Troubadours of St. Clare Fraternity News and Views
Dear Troubadours,
Summer 2019 has come and gone. I hardly remember it.
We have a very busy fall in front of us as well. Please check the calendar on our web site for more detailed information.
There are several dates that we don’t want to miss:
This coming October 3rd the Fraternity will gather together for the Transitus Celebration at St. Bonaventure Monastery on Mt. Elliott, Detroit.
Our Council meeting will take place at Marie’s home on Monday, October 7, at 9:00 am. This is not a private meeting. All are invited.
Our Next Fraternity gathering is at St. Lucy’s on Tuesday, October 8th at 6:30 pm. Br. George is going to talk a bit on what the Transitus of St. Francis is all about (reminder for Br. George). We will have a welcoming ceremony for Lori and Sally (it’s in your ritual) and who is bringing the refreshments—check the web site calendar.
Kathy and I will be traveling to Corpus Christi October 15 - 20 for the OFS-USA National Chapter. Please keep us and the entire National Fraternity in your prayers.
Divine Mercy Region’s annual Formation Day is Saturday, October 26. You need to register for this event in advance. The cost is $25.00 per person. This year’s topic is J.P.I.C. (Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation) oriented. It would be great if everyone could make it. Click on the links in the article below to register. If you have any problems please let Jerry or I know.
On a separate note, I have attached below an action item from the USCCB (United States Council of Catholic Bishops) “JUSTICE FOR IMMIGRANTS” web site regarding the Bishops’ desire to “Protect Refugee Resettlement”. Please click on the links and take action as requested by the USCCB.
From Br. George Kooran OFM Cap.
Thu, Sep 5, 10:24 AM
Here is a link to the need and form of a renewed understanding of Priestly self-understanding and formation.
Highlights the Lay ministry and it's relevance too
One last Important item.
I listen to Podcast regularly. They help me keep grounded. They help keep me up to date with what the church is teaching as well as help clarify in all the haze and polarization we are living through today what we as Franciscans should be about. There is a “Franciscan” Podcast that I find extremely helpful. It is called “The Francis Effect”. The latest episode I recommend you listen to. Call it Ongoing formation of extra credit. It is included below.
Peace and Fraternal Prayers and Blessings
Mike
“The Fruits of Daily Conversion”
When: Saturday, October 26, 2019
Registration: Begins at 8:30 a.m.
Gathering: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Saginaw Ministry Center (Corner of Weiss & Wieneke Streets)
5802 Weiss Street, Saginaw, MI 48603
Invited: All people who are in formation, Professed Franciscans & Formation Team Members, are asked to join us at the Regional Annual Formation Day!
Focus: The Fruits of Daily Conversion!
Guest Speakers: Br. Robert Wotypka OFM Cap
Executive Director Capuchin Community Services and Joe Makley OFS, Regional Vice Minister St. Elizabeth of Hungary Region / New England
This year at our annual day of formation, we will be looking at ways to put our Franciscan call into action! Please consider joining us for this informative and experiential day away with your Franciscan sisters and brothers! It is often hard to regulate the temperature in our meeting room, so please plan on bringing a sweater in case one is needed. Do plan on attending as we look forward to seeing all of you there!
The option for Saturday Mass after the Gathering for those who would like to attend, is the 4pm evening Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church located a mile from the center at 5376 State St., in Saginaw. We will have directions available for those opting to attend.
Conference Fee: $25.00 per attendee covers costs of a continental breakfast, lunch and keynote speakers. However, if you would like to contribute more than the required $25, and make a charitable contribution to the Divine Mercy Region, please do so as it is appreciated!
Please complete the Registration Form (on Fraternity Documents page - Direct link here) for each attendee and send it with the minimum $25 Conference Fee per person (checks payable to: Secular Franciscan Order, Divine Mercy Region) to: Michelle Bryk, OFS, 2229 Shetland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 19th! Please note there are no refunds after this date, and if applicable an additional $10 late registration
fee will be required. Any questions please call or email Michelle Bryk at 616-361-8489 or michellebofs@gmail.com
Overnight Fee: If you’d like to arrive Friday, October 25, 2019, then please check that option on the Registration Form and include the required additional room fee of $45. Available rooms are limited so please register early ASAP. There will be no evening meal served.
Protect Refugee Resettlement
As September 30, 2019, (the end of the fiscal year) approaches, the Trump Administration is required to announce the Presidential Determination (PD) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, which determines the number of refugees allowed to be admitted to the United States. The FY2019 PD was set at 30,000 refugees, the all-time-lowest number in the history of resettlement. Meanwhile, there are nearly 26 million refugees worldwide with 1.4 million needing resettlement.
Despite the continued global need, some in the Trump Administration are reportedly calling to “zero out” the program for FY 2020. USCCB said that zeroing out the refugee program “would be contrary to America values.” The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom registered their “alarm.“ The Senate and House have both introduced the Guaranteed Refugee Admissions Ceiling Enhancement Act, GRACE Act, S. 1088, H.R. 2146, which would set 95,000 as the minimum PD.
As Catholics, we affirm the inherent dignity of every person and the ability of refugees to seek security and safety for themselves and family members. We continue to be deeply concerned that low admission numbers mean that refugees fleeing persecution are left in harms’ way and that refugee families are left separated across the continents. For this reason, the U.S. Catholic Bishops urge you to express solidarity with refugees now in this moment of great need.
Learn more about refugees and refugee resettlement on our resource page.
Two theologians walk into a bar... No, seriously: This podcast is about the real world of politics and current events, seen through the lens of Catholic teaching and spirituality. We release eight episodes during each season, with a new one available every two weeks (for now, but we're hoping to go weekly, if listeners like what we do).
Speaking from their own experience and perspectives, your hosts, Dan and David, bring you their take on issues, as theologians and thinkers within the Church.
Fr. Dan Horan, OFM is a Franciscan friar of Holy Name Province (NY), and is an assistant professor of systematic theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He is the author of eleven books on religion and spirituality, and is a highly sought-after lecturer, conference speaker, and retreat leader. Follow him at his website, on facebook, and on twitter: @DanHoranOFM
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