Socializing with Franciscans

One of bits of advice from the Handbook for Franciscan Leadership is allowing time for social time at meetings. "... social time provides an opportunity to experience each other as family in a relaxed atmosphere. How well do we know each member of our fraternity? We also need times to celebrate together."

This past Saturday, we took the call for social time a step further with a midsummer fraternity picnic.

Good food. Good friends. Good discussions. Lots of laughter.

Here's a few pictures. More to come.

Pax et bonum

St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Pray for Us

Today is the feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American woman to be declared a Saint. Our region of the Secular Franciscan Order is named after her.

Here's a prayer from online.

St. Kateri, Star of Native People and Bright Light for all!

We thank God for your heroic courage, constant perseverance and deep love of the Cross.

Pray for us that our love for Christ may deepen.

And may we imitate you in following God’s Will even when difficulties arise.

In Jesus’ name we pray. 

Amen.

Pax et bonum

Franciscan Servant Leadership - characteristics

"Three essential characteristics when one assumes a Franciscan servant leadership role are:

1. that the call or commission is initiated by God;

2. that the response or commitment is wholehearted; and

3.that the leader has or is open to receiving the vision necessary to serve in a servant leadership capacity.

The vitality and growth of fraternal life is usually related to the absence or presence of these characteristics in its leaders."

From The Handbook for Franciscan Servant Leadership (2010) 

Pax et bonum