OFS Newsletter, May 2018 Page 1

May 2018 Issue

MEETING MINUTES - May 4th

Attended: Brenda Berry, Robin Donner, Br John Mary Kaspari, Anne Keller, Br Pio King, Jeannie Kratzer, Janet Lukesh, Mary Makowski, Mary Marshall, Eileen Moore, Will Moore, Chuck Roach, Mike Ross, John Rosensteel, Marlene Skavnak, Steve Smith, Debbie Watson. Aspirants: Andrena Guines, Karen Nelson. Visitors: Bob Brenneman, Scott Rooney.

Thank you, active members, for notifying a council member when you are unable to attend.

You are in our prayers.

Opening: Steve lead us in opening prayer. Andrena shared a reflection on Article 5 of the Rule. (See p 2)

The Minutes from the April meeting were approved as written.

April Financial Report (Robin): Checking Starting Balance: $1370.70 April Common fund contributions: +154.00 Franciscan Brothers of Peace (quarterly): -50.00 Spiritual Assistant (quarterly): -25.00 Hospitality expenses -50.00 Donation to Amazon Relief -100.00 Checking Ending Balance: $1299.70

Savings Balance: $451.61 The financial report was approved.

Member news: Brenda shared news and prayer requests of those unable to attend.

Initial Formation report (Jeannie): Profession for Mike Bartel is on hold as he deals with health issues. He is in our prayers. We discussed having an orientation session for those ready to start initial formation. (see p 2)

Fraternity of Mary, Queen of Peace

Secular FranciscanOrder Newsletter

Apostolates:

Nursing Home Ministry: The Estates at Lynnhurst

471 W. Lynnhurst Ave, St Paul, MN 55104 Wednesday, May 16th, 6:30pm

Little Sisters of the Poor 330 Exchange St. South, St Paul, MN 55102

Thursday, May 24th, 6:30pm

The Little Sisters of the Poor always appreciate sacramentals, i.e. rosaries, medals, scapulars, etc., for their residents. Donations are gratefully accepted at the reception desk.

BINGO events at Lynnhurst are on hold as we work with the facility to find a workable schedule. Region Events: • Nine of us attended the Region Spring Gathering in

April in Little Falls. James Flickinger of AMAZON RELIEF “serving the poorest of the poor” challenged us to grow in our relationship with God and to be sensitive to what God is calling each one of us to do. AMAZON RELIEF is supported by NAFRA. Our Fraternity also gave a donation.

• The Annual Regional Ministers Gathering will be June 1-3 at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo. Steve and other Council members plan to attend.

The Brothers’ report: Brother John Mary is appreciative of all our prayers for him during his sabbatical. He is feeling refreshed. See page 4 for information regarding Brother Seraphim’s ordination to the Transitional Deaconate on May 12th and his first Mass on May 13th. The Brothers will have a Chapter meeting and elections on Pentecost Sunday, May 20th. Keep them in your prayers.

OFS Newsletter, May 2018 Page 2

Ongoing Formation: After the Holy Hour and refreshments, we broke into three groups for inspiring discussions of the Sunday readings and the second half of Chapter 5 of The Perfect Joy of Saint Francis. Thank you to Steve, Anne, and Jeannie for facilitating the groups.

We returned as one group for intercessory prayer and concluded with the National Prayer for OFS Vocations.

OFS INITIAL FORMATION ORIENTATION:

Friday, May 18th, 7-9 pm Queen of Peace Friary

1289 LaFond Ave, St. Paul (in the basement) We are happy for those who are responding to the call to learn about the Secular Franciscan Way of

Life – following the example of Saint Francis. If you have questions, contact Jeannie Kratzer:

612-406-9387 (cell) or jlok68@gmail.com.

“MUTUAL INVITATION” CALLED BY NAME TO SHARE

A Fraternity may use a modified form of the Mutual Invitation form of sharing so all its members have a chance to share their thoughts in a safe and non-threatening environment. 1. The Leader begins the reading or a question, and

then calls a member by name to share. a. The member called has 3 choices.

i. Share ii. Pass for now – not ready to share,

but will have a chance to share at the end of all the sharing.

iii. Pass – does not care to share. b. The member sharing then calls the next

member to share by name. c. This continues until all members have been

called and all those members who have “passed for now” have been called on again.

2. No one can share twice until all members have shared. -------------------------------------------------------- Rule Sharing by Andrena: Article 5: Secular Franciscans, therefore, should seek to encounter the living and active person of Christ in their brothers and sisters, in Sacred Scripture, in the Church, and in liturgical activity. The faith of Saint Francis, who often said, “I see nothing bodily of the Most High Son of God in this world except his most holy body and blood,” should be the inspiration and pattern of their Eucharistic life.

Andrena reflected that we live the Eucharistic life in the Church, the body of Christ, which integrates all peoples, “Jews and Greeks”, alike. We embody the Rule in our lives as we care for the “least of these”.

Meetings: (located at Queen of Peace Friary)

May Council Meeting: Sunday, May 6th, 1:30 – 3:00pm

Initial Formation Orientation: Friday, May 18th, 7:00 – 9:00pm

Regular Fraternity Meeting: Friday, June 1st

Business meeting 6:30pm

Sharing of Rule: Eileen (with Anne as back-up)

Franciscan Holy Hour 7:00pm followed by refreshments and social time.

Treats by Norma and Chuck

Ongoing Formation 8:30 – 9:30pm Mass Readings for Sunday, June 3rd

Chapter 6 of The Perfect Joy of Saint Francis “A Holy Love Song” pp 130 - 136

June Council Meeting:

Sunday, June 10th, 7:00 – 8:30pm

All professed members are encouraged to attend

Brother James – 5/17 John Paskiewicz – 6/5

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, May 2018 Page 3

Study questions for our June 1st meeting: THE PERFECT JOY OF SAINT FRANCIS

Chapter 6, A HOLY LOVE SONG, pg. 130-136

In the 2nd half of Chapter 5, The Franciscan Order continues to grow both physically and spiritually. As a result there are new challenges on many levels. They continue to grow spiritually in their hearts and learn to embrace the Life of Poverty with Joy. Now, in Chapter 6, St. Francis is asked to bring in a new, unexpected disciple into his Franciscan community of men. It is a woman named Clare Offreduccio, daughter of a rich nobleman of Assisi, who was destined for marriage to a rich nobleman. She felt called by the Holy Spirit to join St. Francis' community even though it was totally unacceptable to both her family and her culture. This chapter explores St. Francis response to this request. 1) What was Francis' relationship with Clare personally and spiritually? Pg.130-132. 2) What was Clare's request, and why? How did St. Francis respond to it and the Brothers respond to it? Pg. 132-133. 3) How was Clare accepted into the Franciscan Community, and what adjustments were made to accept her, and why was it secret? Pg. 134-136. 4) What did the acceptance of Clare into the Brothers Minor mark the beginning of and what did it mean long term? ------------------------------------------------------

May Prayer requests: Apostolates: • For God’s blessings on the apostolates of the

Franciscan Brothers of Peace and for guidance as they obtain a larger building for their Novice Friary.

• For blessings on all those whom we visit in the nursing homes.

For the needs of members of the Fraternity and the Brothers: • For the needs of all those unable to attend the

meeting. • That we will have a deeper love for the Eucharist. • For all those who are discerning OFS formation. • For all those with acute or chronic health

conditions, that they will experience consolation

and healing - including Eugene, Frank, Janet, Norma, Mike Gross, Connie, Br Joseph as well as:

o For healing for Mike Bartel who had surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes in his neck and for guidance in the formulation of a treatment plan.

o For Janie as she copes with chronic pain. o For continued healing of Debbie’s hip. o For Jeannie who has pain due to a pelvic

fracture. • In thanksgiving for Br John Mary’s return from

his refreshing sabbatical. • For spiritual growth and wisdom for Brothers

James and Seraphim in their seminary studies. • For Brother Seraphim as he is ordained to the

Transitional Deaconate on May 12th. • For the Brothers’ preparation for the upcoming

Chapter with nominations on May 13th and elections on May 20th.

For all our family members and friends who are dear to our heart and in need of our prayers. • For recovery from addictions. • For a return to the faith. • For the 160 medical students who just graduated

from the University of Minnesota Medical School. • For a young father, Ross Oden, son of our friend

Dale, who has been hospitalized for over 3 months with heart failure. For provision for his family during the long road to recovery. https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rossoden

• For Troy Kelly (Br Benedict) who recently became paralyzed.

• For blessings on Brenda’s daughter turning 40 and for her granddaughter attending Prom.

• For jobs for Will’s family members. • For healing for Debbie’s sister and for a friend.

For our country and our world. • For all those suffering from the volcanic eruption

in Hawaii. • For the US to return to God. • For those in the southwest who are suffering from

drought and forest fire danger. • For protection for persecuted Christians around

the world. • For God’s protection for refugees in the middle

east and for an end to war and suffering.

OFS Newsletter, May 2018 Page 4

From Brother Conrad: Dear Friends, Easter 2018 Christ Is Risen! Indeed He Is Risen!

We are pleased to announce that Brother Seraphim Wirth, fbp has received his Call to Orders for ordination to the transitional diaconate fromThe Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

The ordination will take place on Saturday, May 12th, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All are welcome to attend!

Brother Seraphim will be the first ordained brother in our community, and will serve the sacramental needs of the brotherhood as well as those whom we serve through our apostolates. His next step will be to complete one more year of seminary before priestly ordination.

Brother Seraphim's first and primary vocation is to consecrated religious life as a brother, lived through the lifetime profession of the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience. His additional vocation to Holy Orders makes possible the ability to bring Jesus to others and others to Jesus through preaching and the Sacraments.

Please join us in congratulating Brother Seraphim throughyour prayers and goodwill!

Sketch in Pencil by FBP Postulant, John Paskiewicz

(Contact Chuck if you would like to car-pool to the Basilica from the Friary at 9:00am: 612-801-8990.)

First Holy Mass serving as Deacon: Sunday, May 13th at 9:00 am at Church of St Casimir, 934 Geranium Ave E, Saint Paul.

A luncheon will follow.

OFS Newsletter, May 2018 Page 5

JUNE 3, 2018 TheSolemnityoftheMostHolyBodyandBloodofChrist Reading 1 EX 24:3-8 When Moses came to the people and related all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all answered with one voice, "We will do everything that the LORD has told us." Moses then wrote down all the words of the LORD and, rising early the next day, he erected at the foot of the mountain an altar and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. Then, having sent certain young men of the Israelites to offer holocausts and sacrifice young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD, Moses took half of the blood and put it in large bowls; the other half he splashed on the altar. Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people, who answered, "All that the LORD has said, we will heed and do." Then he took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words of his."

Sequence Lauda Sion Lo! the angel’s food is given To the pilgrim who has striven; see the children’s bread from heaven, which on dogs may not be spent.

Truth the ancient types fulfilling, Isaac bound, a victim willing, Paschal lamb, its lifeblood spilling, manna to the fathers sent.

Very bread, good shepherd, tend us, Jesu, of your love befriend us, You refresh us, you defend us, Your eternal goodness send us In the land of life to see.

You who all things can and know, Who on earth such food bestow, Grant us with your saints, though lowest, Where the heav’nly feast you show, Fellow heirs and guests to be. Amen. Alleluia.

Gospel MK14 :12-16 , 22 -26 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?" He sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there." The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover. While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

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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