The Clarion Newsletter of St. Clare Fraternity, OFS

Transcription

1 The Clarion Newsletter of St. Clare Fraternity, OFS Meeting every 4th 12:40 PM St. William s Ministry Center, Naples, Florida December 17, 2017, Issue 162 Sunday, December 10th, 2017 My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Next Sunday, December 17, we will be meeting at the home of our own Sheila Solomon to have our annual Advent, Pre-Christmas celebration and Fraternity Meeting. How very appropriate that this will also be Gaudete Sunday! The Responsorial Psalm sets the tone for both the day and the season: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near." First we are told to rejoice and then we are given the reason why because the Lord is near. That has certainly been true in my life. When I was away from the Lord, there was no rejoicing or joy in my life. My greatest moments of joy have always been when I have been most aware of God's presence. Earlier today I read a quote attributed to José Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei, that I believe to be true: "Joy is to possess Jesus; unhappiness is to lose him...to find Christ, and to remain in his company, is to possess a deep happiness which is new every day." The first three fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, and peace. Growing in the love of God automatically fills us with joy as surely as getting close to a fire fills us with warmth. And when we have love and joy, we are always at peace, a peace able to endure practically anything. And what is more attractive in a person that the presence of joy? What is more contagious that a friendly smile and a hearty laugh? We all love to be surrounded by joyful people and we usually go out of our way to avoid those who are "downers." My father was great with little proverbs - one I heard quite often was "You can catch more bees with a spoonful of honey than with a barrel of vinegar." Joy is the honey that is most useful in drawing people closer to God and closer to engagement. When I attended my first meeting of the St. Clare Fraternity almost twenty years ago, it was the joy-filled spirit of its Minister at that time, Georgeanne Byrne, that convinced me that I had found a new spiritual community where I would be at home enjoying the joy-filled charism of St. Francis. Fostering a spirit of joy in our Fraternity is the obligation of every member of that Fraternity. I am so delighted that these past two years have seen our Fraternity recapture the joyful spirit that has eluded us for a few years previously. When joy is missing, unity and peace invariably suffer. And again, another of my father's quotes comes to mind: "It only takes a few bad apples to ruin a barrel." The solid evidence that we are once again a most joyful community is the fact that we have six candidates in formation and a few more knocking at the door. Let me end with a quote for Pope St. John Paul II that he addressed to the youth of the world seventeen years ago. His words are certainly appropriate for all of us: It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness. He is waiting for you when nothing else ever satisfies you. He is the beauty to which you are so attracted. It is He who provokes you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise. It is He that urges you to shed the masks of a false life. It is He who reads in your hearts your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle. It is Jesus Fraternity Council Minister: Bill Roché, OFS Vice Minister: Carol Bart, OFS Secretary: Jeanne Sachs, OFS , Cell: Treasurer: Pat Gagnon, OFS Directors of Formation: Jan Snyder, OFS Councilor at large: Cindy Philips, OFS Spiritual Assistant: Deacon Bob Kronyak, OFS cell Clarion Editor: Sheila Solomon sheilasolsfo@gmail.com Please support the Pregnancy Center 1

2 who stirs up in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be grounded down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal. I look forward eagerly to being with you next Sunday as we begin the last full week of Advent and deepen our preparation for the coming of the Blessed Christ Child on Christmas. For those of you who will not be able to be with us, I pray that you will all have a most happy and holy Christmas and that God will bless you abundantly in the coming year. Stay close to Our Blessed Mother, and you will never be far from Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Your brother and servant in Christ, Bill St. Clare, Naples Christmas Gathering Time: 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM Place: Sheila Solomon, OSF 8966 Quarry Drive Naples, Fl Pot Luck See list below * Pat Gagnon, OFS * Roy Eidem, OFS * Bob Kowalski, OFS Please Pray For * Jim and Cyndi and the repose of the soul of their son, Danny. *Ed Duff, OFS *Jiga Piasecki, OFS *Gisela Schwab, OFS *Michael Stuart, OFS *Carol Gillispie, OFS and her son * Bob and Christine Pekar * Carol Bart s son-in-law, Geoff Lam * Caterina DiMieri, OFS * Louis DeFrancesca * Jim Grant Deceased Jim Prior, OFS * Virginia (Ginny) Kronyak, Deacon Bob s daughter Hospitality December 17 Janet and Roy BBQ Ribs George and Lamia Oriental Rice and Chicken Jan Meatball Sandwiches Jeanne Green Beans Luca Roasted? Mars Salad Bill Greek salad Cindy Cake Margie Cookies Pat Brownies Carol? Ice Tea David Bowen Stuffed bread Sheila Paper products, condiment, wine, beer, coffee, dressings January 28, 2018 Entrée Jeanne Sachs Beverage/dessert Janet Eidem 2

3 Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Matthews House, Naples, FL From the moment I walked through the gates at St Mats, I was enveloped with joy, peace and fellowship-those things for which we yearn and often seem so remote. The day was beautiful and balmy. Governor Rick Scott and his wife came. Father Michael Orsi came. Volunteers came in all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. They shared smiles and a joy that could cover the earth. They possessed the love of Jesus for one another. Residents and nonresidents came. They, too, shared smiles and offered us a welcoming way. They possessed the love of Jesus for one another and for us. The volunteer coordinator Ronnie Sopena welcomed us and introduced us to Chef Christopher who gave us dining room instructions. He focused on our getting to know the guests. Ronnie asked Father Orsi to lead us in prayer. We all joined hands in the lobby area and also in the kitchen before we began to serve. We formed a large circle, or rather, a winding line of happy persons. Ready, set, go!!! The residents were outside. Some of us went outside to talk with them. Father Orsi was the one who initiated the interaction; we followed. I started by going up to residents, shaking their hands, introducing myself and asking their names. Larry was one of the first. He wore a red shirt and a huge smile. He was a comedian with a huge heart. He had been into drugs, but before that had gotten his culinary degree. He showed me his chef card. There was Larry #2, Ernesto, Michael, Andre and more. I saw Maureen, who I met in the Golden Gate HS gym Shelter" during Irma and now see at my job - she works in the same place. Larry in the red shirt was so ingratiating. He said to me, If you remember everyone s name, I will really be impressed." Always ready to meet a challenge, Larry brought a dimension to my day I had not anticipated. Larry engaged me. He was so complimentary. He was so thankful. He made me smile. He made me feel like I was the most important person on the face of the earth. Larry said to me, This is real. This is how it should be in life. There was an inside and an outside dining area. The inside dining is air-conditioned. The outside is a beautiful screened porch with tables. Both were set up like a five star restaurant with tablecloths, holiday place mats, colorful napkins and fresh flowers on every table. We served a beautiful salad, a huge plate of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans in a sauce, bread and butter and cranberry sauce-a special recipe. It was delicious. There were wonderful pies-dutch apple, pumpkin and cranberrywith whipped cream, if desired. How do I know? After we served, we could elect to eat Thanksgiving Dinner. Linda, Linda, called a voice. Who could it be? From the kitchen serving area I saw the smiling face I now know so well - our very own minister Bill and his lovely wife, Doris. Side by side, they were part of the kitchen staff, preparing our feast. When it was time for the volunteers to eat, I sat down inside with some of the residents. We introduced ourselves. Across from me was a handsome thin man named Joe. He was maybe in his fifties. He was quiet, yet polite. As soon as I got to the table, it registered in my head that he had such a nice presence. We all shared conversation. Joe and I were the last ones from our group at the table. I was eating my meal. (I ate every morsel.) Suddenly Joe and I were talking about God, about Joe, about our experiences with God. Joe showed me a picture of him in the hospital only six weeks earlier. He had overdosed, and he was not expected to live. The picture of him in the hospital with all the tubes and crunched up was electrifying. I mean, it was a picture on a cell phone, not in a magazine, newspaper or television. It was so real. Joe s sister, who did not live nearby, came to the hospital right away. Joe said, I was really surprised she came to the hospital. Joe came to St. Matthews, where he has been discipled. But here s the thing - Joe was raised Catholic. He loved his faith and always felt close to God. Then other things happened in his life, and Joe and God lost contact. Joe said his sister just kept talking about God and that He would take care of everything. Joe said to her, I did not know you were so religious and loved God so. This was her response, I tried to tell you and tell you about God, but you did not hear me. You were not listening." Joe said he died many times in the hospital. When he woke up the first thing he said was, God, I surrender my life to you. Joe said to me. I had no idea where that came from. Now I know it was the Holy Spirit." Joe started a job on Monday, November 27, right after the Thanksgiving weekend. All this, was just six weeks ago Joe and God are really close. He says that after what God did for him, he only wants to please God. They talk all the time. He life has been transformed. No more fights; no more anger. Joe has helped to turn other guys around because they witness how he is now Christ-like. Joe explained to me, I tell God, I want more." Quiet tears, holding hands, a friendship forged from being sister and brother-we hugged goodbye. I will be seeing Joe on Thursday nights. We already have a date" at St Mats. Larry will be there, I am sure and all the other best buds I now have at St. Mats. Everybody thanked me for spending my Thanksgiving with them. Beaming ear to ear, I thanked them. I told them it was my Thanksgiving too. It is just me, and I got to spend it with the greatest guys and gals, serve a restaurant style dinner, with tips of hugs, smiles, laughter and loving words of Thank you. At every step. I enjoyed a dinner that was a Thanksgiving feast, and I did not cook a thing! The surprise God had for me was sitting across from Joe. Joe said he doesn t usually open up. He did that day. Joe said to me, "I am surprised I opened up to you like that. I do not usually do that. For Joe, this is just the beginning. Joe was not listening to his sister when she spoke of God. He is listening now. God cannot be outdone in His generosity. AMEN! 3

4 Post Script: I served last Thursday night at St Mats. I was hoping to see Joe and all the other residents. I did see a lot of the residents. I did see Joe. We shared dinner together sitting across from one another and we shared more conversation. Bill and Doris Roche Thanksgiving at St. Matthews House. Right of Admission for our newest candidate, Luca Hickman. Franciscan Saints December 15 - Mary Queen of the Seraphic Order December 26 - St. Albert Chmielowski, religious of the Third-Order Regular December 31 - St. Gaspard Buffalo, Priest, Franciscan Third Order Secular st January 7 St. Thomas de Cori, priest, religious of the Franciscan 1 Order January 12 - St. Bernard of Corleone, Capuchin religious, Our December Gathering will be December 17, 2017 January 28, 2018 Ongoing formation Sheila Solomon, Session #5 February 25, 2018 Visitation (should carry on as usual) Our March Gathering will be March 18, 2018 December Birthdays and Professions No December Professions 12/11 Janet Eidem 4

5 TREASURER'S CORNER, ST CLARE FRATERNITY FINANCIAL REPORT NOV 2017 Beginning Balance $4,176 Income: Common Fund $ 345 Special Collection Hurricane IRMA Relief $ 402 Expenses: Donation to St Matthews $ 200 Donation Poor Clare $ 400 St. Williams meeting room $ 600 St. Vincent from fraternity $ 200 St. Vincent from collection $ 279 Catholic Charities from Frat $ 200 Catholic Charities collection $ 126 Ending Balance $ 2,918 Thank you for your generosity. If you are unable to attend the meeting please send your monthly donation to my attention at: St Clare Fraternity c/o Patricia Gagnon, OFS 23 Grouper Dr. Naples, FL FAIR SHARE REMINDER. The Fair Share will remain at $55 for the year Payment should be made before March 1. Professed members as well as candidates are required to pay their Fair Share that will be sent to the region. Thank you sincerely. SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR HURRICANE IRMA RELIEF FUND. A Special thank you for your generosity for donations collected to help the poor and needy in our area as a result of Hurricane IRMA. St Vincent DePaul said It is our obligation for us to inconvenience ourselves for the service of the poor. I believe our Franciscan Spirit was demonstrated, as a result of the collective efforts and donations from NAFRA, Five Franciscan Martyrs Region, Saint Clare Fraternity and individual contributors. A total of $4,500 was donated. These funds were distributed equally between Catholic Charities of Collier County and the St. Vincent DePaul Society of Naples to help the surrounding communities. From St. Vincent: Thank you for the aid to the poor we all serve in concrete assistance and prayer. You know what a disaster Hurricane IRMA was to so many including SVDP which, while it affected individuals in the community, it also impacted the Society s ability to finance the services that people in Naples have depended on. The number of meals distributed to the home bound through our Meals on Wheels Program was reduced. The amounts available for rent, food and utilities were similarly limited, because of the destruction of our Thrift Shop on Davis Road. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and will be put to good use. From Catholic Charities: Thank you so much for the generous donations to help support the Hurricane Irma Disaster Relief Efforts. We know you are aware that many members of our community are struggling. The demand for assistance in maintaining utilities, obtaining life sustaining prescriptions and receiving food and counseling has increased dramatically. Your donations will go a long way in helping us meet the challenge. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Please know that many men, women and children who do not know you will give thanks to Him through your generosity. 5

6 Generous With Their Time and Talents Seven Sisters Apostolate Carol Bart Every Tuesday I pray for an hour in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. My prayer during this Holy Hour is exclusively for one particular priest. I have made this commitment through the Seven Sisters Apostolate. This apostolate was started in 2010 in St. Paul, Minnesota by Janette Howe and has now spread to other states. At the beginning, this apostolate served pastors. It now also serves Archbishops, Bishops, associate priests, retired priests, hospital Chaplains, Seminary Rectors, spiritual directors-all priests. Seven women commit to praying for a particular priest-each on a distinct day of the week. In this way, they cover a complete week. The commitment is not to a particular hour but a particular day. The Seven Sisters are asked to secure their own coverage if they are unable to offer the Holy Hour. The women commit for a year and continue on as they sense the call to do so. In Ave Maria there are several core groups. Each group prays for a particular priest. Each group has an anchoress (term from the Middle Ages). She is a contact person for her group. As the anchoress for my group. I have passed along messages and meditations that Janette sends to the sisters. I am truly blessed to be able to offer this prayerful support for my priest. The Seven Sisters Apostolate is under the tri-patronage of Madonna of the Grapes, St. John Vianney and St. Margaret Clitherow. Madonna of the Grapes, St. John Vianney, and St. Margaret Clitherow pray for us and guide us in our prayers! Next month Mars Reid Huffy will share a ministry that she is very excited about! Do we have a volunteer for the month of February? What would the season be without a mention of Greccio. Greccio is special to me because the Friars at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, MD always put on a living Nativity and my previous fraternity helped. A local farm brought several sheep, a llama, and donkey to live at the Shrine for the weekend of the play. Unknown to us, at the farm the llama took it upon himself to watch over the sheep. We learned how seriously he took this job when one evening after being penned in the back of the courtyard (while the sheep were on stage with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus) he escaped and made his way through the crowd of surprised spectators to his lost sheep. I still laugh at the vision I have of looking out over the crowd and seeing the brown head of llama peaking out. About Greccio and Saint Francis In 1224, remembering his visit to the Holy Land (especially Bethlehem), Saint Francis of Assisi had the idea to replicate the manger scene in his native Italy. He had a good friend, Giovanni (John) Vellita, whom he had met on one of his preaching tours. John was a military man and Lord of Greccio, just two miles away. John had renounced the ways of the world and was a follower of Francis John began immediately. People prepared torches and candles to light up the night. The manger was prepared in the cave, and the ox and ass brought in. When Saint Francis came to the friars hermitage he was delighted. The great evening arrived. People began to come in procession, carrying their torches and candles. Thus began the tradition of the manger scene (or Presepio, as it is known in Italy). The idea of re-creating a manger scene soon spread throughout Catholic Europe. 6