newsletter of the: september 2019 saint alphonsa fraternity … · 2019-09-09 · hardship along...

Minister’s Message:

N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e :

Saint Alphonsa Fraternity Q u e e n o f P e a c e R e g i o n – S e c u l a r F r a n c i s c a n O r d e r

September 2019 Volume 14, I ssue 9

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Minister’s Message 1 Spiritual Assistant Reflections 2 Formation Assignment 3 August Meeting Minutes 4-5 Prayer Requests 5 Day of Recollection 6 2019 Calendar 7 JPIC – FMSC 7 Fraternity Council 8 Newsletter Notes 10 Next Meetings 10 Treasurer’s Report 10 Birthdays 10 Franciscan Holy Hour 10

Dear Brothers and Sisters, The news for September has been rather bleak with the Amazon on fire and hurricane Dorian roaring across the Caribbean and moving up the eastern coast of the United States leaving an unheard-of path of destruction in its wake. Honestly, it takes my breath away as I see the pictures of the British Virgin Islands etc. It brings to my mind the words of Thomas Paine who wrote, “It’s times like this that can try a man’s soul”. Now I realize that those words were spoken to a bunch of war weary, hungry and demoralized soldiers, but General Washington needed all of them to be victorious against the British. They wanted to go home and call it quits. The words of Thomas Paine were needed to rouse these tired men into action. Indeed, it did just that as they mustered the strength to march onward and cross the Delaware with Washington in weather so cold that they nearly froze to death. In fact, several of them did! But they surprised the British and literally caught them off guard and defeated them soundly. They were victorious in spite of the odds against them. Well I know that we are not physically at war, but it can certainly feel like that at times. Christianity is under attack from all sides. Take a look at what is being aired in the movies and on TV and have a hard look at the values that are constantly undermined or considered passé. I think it’s a good time to remember that every Christian is called to be a soldier in the army of God. It seems to me that I heard words like that when I was confirmed. Remember that Francis started out as a soldier in fine armor but came to understand that God called on him to overcome evil with good. There is a hymn entitled, “Onward Christian Soldiers” by

Sabine B. Gould. Surely you have heard it. It was written long ago but still provides words of encouragement for us today. There is another hymn that may suit you; it’s called “Rise up, O Men of God”. It was sung at many Promised Keepers gatherings and is also in our Liturgy of the Hours prayer book. And finally, St. Paul speaks to us in 2 Timothy 2: 3 about this as well. “Bear your share of hardship along with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus”. Christ is our standard bearer! He is the one we follow. His weapons are love, mercy, justice and peace. Jesus has promised to always be with us. See Mt. 28:20. So let’s put our faith in Jesus and enlist in the army of God. Will you join me? There is no better time to sign up. Peace, Teresa

Saint Alphonsa Fraternity

Spiritual Assistant Reflections:

Dear Franciscan Brothers and Sisters, On September 17th we celebrate the feast of Saint Francis’ reception of the sacred stigmata. In that event, Francis experienced a greater union with Christ on the cross, both in love and in suffering which seem to intermingle. That feast calls to mind for me the Praises of God which Francis wrote after receiving the marks of Christ. It is a prayer that suggests the most profound consolation that springs from an authentic encounter with God and the love God reveals through the cross. In that way, this beautiful prayer coupled with Saint Francis’ experience unveils for us (just a bit) the way we all can experience consolation in our own crosses through union with Christ on the cross. We allow Francis’ prayer to be our prayer to open our spiritual eyes to what truly is being offered. You are holy, Lord, the only God, and Your deeds are wonderful. You are strong. You are great. You are the Most High. You are Almighty.

You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth. You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good. You are Good, all Good, supreme Good, Lord God, living and true. You are love. You are wisdom. You are humility. You are endurance. You are rest. You are peace. You are joy and gladness. You are justice and moderation. You are all our riches, and You suffice for us. You are beauty. You are gentleness. You are our protector. You are our guardian and defender. You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope. You are our faith, our great consolation. You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord, God Almighty, Merciful Saviour. Peace and every good, Fr. John


Formation Director Notes:

Hello Dear Brothers and Sisters,

James 1:19 ..."Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry."

One of the greatest gifts we can give to another person is listening to them. Being truly present with our eyes, ears, heart and mind.

Sometimes I catch myself thinking that if others knew "my opinion" that would make a difference in their life. But in reality, true love requires that I allow the other to express their opinion without being judged and without trying to fix their problem.

In my Spiritual Direction Course, we practice listening to each other for 2 hours each day. We are not allowed to nod in agreement with them or to make any comments, give advice or to hug them after we leave our small group. We just sit and listen to what they received in prayer that day. When we leave the room, none of it is talked about again.

I can't tell you how wonderful it felt to be so respected by just being listened to.

I remember someone (forgot the rules) and hugged me after our small group because of something I shared. That is when I realized "the hug" made me feel like I was being pitied. It was the unconditional listening that was lifting me up each day and bringing me to a new level of dignity.

Over the past year I have made it my homework to

practice listening to whomever was in my presence. I discovered that I am really not a good listener at all. I will try to multi-task if I'm in a hurry or check my phone if it dings or whatever, rather than give my whole attention to "the other", who is sharing a part of their life with me.

We have no Ongoing Formation Assignment this month because of our retreat, but if you feel called to join me in the practice of listening this month, I would enjoy the company.

United in Prayer,

+jean

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Candidate Assignment is Chapter 21 in "The Franciscan Journey".

Inquirer Assignment is Chapter 6 & 7 in "The Franciscan Journey".


format per The Queen of Peace Region guidelines, the Formation was done immediately after introductions and prior to the business part of the meeting. Jean McGinty led the discussion about recent “miracles” that have occurred in our lives. The reading assignment for August was from the Omnibus, The Legend of Perugia. Some of the topics mentioned were but not limited to how Feed My Starving Children feels good and is a priority of service to others and how the staff there are so full of the Lord. Discussion was also held about The Seven Sisters Apostolate at St. Gerard’s and Nativity parishes and how praying The Humility Prayer daily keeps us focused on what we are called to do and who we are called to be as Franciscans. Janet Uhlir reported on her time with The Little Red Brick. She chose Rule #5 and stated the Eucharist was the summit of the faith of St. Francis and should also be of ours. Janet also mentioned how through adoration we develop a stronger feeling of unconditional love for Jesus. Linda Loes also reported on her time with The Little Red Brick. She chose Rule #11 and discussed the importance of poverty and detachment in our lives. Business: Teresa Walker discussed our upcoming Fraternity Retreat on our regular meeting day, September 29th at IMH. Kathy Taormina, ofs will be the speaker for the day. The topic is “Renewing and Living our Franciscan Promise”. The day will begin at 10:30 AM with Mass. A flyer with the schedule for the day will be included in the September newsletter. Shirlann discussed FMSC. We had 8 members participate in August. Our next date is September 21st from 11am to 12:30pm. Teresa W also mentioned the Queen of Peace Regional Fall gathering on September 14th at St. Bonaventure Church in Bloomington. Newly ordained Fr. Seraphim Wirth of the Franciscan Brothers of Peace will be the speaker. The topic is

St. Alphonsa Fraternity Meeting Minutes August 25, 2019

The St. Alphonsa Fraternity meeting was held Sunday, August 25, 2019 in the Charity Room of Epiphany Catholic Church in Coon Rapids, MN. Present were Charlene Amato-Greib, Shirlann Biser, Ellen Drasin, Cathy Maloney-Hills, Jean McGinty, Teresa Isenor, Laurie Lacina, Linda Loes, Susan Myers, Carol Schiebold, Ron Stenerson, Gordon Walker, Teresa Walker, Joyce Weiskopf, Kathy Weissman, Janet Uhlir, Mark Urick, and Patti Urick. Excused were Fr. John Bauer, Ray Schelonka, Jeanette Schelonka and Ken Yarke. Minister, Teresa Walker, ofs opened the meeting at 2:10 PM by leading the Opening Prayer for Fraternity meetings from the Ritual. Laurie Lacina read the reading “True and Perfect Joy” from page 79 from the Ritual. The fraternity paused to reflect on the reading. We prayed the Memorare for Priests, Seminarians, Sisters and religious vocations. A Hail Mary was prayed for our deceased members; Rick Isenor, Jim Malisheski, Donna Green, Jeanne Page and Trisha Swanson wife of member Jerry Swanson. An Our Father was said for the ailing members of our Fraternity and for those listed on our prayer chain. A second Our Father was prayed for those working on the Synod for guidance and direction for those participating. In Father John’s absence, Cathy Maloney-Hills led Liturgy of the Hours which was preceded by singing “O Christ You Are the Light of Day.” We then did introductions starting with our newest member, Ron Stenerson. We went around the table with each member giving their name, parish, year of profession and a short introduction of themselves. Formation: In accordance with the new meeting

Fraternity Meeting Minutes:


“St. Francis and his Love for the Eucharist.” Registration is due September 5th. Scholarships are available if needed. A flyer was handed out with the schedule for the day and a registration form. Teresa W. mentioned that she tried to reach Irene Brandenburg but was told she was in Transitional Care again. No further information could be given due to privacy laws. She had also talked with Ken Yarke. Ken plans to rejoin us very soon as he is feeling better. Formation: There is no formation assignment for the Fraternity for September due to the retreat. Other assignments will be published in the Newsletter. Treasurer’s Report: Teresa Isenor reported that the beginning of the month balance was $1496.57. Common fund donations received were $1355.00. We also received $18.00 for the sale of books. Expenses were $30.00. Month end balance is $2839.57. The prayer for the collection of the Common Fund was said and the Beggar bag passed around. Secretary’s Report: Carol requested articles for the September Newsletter be sent to her on or before September 9th. She passed around the Prayer Request notebook for the September newsletter. Closing: The closing prayer from p.39 of The Ritual was said. The meeting ended at 4:00 pm. We then socialized and had treats.

Stephanie Biser for a correct diagnosis and full recovery from an episode of heart failure

Marie Powell – that’s God’s will be done Holy Innocents murdered in the womb and

outside the womb The Persecuted Church on Earth Our loved ones who have left the Church Purity in all levels of the Church, especially at

the top levels Repose of the soul of Connie and comfort for

her family and friends Nicholas & Carrie that they may find their way

to the Church Healing for the mentally ill Students to learn the truth & teachers to teach

the truth My neighbor Sue for freedom, peace and

healing Our son’s and their families for conversion Healing for Sheree for relief from pain Our possessions to be sold for freedom from

death My daughter, Robin that she will be able to

conceive again after a miscarriage Our sons and daughters and our Church to be

rid of infiltration Shield of armor for my daughter Katrina as

she separates from her alcoholic boyfriend Full healing from cancer for friend Elizabeth A safe, blessed and fulfilling trip to Italy for Fr.

John and those who are going with him Protection in my work environment All members of our Fraternity who are

suffering in any way that they may be comforted and healed

All Franciscans in early October as they commemorate The Transitus of Our Beloved St. Francis.

Please pray for:

Irene Brandenburg who is recovering from surgery.

Jeanette's sister Mary Kay who is in hospice with terminal cancer and for comfort for the family


10:30am Mass in the Main Church 11:30am Holy Spirit Brunch in Fellowship Hall 12:30pm Break 12:40pm Welcome – Liturgy of the Hours led by Fr. John Bauer,

OFS, Pray for Priests, Sisters and vocations; deceased members, those on prayer line and the Synod

1:00pm Introduce Kathy Taormina, OFS, Spiritual Assistant,

Queen of Peace Region (first talk) 1:30pm Round table discussions and feedback 2:00pm Break 2:10pm Second Talk by Kathy Taormina, OFS 2:40pm Round table discussions, feedback and wrap-up 3:10pm Break 3:15pm Renewal of Franciscan Promise 3:25pm Franciscan Crown Rosary 3:40pm Closing 4:00pm Initial Formation - Short Council Meeting 4:00pm Clean up and put room back in order

What to bring: Liturgy of Hours, Crown Rosary, something to share for Brunch, desserts. All drinks, utensils etc. provided. Remember that family and friends are welcome.

ST. ALPHONSA DAY OF RECOLLECTION – SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, MINNETONKA, MN

“Renewing and Living our Franciscan Promise” Kathy Taormina, OFS, Spiritual Assistant, Queen of Peace Region


2019 CALENDAR

All dates in bold type indicate required attendance by our Rule. Red = special event. September 14th - Regional Fall Gathering – St Bonaventure Church, Bloomington, 8:30 AM – 3:00PM – Speaker Fr. Seraphim Wirth September 29th – Fraternity Retreat at IHM 10:00 AM – Mass, Retreat Speaker Kathy Taormina, ofs,

October 27th – Sunday 1:30 Adoration & Meeting in Hearth Room at Epiphany Council Meeting 12:30 in Hearth Room

November 24th – Sunday 1:30 Adoration &

Meeting Council Meeting 12:30

December – Christmas Party; TBD

Feed My Starving Children – JPIC:

At FMSC 8.17.19: Joyce Weiskopf, Teresa

Walker, Susan Myers, Charlene Amato – Geib, Linda Loes, Shirlann Biser.

We had eight volunteers from our Fraternity packing on August 17th. The food from that packing session was delivered to villages and families in Barbados. Our Fraternity generally volunteers on the third Saturday of the month, with September 21st as our next scheduled date. We will be meeting at the Coon Rapids site from 11-12:30. The address is 401 93rd Avenue N.W. It is a rewarding and worthy outreach! For registration, please contact Shirlann Biser, JPIC Coordinator.

Just for Fun!


The entire National Executive C o u n c i l (NEC) was recently blessed to spend an entire day with all the current Friars on the Conference of National Spiritual Assistants (CNSA). We met together; celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass together, shared three regular meals together, walked and talked and relaxed together for an entire day, the first time I have enjoyed such an entire day with all the NEC and all the CNSA meeting and sharing together. I would encourage the next NEC and CNSA, as well as Regional Executive Councils and Regional Spiritual Assistants in each of our 30 Regions to do the same: an entire day together, just with each other, at least once every three years. During one of our discussions, Friar Matthias Wesnofske, OFM Capuchin, the only Friar I know who has, as his responsibilities, one National Fraternity, two Regional Fraternities and, I believe, seven Local Fraternities, as well as managing correspondence instruction for Spiritual Assistant Training.Well, Friar Matthias said something to the effect that despite all the “new scholarship” and “new insights” into Franciscan spirituality, he still felt that what he had learned and always believed and taught was true: that the four basic aspects of the Franciscan Charism were the Crib, the Cross, the Cup and Creation. Not blessed with a tape recorder at the time or anything approaching “total recall,” permit me to

expand Friar Matthias’s remarks in my own words, with apologies to him, especially if I get something wrong! The first C is the Crib. In my mind’s eye, I can still see the Giotto fresco of St. Francis preparing the Christmas crib or, in Italian, “presepe” at Greccio, hanging above me to the right as I faced the altar at the Upper Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi as we celebrated the Installation Mass for the newly elected officers of the International Fraternity in November 2014. This fresco pa int ing and the work of St. Francis to prepare and celebrate the birth of Christ have influenced e v e r y subsequent nativi ty scene in your house or local Church.

The Franciscan Charism with the Crib is our firm foundational Franciscan faith in the Incarnation; namely, that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, humbling Himself out of love for God and for all Creation. The second C is the Cross. Of course, Jesus’ love did not stop at the Crib. Jesus’ love for us carried all the way to the Cross, to his laying down his life for all of us. ”Greater love h a s no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends” (John 15:13). Again, in my mind’s eye, I can see above and before me the original San Damiano Cross hanging in the Church of Santa Chiara in Assisi.

The (Still) Four Basic C’s of the Franciscan Charism

By Tom Bello, OFS


This Cross, so important to both Sts. Francis and Clare, depicts a loving, relational sacrifice shared with God’s Creation: angels, humans and even a rooster! Christ hangs bleeding on the Cross, yes, but His eyes are open, and His face shows that perfect joy of suffering accepted for the love of God and the love of all of us. That love and sharing extend to the third C, which is the Cup.

The Cup of the Eucharist, the Blood and Body of Christ, keep us close to the Christ of the Crib, the Christ of the Incarnation, and the Christ of the Cross. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass not only re- presents the Passion and Death of Christ, but also continues His loving, giving presence among us, Emmanuel, the God Who will never leave us. As Saint Francis often said, “I see nothing bodily of the Most High Son of God in this world except his most holy body and blood” (Secular Franciscan Rule #5). This presence of Christ in the Incarnation and in the Eucharist continues in the fourth C, which is Creation. Again, I can see in my mind’s eye, to the right, as I exit toward the front doors of the Upper Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, the great Giotto fresco of St. Francis preaching to the birds.

This love of Francis for all of God’s Creation is a love of God in all Creation. Thus, in the Franciscan Charism, the 4 C’s are inter- related, not unlike the inter-relationship of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Crib leads to Cross, which leads to Cup, which continues Christ’s Presence in all Creation, physically begun at the Incarnation. A fifth and uniting C would be Christ Himself because all the 4 C’s focus on Christ. Christ is the center. Christ came among us poor and laid in a Crib. Christ lived among us, loving us, even to dying on the Cross for us. Christ continues to live with us both in His most bodily form in the Cup of the Holy Eucharist, and also in all of Creation, as both author and ultimate goal. Indeed, a sixth C would be Christ’s example of Conversion As we c an read in Philippians 2:6-8: though Christ was in the form of God, Christ did not deem equality with God as something to be grasped. Rather He emptied H i ms e l f and became l i k e us, human in appearance. He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a Cross. So each of us is called, a s followers of Christ in the footsteps of Sts. Francis and Clare, to daily, ongoing conversion, to a daily striving to model our thoughts and deeds to those of Christ (see Secular F r a n c i s c a n Rule #7). Friar Matthias said all this much better, and other Franciscan scholars have written longer and more clearly on each of these aspects, but I have tried to share the four foundational C’s of our great Franciscan Charism, reinforced so strongly for me in the great art seen so recently in Assisi and in the Celebration of the Holy Mass there by our friars and Pope Francis.


Saint Alphonsa Fraternity Council Minister: Teresa Walker, OFS 763-553-1343 Vice Minister & Co Infirmarian: Mark Urick, OFS 763-754-3062 Formation Director: Jean McGinty, OFS 763-494-8693 Secretary: Carol Schiebold, OFS 763-323-4930 Treasurer: Teresa Isenor, OFS 763-757-4037 Spiritual Assistant: Fr John Bauer, OFS 612-208-5713 Co-Infirmarian: Janet Uhlir, OFS 953-8325-4406

FRANCISCAN Holy HouR

Franciscan Brothers of Peace

Queen of Peace Friary 1289 Lafond Avenue

Saint Paul, MN 55104-2035

All are welcome to our monthly meetings which are held in the Charity room at Epiphany Catholic Church, 2:00 PM the last Sunday of each month. Meetings are preceded by Adoration beginning at 1:30 PM in the chapel. Fraternity Council meetings precede the regular meeting. Call Teresa Walker if you are interested in attending. Next meeting day is September 29, 2019 is our Retreat at IHM.

Treasurer’s Report: The beginning of the month balance was $1496.57. Common fund donations received were $1355.00. We also received $18.00 for the sale of books. Expenses were $30.00. Month end balance is $2839.57.

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Every First Friday at 7:00 PM Adoration & Franciscan Crown Rosary

Chanted Compline & Benediction Refreshments and Fellowship follow.

Newsletter Articles: The Newsletter of the Saint Alphonsa Fraternity is published monthly. We seek to follow traditional conventions of journalism. For example; articles are ended with the symbol, author name and/or source. Deadline for articles is typically the 7th of the month. Articles should be sent to: Carol Schiebold, Secretary

[email protected]

Birthdays: September 12th – Gordon Walker October 9th – Ken Yarke

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Meetings:

Visit our Website: www.

http://queenofpeaceregion.org/coon-rapids-st-alphonsa

Lourdes Holy Water: Linda Loes has Lourdes' Holy Water available for anyone who would like some to enhance their prayer life. Please contact Linda to plan for filling your own small bottle.

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mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.saintalphonsafraternity.catholicweb.com/



newsletter of the: september 2019 saint alphonsa fraternity … · 2019-09-09 · hardship along...

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