OFS Newsletter, March 2018 Page 1

March 2018 Issue

MEETING MINUTES - March 2nd

Attended: Brenda Berry, Robin Donner, Anne Keller, Jeannie Kratzer, Eugene Krentz, Mary Makowski, Mary Marshall, Eileen Moore, Will Moore, Chuck Roach, John Rosensteel, Helen Rush, Marlene Skavnak, Steve Smith, Debbie Watson. Visitors: Jerry Blume, Andrena Guines, Betty & Phil Lamb, Karen Nelson, Scott Rooney.

Thank you, active members, for notifying a council member when you are unable to attend.

You are in our prayers.

Opening: Steve lead us in opening prayer. Jeannie shared a reflection on Rule 4 (See page 3). We sent around a sign-up sheet for rule sharing for the rest of the year.

The Minutes from the February meeting were approved as written.

February Financial Report (Robin): Checking Starting Balance: $1188.63 February Common fund contributions: +218.00 Meeting expenses: -132.43 Checking Ending Balance: $1274.20

Savings Balance: $451.55 The financial report was approved. Member news: Brenda has connected with those unable to attend, including Frank, Connie, Mike Gross, Norma, Janie. They appreciate our prayers. The Mass in memory of Jean Cronemiller was on Sunday, Feb 25th at 9am at Sacred Heart Church. Electronic and hard copies of the Prayer Calendar have been distributed. We encourage everyone to make use of the Calendar to remember to pray for one another.

Fraternity of Mary, Queen of Peace

Secular FranciscanOrder Newsletter

Initial Formation report (Jeannie): Target date for Mike Bartel’s profession – possibly May. Planning for a new initial formation group is in process. Apostolates: Nursing Home Ministry:

The Estates at Lynnhurst 471 W. Lynnhurst Ave, St Paul, MN 55104

Wednesday, March 21st, 6:30pm

Little Sisters of the Poor 330 Exchange St. South, St Paul, MN 55102

Thursday, March 22nd, 6:30pm

The Little Sisters of the Poor always appreciate sacramentals, i.e. rosaries, medals, scapulars, etc., for their residents. Donations are gratefully accepted at the reception desk.

The next BINGO event at Lynnhurst will be on Sunday, April 22nd at 1:30pm. The tentative plan is for BINGO to be scheduled on the 4th Sunday of the month in July, October and January. Upcoming Region Events: • The Region Spring Gathering is Saturday, April 21st:

Featuring James Flickinger, administrator of AMAZON RELIEF “serving the poorest of the poor” Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls convent 116 8th Avenue SE, Little Falls, MN 563458:30am to 3:00pm. $25 if you register by April 7th. $30 at the door. We will carpool from the Friary. Registration forms have been distributed.

• Regional Formation Workshop – Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Assisi Heights in Rochester.

o for all on the Formation team o registration deadline is 3/31/18

• The Annual Regional Ministers Gathering will be June 1-3 at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo

OFS Newsletter, March 2018 Page 2

The Brothers’ report (from Br Conrad): The brothers were asked to help bring attention to the plight of asylum seekers and refugees through an article in the Catholic Spirit which was inspired by our Holy Father's initiative, "Share the Journey." http://www.sharejourney.org

Br. Joseph is on his way to sun and sand this week as he joins family members on a trip to Hawaii which was a gift from his parents in honor of his 25th Silver Jubilee of vows last October 4th. His father, Gene Katzmarek, was originally planning to join Br. Joseph and his siblings but unfortunately he continues to struggle after the stroke he endured recently. Prayers are appreciated.

Br. Seraphim and Br. James will be with the rest of the community during spring break from seminary and Fr. Robert Grabner will lead a Lenten Day of Reflection for the brothers on March 9th.

Br. Seraphim will be getting word regarding his evaluation and letter of recommendation for Holy Orders to the Transitional Diaconate. We are expecting that he will be ordained on Saturday, May 12th at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of St. Mary. A reception will follow but we are not sure if the Archdiocese will be hosting one after the ordination in the lower level of the Basilica or not. If they aren't we will be having one here at QPF. Invitations will be going out to the Fraternity after we get the details.

The brothers recently received a generous donation of first class relics of various saints, including the twelve Apostles with St. Paul in place of St. Matthias, from our dear friends the Poor Clare's who recently moved from their monastery in Bloomington to Assisi Heights in Rochester. Together with several first-class relics of our own, we have recently made them available for public veneration in their individual reliquaries in the chapel at Queen of Peace Friary. We are working on having an alphabetized list of the saints represented. It's wonderful to know that we not only have the souls of the saints praying with us but their bodily presence as well. Holy Men and Women of God...Pray for us!

------------------------------------------------------------------ Ongoing Formation: After the Holy Hour and refreshments, we broke into two groups for inspiring discussions of the Sunday readings and the second half of Chapter 4 of The Perfect Joy of St Francis.

We returned as one group to conclude with intercessory and closing prayer. “Look, brothers, at the humility of God and pour out your hearts before Him! Humble yourselves, as well, that you may be exalted by Him.”

St Francis of Assisi

Meetings: (located at Queen of Peace Friary)

March Council Meeting: Sunday, March 11th, 1:30 – 3:00pm

All professed members are encouraged to attend

There will be no Initial Formation in March

Regular Fraternity Meeting: Friday, April 6th

Business meeting 6:30pm

Sharing of Rule: Janet (with Andrena as back-up)

Franciscan Holy Hour 7:00pm followed by refreshments and social time.

Treats by Mary Mak and Robin

Ongoing Formation 8:30 – 9:30pm Mass Readings for Sunday, April 8th

Chapter 5 of The Perfect Joy of Saint Francis “Poets by the Dozen” pp 88 - 109

There will be no Council Meeting in April The next one will be Sunday, May 6th

Mary Makowski – 3/12 Chuck Roach – 3/12 Steve Smith – 3/16

Debbie Watson – 3/20 Robin Donner – 3/24

Our newsletter is published monthly by the Fraternity of Mary, Queen of Peace

Secular Franciscan Order c/o Franciscan Brothers of Peace

Queen of Peace Friary 1289 Lafond Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104

Minister: Steve Smith, OFS (612-597-5556) Vice Minister: Eugene Krentz, OFS (952-288-8263)

Formation Director: Jeannie Kratzer, OFS (651-636-8928) Secretary: Anne Keller, OFS (651-335-8484)

Treasurer: Robin Donner, OFS (651-290-7753) Councilor: Eileen Moore, OFS (612-721-1198)

Acting Spiritual Assistant: Brother Pio King, fbp (651-442-8165)

OFS Newsletter, March 2018 Page 3

Reflections on Rule 4 by Jeannie Kratzer: Gospel to Life and Life to the Gospel

“The rule and life of the Secular Franciscan is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people. “Christ, the gift of the Father’s love, is the way to him, the truth into which the Holy Spirit leads us, and the life which he has come to give abundantly. “Secular Franciscans should devote themselves especially to careful reading of the Gospel to life and life to the gospel.” This rule is at the core of being a good Secular Franciscan. It is the foundation and cornerstone St. Francis laid down to guide the whole way of life as a Secular Franciscan. Christ came down to be among us to show us His Father’s love, to die for us to save us from our sins, and to show us as a perfect example on how to live in, through, and by God’s love in all things with all people. God, our Father speaks to us through the Word of the Bible, and shows us “the way, the truth, and the life”, Jn. 14:6, through the example of His son, Jesus Christ. St. Francis applied the Gospel messages of Christ to guide his actions in daily life, and used the Gospels to get answers when dealing with the problems, trials and confusions of life. Secular Franciscans should do the same.

After his conversion, St. Francis turned to the Bible as his guide on how to live his new life, totally trusting and loving God. To study, read, and know the Bible is to know God and His love for us, and to learn and follow Jesus’ example in our daily life, as St. Francis did. St. Francis used the Bible to guide and direct his life on all levels. The more we strive to follow the Gospel and the example of St. Francis, the more Christ like we will become, which is the very essence of the Franciscan Way of Life. The Holy Spirit can then work through us touching the lives and world around us in God’s love and truth. Look at how God used St. Francis to reach out to the whole world of his time, changing it into a better place. He spiritually rebuilt the church, and brought the people back to a God centered life based on the life and teachings of Jesus. In Chapter 4 of the Perfect Joy of St. Francis, pg.84-85, Bernard of Quintavalle asked St. Francis what he must do to live like him. St. Francis gave instruction to Fr. Peter to open the Bible 3 times, looking for answers. These are the answers they

received, directed by the Holy Spirit, to guide St. Francis with Bernard, his first disciple: 1. “If thou wilt be perfect, go, sell, what thou hast, and

give to the poor, and come follow me.” Mt. 19:21. 2. “Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor

wallet, nor bread, nor money.” Lk. 9:3. 3. “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny

himself, and take up his cross, and come and follow me.” Lk. 9:23.

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THE PERFECT JOY OF ST. FRANCIS – Chapter 5, POETS BY THE DOZEN

Read Pg. 88 – Top of 109 Study Questions for April 6, 2018

In the last Chapter 4, St. Francis is learning how to live his new Life of Poverty, and has been redirected by the Holy Spirit from physcially rebuilding to spiritually rebuilding the Church, and receives his first disciples Benard of Quintavalle and Fr. Peter, Vicar of the Church of St. Nicholas. In the first half of Chapter 5, empowered by the Holy Spirit, St. Francis is spiritually growing, his faith and trust in God is getting stronger; he is getting more comfortable with his life of Poverty, he is evangelizing, attracting followers, and is receiving support from the church and the people of Assissi and beyond.

1. In his new life of poverty, spirituality, and evangelizing, Francis is attracting followers, the beginnings of a Franciscan Family. Name the seven “Brothers” who have joined St. Francis and what are their backgrounds? Pg. 88-94. What attracted you in following St. Francis?

2. What were the 4 things practiced in the early life of the first eight “Brothers” and what were the spiritual fruits of that life? Pg.90-93

3. What were the problems in the Brothers new life both physically and spiritually, and how did they overcome these hardships? How did the Holy Spirit and the Bishop help with these problems? Pg. 92-99.

4. Why does Francis name his group, Minor Brothers? Why does he plan to visit the Pope in Rome? Pg.97-100.

5. St. Francis writes his first Rule for the Minor Brothers. What is the heart of this rule? How did the Brothers react to it? Pg.101-102.

6. Four more followers join the Brothers, who are they? Now there are 12 including St. Francis. Why is that significant? Pg.103.

7. St. Francis makes 3 visits to the Pope in Rome, Why? What happened with the Pope on the first 2 visits, and what changed on the 3rd visit and why? Pg.103-107.

8. What were the final results of the visit with the Pope, physically, spiritually, the rule, St. Francis’s family and people of Assisi. Pg. 107- top of 109.

OFS Newsletter, March 2018 Page 4

“MUTUAL INVITATION” CALLED BY NAME TO SHARE

A Fraternity may use a modified form of the Mutual Invitation form of sharing so all its members have a chance to share their thoughts in a safe and non-threatening environment. 1. The Leader begins the reading or a question, and then

calls a member by name to share. a. The member called has 3 choices.

i. Share ii. Pass for now – not ready to share, but

will have a chance to share at the end of all the sharing.

iii. Pass – does not care to share. b. The member sharing then calls the next

member to share by name. c. This continues until all members have been

called and all those members who have “passed for now” have been called on again.

2. No one can share twice until all members have shared.

---------------------------------------------------------- March Prayer requests: Apostolates: • For God’s blessings on the apostolates of the

Franciscan Brothers of Peace and of the Fraternity. • For the future of Listening House in Saint Paul. • For God’s guidance and blessings on Clare

Lewer’s ministry of Majella House for pregnant women. That it will come to fruition.

• For provision for the KaRen refugee children to be able to attend Catholic schools.

• For the protection of the homeless in this cold weather.

For the needs of members of the Fraternity and the Brothers: • In thanksgiving for several familiar friends who

visited our meeting this evening. • For all those with acute or chronic health

conditions, that they will experience consolation and healing - including Eugene, Frank, Janet, Debbie as well as:

o Norma who recently had a bone scan, CAT scan and shoulder biopsy

o Mike Gross with a heart condition and back problems

o Mike Bartel recovering from a concussion o Janie with chronic pain o Connie recovering from a stroke

• For the needs of all those unable to attend the meeting.

• For Candidate, Mike Bartel, as he concludes his formation and prepares for profession.

• For guidance as we start a new initial formation group for those who are interested and for Candidate, John Rosensteel, as he continues his formation.

• For reinvigoration for Brothers John Mary, Pio and Dominic Michael on their various sabbaticals.

• For spiritual growth and wisdom for Brothers James and Seraphim in their seminary studies.

• For Brother Seraphim as he prepares to be ordained to the Transitional Deaconate in May.

For all our family members and friends who are dear to our heart and in need of our prayers. • For Brother Joseph’s father, Gene Katzmarek. • For the soul of Andrena’s 36 year old cousin who

died of heart failure. And for her Aunt who is on chemotherapy.

• For healing and recovery for Ross, son of our friend Dale Oden, who has been in critical care for over a month with heart failure and an auto-immune disease.

• For Jeannie’s friend Vicky who has suffered a concussion.

• For John’s sister. • For Brenda’s grandchildren and for the soul of a

friend who was killed in a manufacturing accident. • For health and healing for Debbie’s brother and

sister. • For Chuck’s brother-in-law who is fighting

cancer. • For Karen’s daughter, Hilary, and for friends in

RCIA. • For Phil’s sister, Julie, who has MS. • For continued healing of high blood pressure

issues for Janie’s daughter, Shannon, in Australia. • For our regional spiritual assistant - Kathy

Taormina’s recovery from knee surgery complicated by infection.

For our country and our world. • For peace, civility and respect for God in the

political process. • For those in New Mexico who are suffering from

drought and forest fire danger.

OFS Newsletter, March 2018 Page 5

APRIL 8, 2018

SecondSundayofEaster(DivineMercy)

Reading1 ACTS4 :32-35

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. Gospel JN20 :19-31

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name. _____________________________________

Franciscan Gospel Sharing

Gaze on Him look on the words;

read and listen to the Scripture with an open mind, let the words sink into you

Consider Him ponder the words;

think about what is being revealed in your heart and mind and soul

Contemplate Him weigh the words;

decide which article in the OFS Rule relates to the words and ponder that article

Imitate Him outpour the words;

take all of this into the world with a concrete action which today you state aloud

…inthetraditionofSt.ClareofAssisi