has gone hand in hand with the physical improvements. Attendance at Sunday worship has increased: the 11 o clock Spanish-language Mass is packed, and the 9 o clock English Mass is growing as residents from the African immigrant community join the congregation. We put a refreshing face on [the church] and it helped to rebuild the community, said Father Michael. The people were energetic in supporting this. I did not have to beg for money. It came because the people wanted to do it. The smallest things we do are for His glory. Keeping the house neat and clean and fixed shows that there is love for this place. It is an external expression reflecting an internal love of God. Opposite page, top: Apse mural of Christ in majesty. Left: Visions of angels on the front altar and standing sentry at the back altar. Above: Baptismal font is reflected in the floor parishioners sanded and varnished to mirror-like perfection. The Capuchin Journey 15

16 Fr. Peter Kaseta at this year s provincial chapter. Dedicated to the Church and the Order Fr. Peter Kaseta on a Lifetime of Service Thankfulness. From St. Felix of Cantalice, who sang Deo gratias all the time, to Venerable Solanus Casey, who always said Thank God ahead of time, thankfulness is a hallmark of Capuchin life. Thankfulness was the message Fr. Peter Kaseta preached to the friars during Eucharist on May 16, the second day of provincial chapter in West Hartford, Conn. After nearly 50 years in the priesthood and 58 years as a friar, Father Peter is thankful to God for letting him be of service to the Church. To those discerning religious priesthood as a Capuchin, he says: I am happy in what I am doing for 50 years as a priest. And if that s what they want, a life of service, we have plenty of opportunities. The friars were prominent and visible in the life of the Kaseta family, who lived on Amackassin Terrace in 16 Yonkers. At the end of the street and across Shonnard Place was Sacred Heart Parish. The Sisters of Saint Agnes, who taught at the parish elementary school and high school and were founded by the Capuchins, were intent on forming vocations. On the block of Amackassin Terrace where the Kaseta family lived, no fewer than five young men became Capuchin friars, and two others joined the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. At Sacred Heart, the people were honored to send their sons into the ranks of Capuchin friars. Father Peter remembers when at least one parishioner was ordained every year. By his estimate, there were at one time 50 friars who came from the parish. It was a phenomenal parish for vocations, he said. Peter was one of nine boys from Sacred Heart who entered Glenclyffe, the seminary high school, in Garrison, N.Y., in After graduation he was invested as a novice in Milton, Mass., on Aug. 31, He made his perpetual profession of vows on Sept. 1, 1963 and was ordained to the priesthood on Nov. 11, He recalls that his formation was a priesthood-driven program, and it was separate from formation of the lay friars. Whereas today fraternity is the primary focus of initial formation, at that time ministry and ordination was the focus. The reforms of the Second Vatican Council changed the ground under the friars feet. The call to religious to reclaim the charism of their founders sparked a quick evolution as the Capuchins rediscovered Saint Francis of Assisi and the centrality of brotherhood. Father Peter enjoyed being part of the young fraternity that ministered at Saint Francis Chapel in Spring-

17 field, Mass, in Celebrating three daily Masses and hearing most of the confessions being made by Springfielders, the friars were wellknown and loved. A year later, in 1969, he went to New York City to work under Msgr. William McCormack at the archdiocesan Society for the Propagation of the Faith. His administrative talents caught the eye of Fr. Dacian Dee, the provincial minister, who asked him to found a personnel office. This office aimed to match friars with ministerial assignments that best suited their talents. Father Peter has plied his administrative skills in various capacities. He served as pastor and guardian at the Church of Saint John the Baptist from 1977 to 1982 and then as director of the communications office after his term as pastor ended. At the behest of Fr. Jack Rathschmidt, who became provincial minister in 1987, Father Peter established the development office (merged with the mission office in 1994). He would function as director of development until Since 2002, Father Peter has lived and worked in Maine. Responding to the call for pastors, he accepted an assignment to Saint Joseph Parish in Portland. He served there until 2010, when the church was merged into a parish collaborative and the friars withdrew as administrators. Seeking to maintain a Capuchin presence in the Diocese of Portland, Father Peter kept in touch with the bishop. Eventually, he was appointed parochial vicar for another collaborative, Parish of the Holy Eucharist, while Fr. John McHugh became chaplain at Saint Joseph College in Standish. Together they live at the rectory of St. Gregory the Great in Gray. With provincial chapter concluded, what challenges and opportunities await the friars? Father Peter says the Province needs to evaluate its ministerial commitments from time to time, even its long-standing historical commitments. What are the needs of all the local churches we serve within our Province? How many small dioceses are hurting for lack of priests and religious? Capuchins are uniquely positioned to address the imbalance and go to the frontiers. Another challenge is to discern how to take on ministries without compromising our quality of fraternity. Father Peter prays for an openness among friars to change the way we do ministry in order to put fraternity first. For example, he endorses the idea of clerical friars accepting assignments as parochial vicars. It gives us the flexibility to go to different places and serve without the burden of being pastors or administrators. We can attend to fraternal life and adjust our common schedule of prayer and meals. A third challenge is to answer the call to promote justice, peace, and integrity of creation. Father Peter serves on the social justice committee of his parish collaborative. He says that being a Franciscan gives him the cover to preach a social justice message in a way that is inviting, not intimidating, in the manner of Pope Francis. He foresees immigration rights and protection of health care as matters for which the U.S. bishops will go to battle. The choices we make for stronger fraternity and innovative ministry rest largely with our provincial minister and council, in consultation with the friars. Father Peter hopes that the bishops whose dioceses we serve will look upon our provincial minister as an equal and respect the decisions he and the provincial council make with regard to personnel. Father Peter is thankful because we have friars who are dedicated to the Church and the spirit of the Capuchin order. The Province provides well in every ministry it takes on and always finds the best friars to do the job required. Thus he asks God to call forth men to be friars because I think we have something to say. We have a value the world needs. Father Peter (right) at Saint Anthony Friary, Hudson, N.H., where he studied philosophy. The Capuchin Journey 17

18 I proudly pledge in support of the Province of St. Mary Join us in planting the seeds of our faith, promoting equality of all people, enriching the lives of youth, and giving back to those that so generously dedicated their lives to others. Please make my gift in support of: Where it is needed most Youth and Family Ministries Friars-in-training Overseas Missions Domestic Ministries Our Elder Friars Please choose one of the three options below: I d like to make an outright gift of $. I d like to make a recurring gift, please charge my credit card $ on a monthly basis. I d like to make a multi-year pledge of $. Pledge Date:. Pledge Payment Schedule: $ enclosed today $ on (date) $ on (date) $ on (date) $ on (date) I d like to make my contribution via: Check(s) payable to: The Province of St. Mary Credit card number: Expiration Date: Your Name: Please indicate exactly how you would like your gift to be credited in all Province literature. Signature: I wish for this to remain anonymous Date: Your Address: Your Phone Number: Your Address: If you have any questions, or would like to learn more, please call George Vogel at (212) Ext. 284 or gvogel@capuchin.org. Please sign, date, and return this form in the included envelope or mail to: George Vogel Mission and Development Office Province of St. Mary 110 Shonnard Place Yonkers, NY 10703

19 Province Directory New York St. Joachim Friary 61 Leonard Street Beacon, NY Phone: St. Michael Friary & Parish 282 Warwick Street Brooklyn, NY Phone: St. Joseph The Worker Friary & Parish 510 Narragansett Avenue East Patchogue, NY Phone: Capuchin Youth & Family Ministry 781 Route 9D; PO Box 192 Garrison, NY Phone: St. Fidelis Friary 7790 County Road 153 Interlaken, NY Phone: St. Joseph Friary & Parish 34 South Chestnut Street New Paltz, NY Phone: Capuchin Vocation Office 110 Shonnard Place Yonkers, NY Phone: Capuchin Development Office 110 Shonnard Place Yonkers, NY Phone: Holy Cross Friary & Parish 329 West 42nd Street New York, NY Phone: Good Shepherd Friary & Parish 608 Isham Street New York, NY Phone: Our Lady of Sorrows Friary & Parish 213 Stanton Street New York, NY Phone: St. John the Baptist Friary 213 West 30th Street New York, NY Phone: St. Conrad Friary & Provincialate 30 Gedney Park Drive White Plains, NY Phone: Sacred Heart Friary & Parish 110 Shonnard Place Yonkers, NY Phone: St. Clare Friary 110 Shonnard Place Yonkers, NY Phone: Massachusetts San Lorenzo Friary 15 Montebello Road Jamaica Plain, MA Phone: St. Francis of Assisi Friary 46 Brookside Avenue Jamaica Plain, MA Phone: Connecticut St. Pius X Friary & Parish 310 Westfield Street Middletown, CT Phone: New Hampshire St. Anne St. Augustin Friary & Parish 383 Beech Street Manchester, NH Phone: Maine Capuchin Franciscan Residence 24 North Raymond Road Gray, ME Phone: Vermont St. Peter Friary & Parish 134 Convent Avenue Rutland, VT Phone: California San Lorenzo Friary 1802 Sky Drive; PO Box 247 Santa Ynez, CA Phone: Florida St. John XXIII Friary th Street North Seminole, FL Phone: Custody of the Star of the Sea St. Fidelis Friary 135 Chalan Kapuchino Agana Heights, Guam Phone: Custody of Japan St. Francis Friary & Parish 1 Aza Oroku Naha City, Okinawa Japan Phone: St. Michael Church The Capuchin Journey 19

20 110 SHONNARD PLACE YONKERS, NY NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM ZIP CODE PERMIT NO. 454 Capuchin Mission & Development Office The goal of the Capuchin Development Office is to fund the domestic and international mission of the Province of St. Mary. That mission ranges from support for our own Provincial members ministering here in the United States, to providing assistance to Capuchins serving worldwide. The Province of St. Mary is a leader in generating support for the works of justice and mercy undertaken by Capuchin friars across the globe. If you are interested in supporting our mission, please contact George Vogel at (212) ext. 284 or gvogel@capuchin.org or visit our website at