Season of Care for Creation
1 September - 4 October
In our world today, the most basic, powerful, and counter-cultural thing we can do for God's creation is to pray. We live in cultures that values busyness and accomplishments. Following our Creator's call to 'Be still and know that I am God' (Psalm 46:10) humbles us. Prayer is the foundation of all behavior and policy change. Only by the grace and inspiration of God can hearts and minds transform.
This Friday, September 1st we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, a day proclaimed by the Orthodox Church in 1989 and established in the Catholic Church by Pope Francis in 2015. It also begins the Season of Care for Creation which runs into the solemnity of our Seraphic Father, Francis of Assisi. Our Holy Father encourages us to join him, and millions of other Christians around the world, to pray and “reaffirm our personal vocation to be stewards of creation, to thank God for the wonderful handiwork which he has entrusted to our care, and to implore his help for the protection of creation as well as his pardon for the sins committed against the world in which we live.” We also keep in our thoughts and prayers those affected by devastating climates. (Click on the title to your right to) find the Season of Caring for Creation Prayers I wrote based on Saint Francis' Canticle of Creation and Pope Francis' Prayer from Laudato Si. I invite you to share with your families, fraternities and communities. I pray that it blesses you and strengthens you. Wishing you blessings of peace and all good, Carolyn D. Townes, OFS National Animator Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation U.S. Secular Franciscan Order Board Member, Franciscan Action Network |
Elective Chapter 2017
The Secular Franciscans of Eastern Canada are hosting an Elective Chapter from August 4-6, 2017, in Cacouna, Quebec. Comments about the Spirituality of the Chapter by Fr. Andre Comtois, and specific information about the 2017 Chapter follow below.
The Spirituality of the Chapter by Fr. André Comtois, ofm
St. Francis early established the custom of holding chapters. They were held at the Portiuncula and were the occasion for Francis to see his first companions, to become acquainted with friars who had recently entered the Order, to give to all paternal advice, and to make adaptations to their way of life he deemed necessary.
The most famous of all was the "Chapter of Mats" at which were present five thousand friars. They were entirely occupied in prayer and in rendering one another charitable service or in talking of spiritual things. The temporary shelters set up in the fields, some of rush mats, gave its name to this famous chapter. Since then the Chapter has always been most important in the Franciscan family. History shows that Chapters have brought about complete renewal in several Institutes and Provinces.
The time for our regional chapter is fast approaching. Like the friars gathered for their chapter at St. Mary of the Angels, we may ask ourselves: "Besides elections of officers and other organization matters, what are the spiritual reasons for our gathering in chapter?" Our vocation as Secular Franciscans is, first of all, to live the Gospel. Times change and our living the Gospel, if it is to be adapted to our society today, requires a continual renewal on our part as a Regional Fraternity, hence the importance of the Chapter.
A: The primary purpose of the Chapter - I state emphatically, that the purpose of the Chapter is first and above all the spiritual advancement of the brothers and sisters in the pursuit of their common Franciscan ideal. As for St. Francis and his companions, chapters are held not only to elect officers and adopt new legislation, even though these are indispensable for the life of the Fraternity. Concern for the spiritual life of the brothers and sisters should be paramount. They are the first beneficiaries of the Chapter. Saint Francis convoked his brothers to the famous Chapter of Mats at Assisi in 1217, because he had a marked interest in their spiritual advancement. He wanted to help them remain faithful to the Gospel and to the Rule which the Lord himself had inspired him. On that important occasion he insisted on three fundamental points: prayer, life in fraternity, and service to others.
B: How to prepare for the chapter - Evidently, all do not have the same assignment or duty in the preparation of the chapter. For instance, that of the Minister is different from that of the Director of Formation or the Treasurer. But all strive for the spiritual welfare of the members. There is a common concern: "What can I do to help my brothers and sisters to live a more intense spiritual life?" That is how each member, according to his or her part, as well as members who have no special responsibility, are to prepare for the chapter. For that, the importance of prayer must not be overlooked.
C: Preparations to be made:
1) a time of prayer - The presence of the Holy Spirit in our Fraternities, and especially during the Chapter, is paramount; it is he who directs our Fraternity, We must therefore invoke him especially during the preparation of the Chapter. Since the Holy Spirit is the main agent of our chapters, it is only proper that we often pray to him, hence the importance of the Liturgical Prayer, the Eucharist and also Personal prayer during the preparation of the Chapter and also during the Chapter.
2) Gospel teachings: - Jesus gave us certain counsels that should be recalled before the Chapter: -"It is I, Do not be afraid, (Jn 6, 20) The Master of the Absolute will not abandon those who consecrated to him their lives and all their activities. -To the Apostles frightened on the sea, Jesus cried to them: "Why are you so frightened, you men of little fame?" (Mt 8, 26) The greatest storms of history can do nothing against the disciples of Jesus. At the Transfiguration, after having revealed himself to his Apostles, Jesus said to them; "Stand up and do not be afraid" (Mt 17, 8) Jesus knew that if his Apostles lived under the continual eye of the Holy Spirit they would have nothing to fear. They now had to continue in their task. The Transfiguration was not an end in itself, but a point of departure. The Holy Spirit does not work without our cooperation; that is why it is up to all the members to work attentively for the preparation of the Chapter, under the leadership of the Minister. Like the first Christian communities, who had but one heart and one soul, all members should willingly place their talents at the service of the Fraternity.
3) To accept a function asked of us - The Holy Spirit is present in a special way during the time of the elections. Those elected should consider it a pleasure as well as a duty to accept a function in a spirit of service. There are three attitudes that definitely are to be avoided.
A) To consider oneself unworthy. Such members refuse to accept a function and prefer having others, who they consider more worthy, accept the responsibility. That is not a fraternal attitude. As humans before God, no one is worthy to fill a function, More seriously still, one may use being unworthiness as a pretext in order to avoid being involved and to remain free of any responsibility.
B) To be afraid of a function, it is a fear that has to be overcome. There are those timid persons who remained unnoticed, but whose talents are discovered at a chapter. It is understandable that these persons are intimidated when invited to assume a new responsibility. We must remember that the Holy Spirit invoked before and during the Chapter is present to uphold the courage of those who are elected.
C) Lack of time or illness - It is possible that someone may not be able to accept a function because of family, work or illness. These could be valid reasons. Still, such a situation must not be taken lightly and should be considered seriously before God. If there is no serious hindrance, one should accept the function. That way the charge is not relayed to a member who may not have the ability for it. To refuse a function without serious reason could be a lack of love for other members and the Fraternity.
D) To refuse through lack of interest in one's Fraternity. It would be regrettable that one who is well qualified would refuse a function because of lack of interest in the Fraternity. There is always the commandment of love of neighbour, the obligation of the Rule to which a member is committed by a serious promise, One has to remember that accepting a function, one has an excellent opportunity to serve the fraternity and help members progress in their spiritual life.
Conclusion - May the foregoing observations help us to better prepare spiritually the next Chapter of our Region. Let us invoke the Holy Spirit so that we may celebrate our Chapter with the same fervour as St. Francis and his brothers did for the Chapter of Mats in 1 2 1 7. Our Chapter then may produce the spiritual results expected.
St. Francis early established the custom of holding chapters. They were held at the Portiuncula and were the occasion for Francis to see his first companions, to become acquainted with friars who had recently entered the Order, to give to all paternal advice, and to make adaptations to their way of life he deemed necessary.
The most famous of all was the "Chapter of Mats" at which were present five thousand friars. They were entirely occupied in prayer and in rendering one another charitable service or in talking of spiritual things. The temporary shelters set up in the fields, some of rush mats, gave its name to this famous chapter. Since then the Chapter has always been most important in the Franciscan family. History shows that Chapters have brought about complete renewal in several Institutes and Provinces.
The time for our regional chapter is fast approaching. Like the friars gathered for their chapter at St. Mary of the Angels, we may ask ourselves: "Besides elections of officers and other organization matters, what are the spiritual reasons for our gathering in chapter?" Our vocation as Secular Franciscans is, first of all, to live the Gospel. Times change and our living the Gospel, if it is to be adapted to our society today, requires a continual renewal on our part as a Regional Fraternity, hence the importance of the Chapter.
A: The primary purpose of the Chapter - I state emphatically, that the purpose of the Chapter is first and above all the spiritual advancement of the brothers and sisters in the pursuit of their common Franciscan ideal. As for St. Francis and his companions, chapters are held not only to elect officers and adopt new legislation, even though these are indispensable for the life of the Fraternity. Concern for the spiritual life of the brothers and sisters should be paramount. They are the first beneficiaries of the Chapter. Saint Francis convoked his brothers to the famous Chapter of Mats at Assisi in 1217, because he had a marked interest in their spiritual advancement. He wanted to help them remain faithful to the Gospel and to the Rule which the Lord himself had inspired him. On that important occasion he insisted on three fundamental points: prayer, life in fraternity, and service to others.
B: How to prepare for the chapter - Evidently, all do not have the same assignment or duty in the preparation of the chapter. For instance, that of the Minister is different from that of the Director of Formation or the Treasurer. But all strive for the spiritual welfare of the members. There is a common concern: "What can I do to help my brothers and sisters to live a more intense spiritual life?" That is how each member, according to his or her part, as well as members who have no special responsibility, are to prepare for the chapter. For that, the importance of prayer must not be overlooked.
C: Preparations to be made:
1) a time of prayer - The presence of the Holy Spirit in our Fraternities, and especially during the Chapter, is paramount; it is he who directs our Fraternity, We must therefore invoke him especially during the preparation of the Chapter. Since the Holy Spirit is the main agent of our chapters, it is only proper that we often pray to him, hence the importance of the Liturgical Prayer, the Eucharist and also Personal prayer during the preparation of the Chapter and also during the Chapter.
2) Gospel teachings: - Jesus gave us certain counsels that should be recalled before the Chapter: -"It is I, Do not be afraid, (Jn 6, 20) The Master of the Absolute will not abandon those who consecrated to him their lives and all their activities. -To the Apostles frightened on the sea, Jesus cried to them: "Why are you so frightened, you men of little fame?" (Mt 8, 26) The greatest storms of history can do nothing against the disciples of Jesus. At the Transfiguration, after having revealed himself to his Apostles, Jesus said to them; "Stand up and do not be afraid" (Mt 17, 8) Jesus knew that if his Apostles lived under the continual eye of the Holy Spirit they would have nothing to fear. They now had to continue in their task. The Transfiguration was not an end in itself, but a point of departure. The Holy Spirit does not work without our cooperation; that is why it is up to all the members to work attentively for the preparation of the Chapter, under the leadership of the Minister. Like the first Christian communities, who had but one heart and one soul, all members should willingly place their talents at the service of the Fraternity.
3) To accept a function asked of us - The Holy Spirit is present in a special way during the time of the elections. Those elected should consider it a pleasure as well as a duty to accept a function in a spirit of service. There are three attitudes that definitely are to be avoided.
A) To consider oneself unworthy. Such members refuse to accept a function and prefer having others, who they consider more worthy, accept the responsibility. That is not a fraternal attitude. As humans before God, no one is worthy to fill a function, More seriously still, one may use being unworthiness as a pretext in order to avoid being involved and to remain free of any responsibility.
B) To be afraid of a function, it is a fear that has to be overcome. There are those timid persons who remained unnoticed, but whose talents are discovered at a chapter. It is understandable that these persons are intimidated when invited to assume a new responsibility. We must remember that the Holy Spirit invoked before and during the Chapter is present to uphold the courage of those who are elected.
C) Lack of time or illness - It is possible that someone may not be able to accept a function because of family, work or illness. These could be valid reasons. Still, such a situation must not be taken lightly and should be considered seriously before God. If there is no serious hindrance, one should accept the function. That way the charge is not relayed to a member who may not have the ability for it. To refuse a function without serious reason could be a lack of love for other members and the Fraternity.
D) To refuse through lack of interest in one's Fraternity. It would be regrettable that one who is well qualified would refuse a function because of lack of interest in the Fraternity. There is always the commandment of love of neighbour, the obligation of the Rule to which a member is committed by a serious promise, One has to remember that accepting a function, one has an excellent opportunity to serve the fraternity and help members progress in their spiritual life.
Conclusion - May the foregoing observations help us to better prepare spiritually the next Chapter of our Region. Let us invoke the Holy Spirit so that we may celebrate our Chapter with the same fervour as St. Francis and his brothers did for the Chapter of Mats in 1 2 1 7. Our Chapter then may produce the spiritual results expected.
To: All Local Fraternity Ministers
From: Michel David, Regional Minister
Date: January 30, 2017 Sent by e-mail
This official notice to local Ministers is to confirm the "convoking" of the Elective Chapter in accordance with our Regional Statutes, Article 4.1.
Our Regional Elective Chapter will be held from Friday, August 4th until noon on Sunday, August 6, 2017 at Le Cénacle, in Cacouna, (near Rivière du Loup), Québec.
Who may attend the Elective Chapter?
As per National Statutes Appendix A and Article 4.5, the Regional Chapter shall comprise:
2) Two (2) Observers per Fraternity.
Note: Observers are present to learn and understand the procedure of Elections and other voting matters. Observers can neither speak from the floor, nor can they vote. If they have a question they may direct it to their delegate and their delegate can speak for her/him. However, observers are an integral part of the Chapter. (To summarize: Each Fraternity should be sending a minimum of 5 members)
4) The Chapter will also include members of the Regional Council who also have a vote and an active voice.
REGISTRATION:
The Regional Council is grateful to Edith Purdon (Conference Coordinator) and Luba Legault (Conference Registrar) who have agreed to be our Registration Committee. Everyone who is planning to attend the Elective Chapter must register by July 15th at the latest. Registration forms will be sent to you by mail shortly.
NOMINATIONS:
We encourage fraternities to pray for discernment and to nominate competent and willing professed members to serve on the Regional Council. Previous experience serving on a local or regional fraternity is important and advisable. Nomination forms will be mailed to all fraternities by April 15th. We thank Bob Hunger and Padraig McLean for agreeing to be our Nominations Committee.
RESOLUTIONS:
Fraternities are invited to submit resolutions for the consideration, deliberation and action of the Chapter. Resolution forms will be sent to you shortly. If you are intending to submit a resolution please do it as soon as possible. We thank Marion Clorey for taking on the role as Resolution Cttee Chair.
Priorities:
All OFS members are asked to review our Priorities for 2014-17 and come prepared to discuss the highlights and challenges they experienced. A copy of the 2014-2017 Priorities will be sent to you shortly. We thank you Martha and Gerald Gabriel for agreeing to be our 2017-2020 Priorities Cttee Coordinators this year.
ATTESTATION FORM:
Local fraternity Ministers are asked to complete the "Attestation Form" which confirms your fraternity’s official delegate and two observers. It is understood that each local fraternity Minister and Spiritual Assistant will be present. Attestation forms will be sent to you by mail shortly.
ELECTION PROTOCOL:
You will receive a copy of the “Election Protocol” which I would ask that you become familiar with prior to your arrival at the Chapter. Should you have any questions or need clarification, please feel free to contact myself or other Regional Council member. The Chapter is open to all professed OFS members of this region. Only the delegates may vote during the election of Regional officers. However, the election is just one part of an Elective Chapter and occupies only about 20% of the weekend’s activities.
Other aspects of the Regional Chapter include:
a) Excellent speakers from the regional, national and international OFS;
b) Evaluation of actions taken by the Regional/Local Fraternities since 2014;
c) Formulate objectives for the next 3 years based on the current needs in the Region;
d) Voting on important resolutions and changes to our Statutes
e) The receipt of regional and local fraternity reports.
A Book of Reports for the Chapter will be prepared by Linda Cardito. It is critical that the report of each fraternity (also emerging fraternities) is included in the Book of Reports as each Minister will only have a maximum of three minutes to highlight their report during the business sessions. Therefore, please submit your report to Linda Cardito no later than June 1st, 2017. This year, a template to fill out your report will be sent to you shortly to keep the reports succinct and uniform.
A detailed AGENDA will follow at the end of May. We will have excellent speakers and presentations and we look forward to gathering together with you to learn, to pray and to celebrate our Franciscan charism.
Further notices and forms will be sent to you on a regular basis. Please check your emails regularly and distribute the information to your Council and members.
From: Michel David, Regional Minister
Date: January 30, 2017 Sent by e-mail
This official notice to local Ministers is to confirm the "convoking" of the Elective Chapter in accordance with our Regional Statutes, Article 4.1.
Our Regional Elective Chapter will be held from Friday, August 4th until noon on Sunday, August 6, 2017 at Le Cénacle, in Cacouna, (near Rivière du Loup), Québec.
Who may attend the Elective Chapter?
As per National Statutes Appendix A and Article 4.5, the Regional Chapter shall comprise:
- One (1) Delegate from each Local Fraternity, AND their Local Fraternity Minister and their Spiritual Assistant, plus
2) Two (2) Observers per Fraternity.
Note: Observers are present to learn and understand the procedure of Elections and other voting matters. Observers can neither speak from the floor, nor can they vote. If they have a question they may direct it to their delegate and their delegate can speak for her/him. However, observers are an integral part of the Chapter. (To summarize: Each Fraternity should be sending a minimum of 5 members)
- Visitors are welcome to attend the Chapter but have no official voice.
4) The Chapter will also include members of the Regional Council who also have a vote and an active voice.
REGISTRATION:
The Regional Council is grateful to Edith Purdon (Conference Coordinator) and Luba Legault (Conference Registrar) who have agreed to be our Registration Committee. Everyone who is planning to attend the Elective Chapter must register by July 15th at the latest. Registration forms will be sent to you by mail shortly.
NOMINATIONS:
We encourage fraternities to pray for discernment and to nominate competent and willing professed members to serve on the Regional Council. Previous experience serving on a local or regional fraternity is important and advisable. Nomination forms will be mailed to all fraternities by April 15th. We thank Bob Hunger and Padraig McLean for agreeing to be our Nominations Committee.
RESOLUTIONS:
Fraternities are invited to submit resolutions for the consideration, deliberation and action of the Chapter. Resolution forms will be sent to you shortly. If you are intending to submit a resolution please do it as soon as possible. We thank Marion Clorey for taking on the role as Resolution Cttee Chair.
Priorities:
All OFS members are asked to review our Priorities for 2014-17 and come prepared to discuss the highlights and challenges they experienced. A copy of the 2014-2017 Priorities will be sent to you shortly. We thank you Martha and Gerald Gabriel for agreeing to be our 2017-2020 Priorities Cttee Coordinators this year.
ATTESTATION FORM:
Local fraternity Ministers are asked to complete the "Attestation Form" which confirms your fraternity’s official delegate and two observers. It is understood that each local fraternity Minister and Spiritual Assistant will be present. Attestation forms will be sent to you by mail shortly.
ELECTION PROTOCOL:
You will receive a copy of the “Election Protocol” which I would ask that you become familiar with prior to your arrival at the Chapter. Should you have any questions or need clarification, please feel free to contact myself or other Regional Council member. The Chapter is open to all professed OFS members of this region. Only the delegates may vote during the election of Regional officers. However, the election is just one part of an Elective Chapter and occupies only about 20% of the weekend’s activities.
Other aspects of the Regional Chapter include:
a) Excellent speakers from the regional, national and international OFS;
b) Evaluation of actions taken by the Regional/Local Fraternities since 2014;
c) Formulate objectives for the next 3 years based on the current needs in the Region;
d) Voting on important resolutions and changes to our Statutes
e) The receipt of regional and local fraternity reports.
A Book of Reports for the Chapter will be prepared by Linda Cardito. It is critical that the report of each fraternity (also emerging fraternities) is included in the Book of Reports as each Minister will only have a maximum of three minutes to highlight their report during the business sessions. Therefore, please submit your report to Linda Cardito no later than June 1st, 2017. This year, a template to fill out your report will be sent to you shortly to keep the reports succinct and uniform.
A detailed AGENDA will follow at the end of May. We will have excellent speakers and presentations and we look forward to gathering together with you to learn, to pray and to celebrate our Franciscan charism.
Further notices and forms will be sent to you on a regular basis. Please check your emails regularly and distribute the information to your Council and members.