A Ministry of Service

"On various levels, each fraternity is animated and guided by a council and minister (or president) who are elected by the professed according to the constitutions.

Their service, which lasts for a definite period of time, is marked by a ready willing spirit and is a duty of responsibility to each member and to the community." (Article 21a-b, Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order)

Yesterday, November 14th, fifty members of Saint Anthony Fraternity, Boston, MA, braved torrential downpours; and gathered for a Chapter of Elections. It has been the largest attendance we have had all year. Among the results, I was elected for a third consecutive term as Minister, something that has not happened ever since I joined the fraternity in 1988. I needed a 2/3rds majority of the vote to be elected (truth be told, I was the only one who accepted the nomination).

Now I and my fellow Council members have the responsibility of animating and guiding the fraternity. This is going to be done as much by example as by developing ongoing formation programs. And still after 21 years as a professed member, 6 years as Minister, I still feel unworthy of this office, because I know there have times I have not lived up to the Franciscan ideals. There is much I have to ask the Father for, in way of grace, in order to be of true service to my Franciscan brothers and sisters.

Father Francis, pray for me!

SFO in No. New England hold Chapter of Elections

The Secular Franciscan Order is made up of international, national, regional, and local fraternities. The SFO in the United States is composed of various regional fraternities, each containing a number of local fraternities. In the northern New England area, the local SFO fraternities are gathered into Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Regional Fraternity.

During April 26 through to April 28, 2009, representatives from the fraternities met at the Franciscan Center in Andover, MA, for the triennial Regional Chapter of Elections. As Minister for my fraternity (St. Anthony, Boston, MA), I attended the Chapter. For the first time, I decided to stay overnight, rather than commute to the meetings from my home, which is near by. The Franciscan Center is housed in buildings that used be the minor seminary for the Franciscan Friars (OFM) of Immaculate Conception Province. The Center was recently renovated, and is very nice, with beautiful grounds.






A Chapter meeting has both the mundane and the spiritual, there were business meetings; reports and budgets to review and approve. But there was also times when we gathered together in prayer, and for sharing.

The main piece of business was the elections, which went very smoothly. The new Regional Executive Council for St. Elizabeth of Hungary Regional Fraternity are: Jacquelyn Walsh, SFO – Minister; Miriam Kennedy, SFO – Vice Minister; Sue Ronan, SFO – Secretary; Pat Gagnon, SFO – Treasurer; District Councilors: Sarah Anderson, SFO; Joe Makely, SFO; Roselle Neely, SFO; David Amara, SFO; John Sheridan, SFO; Ray Raboin, SFO.




May the Holy Spirit be with them and inspire them.