A Reflection on Our Profession

Reflection on Our Profession

As Secular Franciscans

By: Rich Backlas, OFS

     As a young lad I remember going with my mother to the local post office, as she mailed a care package to one of my relatives who was in the military.  The time was World War II.  In the post office there was a prominent poster showing Uncle Sam with the American Flag in the background.  He was pointing with his hand directly in front, pointing at you, with the slogan that read “I WANT YOU.” 

     As a prankish boy I would go to all the different corners of the post office room to try to avoid Uncle Sam’s gaze upon me but no matter where I went I could not escape that gaze or pointing hand.

     As I grew older I reasoned, how would this poster be, if the person portrayed was Jesus Christ saying, “I WANT YOU.”

     At our last ongoing formation gathering, we had a very informative question and answer session about Padre Pio and his life.  A servant of God, truly a devoted priest of Jesus Christ, he dedicated his life of servitude to accomplish all that was asked of him.

     His gifts of discernment moved hearts of the mild mannered and the hardened as well.  People, who would normally be shunned by society, were brought to a renewal of faith and salvation history took place.  Padre Pio became an example to all of us as Franciscans to follow his example.  He, as Francis, our founder, become our role models.

    We are called to a commitment to use our gifts, to bring about a positive change in the world.  The challenges we face in the new year of 2019, within our Church, compel us to take an active role as Franciscans to bring about a common good!  While we might question how effective we can be, we must realize that all things are possible with God.

     “And if God is for us, who can be against us?”  May we dedicate ourselves daily, to do His will.  Amen.

Pax et bonum

The results are in

This fall we conducted a survey of parish and non-parish ministries in which Fraternity members engage. The hope was to get a sense of the broad range of ways in which the members live out their Franciscan vocations, and perhaps to offer some ideas and inspiration for expanding our own activities.

 

Fraternity members belong to a number of different parishes. Among the most common volunteer activities are lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and music ministers. Some members are involved with prayer groups and Bible study, Vacation Bible School, evangelization, and conducting Communion services. Some engage in outreach activities, such as Stephen Ministry, food pantries, clothes closets, and Thanksgiving/Christmas basket programs. Still others use their gifts behind the scenes, such as serving on buildings and grounds committees or counting the collection.

 

In addition of parish-related ministries, Fraternity members are active in the broader world.

 

A number of members are involved in pro-life activities - Project Rachel, Focus Pregnancy Help Center, Rachel’s Vineyard, Sidewalk Advocates, 40 Days for Life Pro-life vigils, Good Friday Stations of the Cross for Life, and Feminists for Non-Violent Choices. Some are involved with ministries and groups, including prison ministry, the Catholic Daughters, Church Women United, the Ladies of Charity, the Children’s Agenda, Magnificat Women’s Breakfasts, the Diocesan Public Policy Committee, and volunteering at the Padre Pio Chapel.  There are others who evangelize when they get the opportunity - such as when undergoing dialysis - or who regularly visit and help those who are infirm, homebound, and so on.

 

The picture we get is of Franciscans who take to heart our call to embrace the Gospel, and to proclaim God’s message to the world through our words and actions.

 

Perhaps in reading what others do, we may get ideas about other things we can do individually.

Pax et bonum