Mission Statement:We as Secular Franciscans are committed to seeking and promoting a closer relationship with God for ourselves and others by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and by following St. Francis’ and St. Clare's example of simplicity, humility and service using the Rule of Life of the OFS as our guide.

January 2020 ` Volume 14 Issue 1

Month of the Holy Name of Jesus

Monthly Gathering : Our next gathering will be January 19th at 1:00 in the Parish Center.

Council Meeting: Our next Council meeting will be on Saturday, January 11th at 10:00 am. in the Parish Center. February meeting will be on the 1st at 10:00

Candidates: Read chapter 21 of the Franciscan Journey and be prepared to discuss the questions at the end of the chapter. Kyle will lead.

Gospel Sharing ; January Gospel sharing will be led by Matt as noted in the January- June Schedule on page 2

Ongoing Formation: Read chapter 35 in To Live as Francis Lived. We will also have a video on Solanus Casey if possible. Carol will lead.

We will also be learning who our 2020 Prayer Partners will be and

choosing our scripture, prayer and Franciscan

Saints.

Called to be Living Voice and HandsSr. Lois Erpelding, OSF, Spiritual Assistant

In the Advent Gospels John, the Baptist was affirmed by Jesus not as a swaying reed, but as a prophet, a preparing messenger. (Mt. 11) In the opening of the Gospel of St. John on Christmas we heard that John the Baptist came to witness

and testify to the Light. Again, during Christmas Season John is the humble voice of Jesus, a Jesus, who was not yet recognized. (Jn 1)

Requests are made of us that we do not understand. This was true in the meeting of Jesus and John the Baptist at the time of Jesus’ baptism. Jesus was requesting John the Baptist to baptize Him. However, Jesus’ cousin felt that the baptizing role should be reversed. John the Baptist yielded to Jesus’ request and baptized Jesus to fulfill the Hebrew Scripture.

As we grow in Franciscan spirituality, we realize the opportunities of Francis experiencing humility in responding to Christ’s way of life. In the evening sermon by Bonaventure for Francis’ funeral, we again glimpse this same request of Jesus to John the Baptist. “The third fruit of humility is that it brings righteousness to perfection. The Lord said to John the Baptist, ‘Let it be now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Francis of Assisi, Early Documents, vol. 2, p. 520

How many times have I ignored what I was sure God wanted me to do because it was inconvenient or scary or too humiliating? Is it too easy to rely on my own plans than it is to trust in God’s care?

Liturgically we are moving into a series of Gospel sections that highlight Jesus beginning His mission. Likewise, St. Francis moved from Gospel perception to gradually and actively living out the Gospel way of life. “… there was great harmony, constant calm, thanksgiving, and songs of praise. These are the lessons by which the devoted father Francis instructed his new followers, not so much in words and speech, but in deeds and truth.” (1 Celano 41) When have I/we resisted a request from someone? How are we responding to renewed initiatives to be the hands and voice of Christ for one another? How am I / we allowing Jesus to be more vibrant in my / our Gospel living?

At the Holy Name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth

Article 9 of the Rule of the SFOThe Virgin Mary, humble servant of the Lord, was open to His every word and call. She was embraced by Francis with indescribable love and declared the protectress and advocate of his family. The Secular Franciscans should express their ardent love for her by imitating her complete self-giving and by praying earnestly and confidently.

A Prayer to Start the New YearLord grant me wisdom from your truths, fill me with a desire to faithfully follow after you, more than any other thing. Thank you that you are far greater than whatever I may face in the day. Thank you that your presence goes with me, and that your joy is never dependent on circumstances, but it is my true and lasting strength. I ask for your peace to lead me and for your grace and goodness to cover my life. Let your Spirit and power breathe in me and through me again, fresh and new.

Lee, Eli & Francis ~ Answering the CallBonnie Johnson, ofs Vice Minister

My siblings and I were gathered one evening watching our new TV…all except one of us. The youngest of my siblings had fallen asleep on the floor as usual. Mom called out to him: “Lee, get to bed”. He

stood up, half awake and scratching his head he headed for the kitchen. Seconds later he returned with a loaf of bread. As children we laughed at his confusion. As an adult, that fond memory brings to mind family love but also something totally different. It brought to mind Eli telling Samuel : 'Go and lie down, and if someone calls say, "Speak, Yahweh; for your servant is listening." Years later it was St. Francis who at first misunderstood when the Lord asked him to rebuild his church. And finally, it came full circle to all of us. Francis and Samuel and even my brother obeyed once they understood. Let us ask ourselves, where are we in answering the call? We became professed to answer the call…that was just the first step. Each day is an opportunity to look back at our promises and say: “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” God does not ask us to do anything that He hasn’t given us the graces to accomplish. Through prayer we are able to discern what we are called to do. This New Year, as each new day begins, let us ask: “Lord how may I serve you today? And if we in our haste misunderstand, fear not, God doesn’t give up easily. Just ask Eli and Francis…. May you have a blessed New Year full of His endowments and the desire, love and courage to share them as He intends.

January FranciscanSaints, Blessed and Feasts

BL. John Baptiste Triquerie

Snack Schedule - 2020Jan Doreen, Arlys Jul Jenise, BonnieFeb Carol, Pat Aug Doreen, ArlysMar Rose Ann, Sr Lois Sep Picnic (All)Apr Jean, Peggy Oct Carol, PatMay Matt, Lisa Nov Rose Ann, Sr. LoisJun Kyle, Sarah Dec Jean, Peggy

Gospel Sharing Leaders - 2020Jan Matt Jul CarolFeb Kyle Aug ArlysMar Retreat Sep PicnicApr Peggy Oct JeniseMay Rose Ann Nov SarahJun Bonnie/Catholic Charities Dec Sr. Lois

Ongoing Formation Leaders - 2020Jan Carol Jul CarolFeb Sarah Aug SarahMar Retreat Sep PicnicApr Bonnie Oct Sr. LoisMay Kyle Nov KyleJun Bonnie/Catholic Charities Dec Bonnie

There were many Catholic priests and religious who were victims of the bloody French Revolution. John Baptist Triquerie was a Franciscan conventual priest. He was about 56 years old at the time of his martyrdom. There were fifteen men and four women who were martyred together by anti-Catholic French Revolutionaries in 1794. 16 of these blesseds are Franciscan. The other martyrs who died with Blessed Jean-Baptiste Triquerie are:

André Duliou (diocesan priest, age 66)

Augustine Emmanuel Philippot (diocesan priest, age 77)

Frances Mézière (laywoman, age 48)

Frances Trahet] (religious of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady age 37)

Francis Duchesne] (diocesan priest, at age 58)

Francis Migoret-Lambarière (diocesan priest, about age 65)

James André (diocesan priest, age 50)

James Burin (diocesan priest, age 38)

Joan Véron] (religious of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady age 27)

John Baptist Triquerie (Franciscan priest, about age 56)

John Baptist Turpin du Cormier John Mary Gallot (diocesan priest,

age 46) Joseph Mary Pellé] (diocesan priest,

one day before his 74th birthday) Julian Francis Morvin de la Gérardière

(priest, age 50) Julian Moulé (diocesan priest, age

77) Louis Gastineau (diocesan priest,

chaplain about age 66) Peter Thomas] (diocesan priest, age

64) Rene Louis Ambroise (diocesan

priest, age 73) Sister Saint Monica Lhullier (sister of

the Hospitaller Canonesses Regular of the Mercy of Jesus, age 49)

They were beatified on June 19, 1955 by Pope Pius XII at Rome, ItalyA JPIC Thought from Scripture

Psalm 50:10- 11 For all forest creatures are mine already, the animals on the mountains in their thousands. 11 I know every bird in the air, whatever moves in the fields is mine. Consider then….We might think we own animals, in particular our pets, but the Scripture teaches that we are only stewards of what God’s given to us. God owns “every beast” there is. We need to care for them as God would, whether great or small. Perhaps consider encouraging lawmakers to

Ban pesticides that kill bees. Support protecting endangered species Support legislation that prevents those

who have been charged with animal cruelty from owning/raising or selling animals

1 Solemnity of the Mother of God3 Holy Name of Jesus6 Bl. Diego Jose of Cadiz7 St. Angela of Foligno8 Bl. Eurosia Fabris

12 St. Bernard of Corleone14 Bl. Odoric of Pordenone16 St. Berard and Companions18 St. Charles of Sezze19 Bl. Thomas of Cori19 St. Eustochia Calafato20 Bl. John Baptist Triquerie23 St. Marianne Cope24 St. Francis de Sales27 St. Angela Merici29 Bl. Roger of Todi30 St Hyacinth of Mariscotti31 St. John Bosco