The St. Anthony Fraternity Newsletter

Transcription

1 The St. Anthony Fraternity Newsletter Fraternity #101 Volume 19 Issue 12 December 2016 From the Outgoing Minister Dear Family, In November, the National Secretary resigned from her position. The National Minister asked that I accept an appointment to fill the vacancy. After prayer and consulting with my husband, I agreed. Please know that I wasn t looking for something new to do.but when God calls, we have to respond. There was a time in my life when I just said no. Now I am trying to say yes to allow God to lead. This means that I will no longer serve as Minister for the St. Anthony Fraternity. I am still a member and will participate in the fraternity gatherings. As envisioned by the OFS Constitutions (see below), Israela will take over as Minister. At the December 2, 2016 Council meeting, the council elected Rex to serve as Vice-Minister and Mary Lou Narvaez to serve in the vacant Councilor position. The transition will be effective on January 1, My time as minister has been so enriching for me personally and a booster shot for my vocation. Thank you for your support! Thank you in advance for giving Israela the same level of support you have given me. She will lead in her own way. She has already shown she is an excellent servant leader. I trust she will serve us very well as Minister. Transitions are never easy. Thank you for your prayers and willingness to assist. I continue to pray for all of you as we journey together following Jesus in the footsteps of St. Francis. Your sister, Jane Spiritual Assistant s Message Dear sisters and brothers in St. Francis-- I remember the first time I read the passage in a biography of St. Francis that dealt with his appreciation of the Feast of Christmas: "I want even the walls to eat meat on that day, and if they cannot, at least on the outside they be rubbed with grease!" ---II Celano CLI:199b (or II 374) The infinitely beloved and removed God the Son would agree to the most holy will of God the Father and "become of human estate." This was gratefully astonishing to il Poverello. Yet, soon, we will again gather to celebrate the glorious Feast of Christ Mass. As an unknown wise person once exclaimed: "Jesus is the reason for the season [of Christmas]." May this Advent Season be cause for us to prepare our hearts to agree to the personal (and challenging) call the Lord speaks to us to more deeply live from life to Gospel, and Gospel to life. Have a merry Mary Christmas Season. Br. Gordon OFS General Constitutions - Vacant Offices. Article When the office of minister remains vacant as a result of death, resignation or other impediment of a definitive character, the vice-minister assumes the office until the end of the term for which the minister was originally elected. 2. If the office of vice-minister becomes vacant, one of the councilors is elected to the office of vice-minister by the council of the fraternity, to serve until the next Our brother, Friar José Luis Peralta, elective chapter. O.F.M., will be ordained a priest. The 3. When the office of councilor becomes vacant, the council will proceed to substitute for him or her in service will take place on Friday, conformity with its own statutes, to serve until the December 9 at 6pm in Holy Family next St. Anthony elective Fraternity chapter. Newsletter December 2016 Church. All are invited. Page 1

2 LET US PRAY FOR Health of all our members, especially: Deacon Charlie, Arturo, Barbara G, Barbara H, Helen, Art and Erma, Mary Lynn, Alcaria, Eva, John and Nancy, Winifred, Joann S, Carol Elliot s family, Margaret M s son, Tommie, Elizabeth, Victor and Rena, Marge and Derek. The soul of Joan Hails (Karen Fellner s mother) who passed away on Nov. 22 and for Karen and her family. Vocations to the Franciscan Orders. The safety of Immigrants and Refugees. Healing after the election and for newly elected officials. The ability to prepare our hearts not just our homes for X-mas. One Minute Blessing for December: For those who are incarcerated. WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LAST GATHERING? Fr. Emeric presided at a Mass at which we remembered our deceased fraternity members and loved ones. Consuelo provided accompaniment. We were blessed to have Alana Butler from Our Lady of Fatima serve as cantor. Thank you to Rena Xuereb for preparing the worship aids. In the Hall, after many members and guests shared about deceased loved ones and together we prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Br. Gordon challenged us to also pray for those in a living purgatory people we know or encounter daily. We discussed how being prepared for death and severe illness (by having a will and a medical directive) are ways to be peacemakers according to Article 19 of our Rule. The Five Wishes document was passed out to assist with a portion of that preparation. Gift bags were prepared for homebound members and friars. Thanks to Tommie and Margaret who coordinated the effort and the many others who brought items for the bags. Thanks to Mary Lou Narvaez for organizing our supplies in the cupboards and drawers! Numerous announcements were made and then finally we were able to enjoy a tasty meal provided by the members of Group 5. Thank you! Calendar Dec 2: Council Meeting, Friary*, 9am Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Dec 9: Ordination of Friar José Luis Peralta, O.F.M., Holy Family Church, 6pm Dec 10: Candidacy and Inquiry Classes, Friary*, 10am-Noon Dec 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec 18: Christmas Creche Sharing, Advent Potluck and Gift Exchange. Friary*, 2pm. (****THIRD SUNDAY****) Dec 25: Nativity of Our Lord Jan 1: Jan 6: Solemnity of Mary Council Meeting, Friary*, 9am Jan 14: Candidacy and Inquiry Classes, Friary*, 10am-Noon Jan 22: Candidacy Class, Friary*, 12:30-2pm Fraternity Gathering, Friary*, 2pm Ongoing Formation: 2016 Quinquennial Congress Presentation Hospitality Group 1: Connie Jo Martinez, Ernestine Sedillo, Tommie Page, Gina Lubeck. St. Anthony Bread: CFR s (monetary donations will be collected) Jan 28: Inquiry Class, Gina s house, 10am- Noon. * Friary = Franciscans, 1350 Lakeview SW, Albuquerque, December Gathering Details: Family members invited, of course! For the sharing regarding the Nativity scene think about which character (human or animal) best represents your walk with Christ this year. To continue to get to know our homebound brothers and sisters, we encourage members to pick a different homebound member to visit with during For the potluck, please bring an item to serve 8 persons in the following category according to the first letter of your last name. A - G: Entree H - M: Dessert N - Z: Salad/Side Dish/Vegetable. If you would like to participate in the gift exchange, please bring a wrapped gift (value $10 or less). St. Anthony Fraternity Newsletter December 2016 Page 2

3 Assisi Trip St. Francis Pilgrimages September 30 October 9, 2017 $1750 ground rate. Airfare to be purchased on your own. Start saving for this incredible trip. ST. FRANCIS PLEDGE Join the Franciscan Action Network in taking the FRANCIS Pledge: Commitment to Civility in Discourse. Commit to: Birthday Blessings to: Gina Lubeck 12/13 Mary Lou Narvaez 12/13 Bernadette MacMillan 12/20 Br. Gordon Boykin 1/19 Jeannette Schlicher 1/21 Helen Slavinski 1/23 Luciana Garcia 1/26 Please with corrections or additions. Thank you. Facilitate a forum for difficult discourse and acknowledge that dialogue can lead to new insight and mutual understanding. Respect the dignity of all people, especially the dignity of those who hold an opposing view. Audit myself and utilize terms or a vocabulary of faith to unite or reconcile rather than divide conflicting positions. Neutralize inflamed conversations by presuming that those with whom we differ are acting in good faith. Collaborate with others and recognize that all human engagement is an opportunity to promote peace. Identify common ground such as similar values or concerns and utilize this as a foundation to build on. Support efforts to clean up provocative language by calling policy makers to their sense of personal integrity. To sign, or for more information, visit: GIFT BAGS FOR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS Thanks to all who contributed to the gift bags for our homebound members and the friars. The bags will be delivered in the upcoming weeks. The Fraternity sends our love and prayers to all of our brothers and sisters. Wishing you a very special Advent Season and a blessed Christmas Celebration. Member Spotlight: Abraham Placencio, OFS Abraham was professed in 2014 and serves on the Prayer Team. He works for St. Martin s Hospitality Center (SMHC) in the Outreach program. To get an idea of his work/ministry, here is a brief summary of an experience with two clients: Stephen and Patrick. While doing outreach in the North Valley with the APD in late January, we came across Stephen and Patrick along the bike path. We stopped to engage them on a cold windy day. They were sleeping in an arroyo nearby. I told them about the Winter shelter but that wasn t an option, because they didn t want to be split up. You see, Patrick is a 90 lb German Shepherd. We gave them some food/supplies and told them about SMHC. Stephen was aware of SMHC but had never been there and didn t know about the services offered. He seemed genuinely interested in services, especially with the simple idea that we could help him get an ID. I gave him a bus pass. It took a week but Stephen came to the Hope Center, alone. His immediate need was an ID and he did not have any supportive documentation. I reached out and obtained his high school transcripts and got him the voucher for his ID. He was blown away at how things can begin to change once he put in the effort. He started coming in more often and would bring Patrick. Stephen had been going to the shelter to eat, shower and do his laundry. As of December 3, 2016, Patrick and Stephen have been in their own apartment for two months. This is why we added SMHC to the rotation for the St. Anthony Bread apostolate. The toiletries we donate are used by the SMHC HOPE Center clients. Thanks for your generosity. St. Anthony Fraternity Newsletter December 2016 Page 3

4 Please complete the status form below. Bring it to the December gathering or mail it to Gerry. Thank you. I, ST. ANTHONY FRATERNITY REQUEST FOR ACTIVE OR EXCUSED STATUS FORM FOR YEAR 2017 Name Address, City, State, Zip Phone Request of St. Anthony Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order, Albuquerque, NM the following status (check one): Active I wish to continue active status with the fraternal responsibilities and contribute according to my means. Excused I am unable to attend monthly fraternity gatherings with my sisters and brothers in the community due to the following reason(s): I understand that this request must be renewed annually and that it does not release me from the other fraternal responsibilities of: 1. An active prayer life including: a. Praying the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) or other forms of prayer and attending daily Mass whenever possible. b. Praying for living or deceased Fraternity members and their families. 2. Contributing to the Common Fund according to my means. 3. Participating in outreach activities to serve the poor or marginalized, whenever possible. Signature of Member whether Active or Excused Date PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM BY December 31, 2016 TO: Gerry Rohrkemper, OFS Humphries Ln. SW Albuquerque, NM Please check box if: Your address or phone number has changed. You need a ride to the monthly Gatherings. You are willing to drive one of your brothers or sisters to the monthly Gathering. This form is sent out to all St. Anthony Fraternity members on a yearly basis. St. Anthony Fraternity Newsletter December 2016 Page 4

5 Financial Statement for: October 2016 November 2016 Beginning Balance $ 1, $ 2, Income Regular Contributions $ $ Endowment Interest $ $ Exceptional Income $ 8.60* - Expense Spiritual Assistant $ $ Infirmarian - $ Council Admin. Supplies $ Newsletter Supplies $ $ Newsletter Postage $ $ Poor Clares $ $ Franciscan Friars $ $ Contingency Fund $ $ Formation - - Exceptional Expenses - - Ending Balance $ 2, $ 2, Contingency Fund $ 1, $ 1, Mass Intentions Remembering Living and Deceased Fraternity Members The Council voted to contribute $50 each month to the Friars which will go towards Mass Intention stipends. The Friars have decided to offer the Mass on Saturday at 9:00am for the living and deceased members of St. Anthony Fraternity. All are welcome to join them for Morning Prayer and Mass immediately following. Number of Donors * $20.00 member donation ($11.40 spent on postcards. Balance of $8.60 deposited.) Mail from Our Sisters in Roswell November 2016 Our dear Brothers and Sisters in St. Francis, On this day we are commemorating all the faithful departed members of the Seraphic Order, as well as the relatives, friends, and benefactors who share in the Franciscan charism by their support, encouragement and devoted love. We are praying for the brothers and sisters of your Fraternity who have crossed the threshold into eternity during these past sixty-five years, asking God to bless them for their spirit of faith and dedication, and to remember the goodness that all of you have shown to your Poor Clare sisters! Both in time and in eternal life, may he reward all of you for your generous charity and faithful assistance to our community. Our annual Eucharistic procession with the Franciscan friars focused our gaze upon eternal values, as we behold in the Sacred Host the One in whom we place all our trust. The day was even more solemn and sacred by the recent death of a beloved friar, Fr. Salvador, whose funeral Mass would take place the following day in Albuquerque. Our new novice, Sister Marie Madeleine of Christ our Hope, is eager to echo the hymn of love and adoration that resounds in the lives of so many faithful Franciscans. We look forward to another investiture ceremony this month in our Chicago daughterhouse, grateful to see the spirit of St. Francis taking root in young hearts. Gratefully, in Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother Mary Angela, PCC (abbess) St. Anthony Fraternity Newsletter December 2016 Page 5

6 Fraternity Contacts MINISTER: Jane DeRose-Bamman OFS (until 12/31/16) VICE MINISTER: Israela Garcia OFS SECRETARY: Gerry Rohrkemper OFS TREASURER: Elizabeth Chavez OFS FORMATION DIRECTOR: Marilyn Migliarini OFS COUNCILOR #1: Tommie Page OFS COUNCILOR #2: Rex Schlicher OFS SPIRITUAL ASSISTANT: Br. Gordon Boykin, OFM INFIRMARIANS: Tommie Page OFS and Margaret Martinez OFS NEWSLETTER: Consuelo Chavez WEBSITE: St. Anthony Fraternity Post Office Box 6881 Albuquerque, New Mexico Our Mission Statement We are the Ordo Franciscanus We, the fraternity of St. Anthony, inspired by the Saecularis (The Secular Franciscan vision of St. Francis, Commit ourselves to the Order) in the United States of America. Gospel as our Way of Life: Going from Gospel to Life and Life to the Gospel. We believe that We live our vocation in Our Lady of we are called to Fraternity to Share a life of joy Guadalupe Empress of the and peace as well as to draw our inspiration from Americas Region. the cross of Jesus as Francis did. We believe we are called to be renewed Our Franciscan Community is the St. continually through the celebration of the Anthony Fraternity located Eucharist and to go forth to rebuild the Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico St. Anthony Fraternity through Newsletter our witness. December 2016 Page 6