AROUND THE PROVINCE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF THE PROVINCE OF THE SACRED HEART June 18, 2013 —
[email protected]
...continued from June 11, 2013 Article and photos: Pepe
Which, do you think is the best way to start? If we go back to our Franciscan identity we will recall that we make our solemn profession to the Order of Friars Minor, not to a [specific] province. The identity in our province is very important, because we can’t live universally. We live locally. The advantage of restructuring is that it helps us to live what Bob Schriter [professor at CTU] calls “globcally.” That means to have a global sense of ourselves in the world as an Order and trying to incarnate it locally, but never losing the sense of the global identify that we share as brothers. Because of the global identity that we share as brothers, automatically we should be able to find ways to live across provinces. What really matters is not the restructuring process; it is not about numbers only. Numbers are pushing us, perhaps in some ways even to expand the number of provinces because of growing areas, or to reduce the number of provinces because of diminishing numbers [of friars]. It is about allowing ourselves as each individual friar together, to be able to allow the restructuring process to help us restructure ourselves. We begin with each friar making a commitment to deepen his commitment to the gospel life. From that point, then we need to find ways how we can respond more effectively, so that the gospel life in the context of the USA,
can carry forth the identity and mission of Franciscans here in the USA and globally. Would you send some words to the friars during this time of “restructuring”?? Four years ago, the brothers of the Sacred Heart Province had the courage to accept somebody who was living outside the province for many years, working in international development, working in Africa, working in the Bishops conference, and working at Franciscans international, to serve as provincial. Today, the words that I call the friars to put in their minds and hearts is “Be not afraid.” And I want to repeat those words again “Be not afraid!” Trust the spirit. God is with us and the future is going to be different because everything is different. It is OK. The Gospel will get us there. Jesus will get us there. If we hold tight to one another, we will get there
if we keep reaching out, not just closing in on ourselves, but to reaching out to the brothers internationally across the globe and across the USA, and to the people of God. So we go out as Francis called us to do, not to stay locked up and be afraid to move. We go out to let God take us some place that will get us where we need to be. I am not worried about how it is going to be done. We will get there. Whether it will be 20 provinces in the USA, whether there will be only a few provinces in the US, that is not the point. The point is we need to step up, we need to even encourage one another, from the grassroots to the top leadership. We need to encourage each other to be bold… and to be faithful, and to do it together… We will get there….
“Be not afraid.” Below: Glenn Phillips with Mike
Franciscans Making News: Friar Wayne Hellman, O.F.M.,Conv.* will be directing two retreats for all friars this Fall. From Thurs. Sept. 26 (7:30 PM) to Sat. Sept. 28 (Noon) a retreat entitled Our Vocation As Gospel Preachers will be at the Il Ritiro Franciscan Retreat Center in Dittmer, MO. During the four conferences, Wayne will reflect on our preaching ministry in the light of our Franciscan Traditionthat began with Francis of Assisi. The cost is $165. (or two for $300.) Please call (636) 274-0554 or email
[email protected] to register. Oct. 28-Nov. 2, 2013 Wayne will be presenting a Retreat on Contemplative Prayer at the Interprovincial Contemplative Prayer Fraternity in Ava, MO. Suggested readings and CD's will be used by retreatants on Mon. & Tues. Wayne will be present from Wed. Sat. Suggested fee is $50.00 a day. Please call (417) 683-4303 to register or for more information. *Friar Wayne Hellman is a Conventual Franciscan of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation. He is Professor of Historical Theology at St. Louis University, where he served as chair of the Dept. of Theological Studies for many years. He was also the co-editor of the three volume series, Francis of Assisi (1999-2001). Many friars remember him when he taught at the Franciscan Institute, St. Bonaventure. Photo: https://www.nowyouknowmedia.com/professors/fr-j-a-waynehellmann-o-f-m-conv-d-theol.html
Our very own Justin Belitz was featured in the June Edition of the Saint Anthony Messenger. The topic of the article is on How to approach Mental Prayer from a Franciscan Perspective. Congratulations, Justin!! Photo: St. Anthony Messenger—JUNE
A Thank you note from Adrian Fischer: Thanks to the friars who sent cards, words of comfort and prayers for my family at the death of my brother, Fr. Henry. I especially appreciate the friars who came to the visitation or funeral; it meant so much to the family.
This Week in SHP History
June 16, 1885— Poor Clare Monastery in New Orleans was founded. June 20, 1993—Interprovincial Novitiate begins at San Damiano Friary, Cedar Lake, Indiana with eleven novices from three provinces.
I have twelve two volume sets of the People's Companion to the Breviary (using inclusive language) published by the Carmelites in Indianapolis in 1997. They're free for anyone who wants them. Al Merz —
[email protected].
June 20 June 23 June 23 June 23 June 24
Fred Schneider (90) Greg Bumm (71) R. Justin Huber (69) Douglas Collins (48) Jim Hoffman (75)
Please Pray For:
†We received word that Fr. Harold Ripperger, pastor of St. Rose of Lima in Franklin, Indiana died on June 8 at the age of 81. Harold used to visit the novitiate. Novices from the late 80's will remember him. Herb Jones, Pastor of Espada and Cabrini parishes in San Antonio, was recently hospitalized for foot surgery. Everything seems to have gone well with the operation, and he is back at the friary recovering.
INVITATION Part-time Priest Chaplain Sponsored by the Felician Sisters, Felician Village, a leading senior living community of care located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, seeks a part-time, compassionate, spiritually mature Catholic Priest Chaplain. This priest chaplain will join the pastoral care team providing exceptional spiritual care to our residents, resident’s families, staff members and volunteers. The primary role of the Felician Village Chaplain is to provide spiritual support and comfort for the residents and families of the Community. Living out the Mission and Core Values of the Felician Sisters, the chaplain should be available to offer comfort to the individual as well as the family, supporting them with full presence and compassion. In addition, the Chaplain will be available to celebrate Mass with and for the community of Felician Village on a semi-regular basis.
Catholic Priest required. A minimum of 1-2 years prior spiritual care experience is required. Must have strong interpersonal and written/oral skills to interact effectively with residents, resident’s families, visitors, and staff. Ability to safeguard confidences. Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment. Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and compassionate caring with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of the Felician Sisters. Please call the provincial office for further information: 314. 353.7470
- "All are invited to a gathering for Fr. Louis Antl, O.F.M., to celebrate his 65th sacerdotal anniversary on Sunday, June 23, 2013, at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, 1201 Wyoming Avenue, Joliet, Illinois, from 2 to 3:30 P.M." Thanks, Jerry Bleem.
Around The Province—Weekly Newsletter of the Franciscan Province of the Sacred Heart—Thom Smith, OFM /Pepe Martínez, OFM— Office of Communications—3140 Meramec Street, Saint Louis, MO 63118-4399 Thom 314-655-0550—
[email protected]—Pepe 815-272-3907—
[email protected]
