St. Francis Of Assisi Fraternity Newsletter - Vol. XXXIV, No. 7

St. Francis Of Assisi Fraternity Newsletter
July 2022 - Vol. XXXIV, No. 7

Always Moving Forward

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1431) calls us to a “radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart … which entails the desire and resolution to change one's life, with hope in God's mercy and trust in the help of his grace.” Let us begin, brothers, to serve our Lord God, for until now we have made but little progress.
(or we have done little or nothing)
(The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Bonaventure, Chapter XIV)

These words of St. Francis speak of change – we have done something and made some progress, but we now need to do more … or perhaps even something else … in order to progress further. We must build on the foundations that have already been laid but we cannot rest on our laurels and keep doing the same things the same way. We must be open to change.

And, of course, this is the reality of our lives and everything that surrounds us. Everything changes - the universe, the earth, the world and its people. Nothing remains the same. And, the Secular Franciscan Order has not been exempt from these changes over the past 800 years, as it continues to change and evolve.

 These are important words of change with which we can identify as Brothers and Sisters of Penance. This has been our call from the very beginning as articulated in Memoriale Propositi of 1221, our first Rule whose 800th anniversary we celebrated last year.

And, the grace of our Franciscan spirituality is that we do not do it alone. We recall the words of St. Francis … “And the Lord gave me brothers”.

During this summer period, let us be grateful for all that we have and take a few moments to reflect on our OFS Rule which guides us through the many changes that impact our lives.

Pax et bonum.

Annual Fraternity Picnic

The annual al fraternity picnic will again be enjoyed on Sunday, August 14th, Joan McDonald's cottage. Joan's cottage is at 149 Brendon’s Blvd, Brudenell, PE.

​The picnic will begin with prayer together, beginning at 3:00PM, but you are welcome to arrive earlier if you so wish and stay along as you wish.

​Although the pandemic restrictions have been lifted, we are asking people to bring their own lunch (and beverage if you need something special). There will be some soft-drinks available and tea. Also, if possible, please bring a chair or enjoy the lawn!! If you need a drive, please call Minerva 902 566 3791 and she will arrange for you to be picked up. Should you need directions or get lost, please call Joan and she will get you back on track. She can be reached at 902 394 0189. So, please join us for a time of prayer, relaxation, fun and always a time of great joy!! IN CASE OF RAIN: we will cancel by sending all members an e-mail by 11AM or earlier that morning.

Indigenous Lens

​Pope Francis has completed his historic and unprecedented pilgrimage to Canada to apologize to the Indigenous peoples for the suffering they endured as a result of their time in residential schools. Asking for pardon, he says, is a first step towards healing. Former Assembly of First Nations Chief Phil Fontaine, himself a survivor, echoed these thoughts when he said that forgiveness is necessary for healing but some have not been able to take that first step as yet. As the Canadian Bishops have pointed out, reconciliation is a journey that involves all of us. Let us recommit ourselves to the journey of truth and reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
(Submitted by Marion Clorey)

St Francis of Assisi Fraternity
ANNUAL RETREAT 2022 - Registration Form

The St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity annual retreat will be held on September 9-11, 2022 at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Centre in Bayview, PEI The retreat begins at 6 pm on Friday evening and concludes at 1 pm on Sunday (after lunch). The retreat will be facilitated by Fr. John Molina, pastor at St. Simon & St. Jude Parish in Tignish and a former pastor of the Good Shepherd Pastoral Unit.
• The fees for the retreat are $180 for individuals and $280 for a married couple sharing a room. These fees include the costs charged by the retreat centre (for 2 overnight stays, 5 meals and snacks during the breaks) and a small amount to offset the expenses for travel, accommodation, and honorarium for the facilitator.
• Each room at the retreat centre contains a bathroom ensuite, and towels and bed linens are provided.
• To take full advantage of the retreat, everyone attending is expected to stay at the retreat centre from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon.
• There will not be a reduced rate for those attending only part of the retreat. All registrants, whether they stay overnight or not, will have individual rooms for privacy, meditations, etc.
• At the present time, reasonable masking and safe distancing will be maintained.
• Please complete the registration information below and return it, along with the full payment of $180 for an individual OR $280 for a married couple sharing a room, to
Michael Cassidy, 5 Arbour Lane, Cornwall, PE C0A 1H4.
• Make cheques payable to “St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity”.
• Registration with payment must be received by Friday, August 26, 2022.
• Cancellation date for refund: on or before Sunday, September 4, 2022.
• To cancel or obtain more information, contact Michael Cassidy at 902-368-9309 or at mcassidypei@hotmail.com
Name(s) ________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________
Phone_________________E-mail  ___________________________
Local Fraternity _________________________________________
Room requirements (please check): Single_______ Double_______
Emergency contact _________________Phone # ________________
Dietary Requirements/Concerns (Please specify)

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