May 7, 2008
Vol. 43, No. 9

OF NOTE THIS ISSUE

Funeral Services Held for Bishop Benedict Coscia
Benedict Coscia, OFM, a Franciscan friar for 64 years and a bishop since the age of 38, died last week in Brazil at age 85. A Mass of Christian Burial was held last week in Brazil and a memorial Mass is scheduled for May 17 in Paterson, N.J.

Colin O’Rourke, Theodore Lehr Die in New Jersey
Masses of Christian Burial are being celebrated this week for Colin O’Rourke, OFM, and Theodore Lehr, OFM, who both died May 6 in Ringwood, N.J.

Mt. Irenaeus Community Enjoys Fellowship in Manhhattan
Nearly $14,000 was raised at the mountain’s April 19 event in New York City. Approximately 100 supporters of Mt. Irenaeus gathered for fellowship and to help raise money for the retreat house that aims “to make all things new.”

St. Francis Springs Prayer Center Hosts Fundraiser
To commemorate the third anniversary of its opening, St. Francis Springs Prayer Center was the site of its annual fundraising event in April.

Friars Prepare for Chapter
Plans are being finalized for Holy Name’s Chapter next month at St. Bonaventure University. The five-day gathering will include review and approval of a new strategic plan, election of Provincial Councilors, first profession of vows, and more.

FEATURED TOPICS

N.C. Parish’s Earth Day Fair Encourages Conservation
Immaculate Conception Parish in Durham, N.C., showed the community how to be a better steward of the earth through its Earth Day Fair held last month.

Tampa’s Sacred Heart Parish Starts Ministry for Young Adults
Providing young adults with an opportunity to share their faith with others is the goal of a new ministry at Sacred Heart Parish in Tampa.

A Pentecost Reminder: The Holy Spirit Can Transform & Heal
St. Francis of Assisi closes his Testament with this trinitarian blessing for his new Order of Brothers: “And whoever observes these things will be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth he will be filled with the blessing of his beloved Son, with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, and all the powers of heaven and all the saints.” In time for Pentecost, Stephen Lynch further reflects on the paraclete.

FRIAR NEWS

Ordination Class Commemorates 50th Anniversary
Friars from Holy Name’s ordination class of 1958 commemorated their 50th anniversary last week at gatherings in Boston and Paterson, N.J.

Emeric Szlezak Ministers to Hungarian Immigrants
Emeric Szlezak traveled from Saint Anthony’s Friary in St. Petersburg last month to report to the Eastern Association of Hungarian Priests on his ministry to the Hungarian community at Church of the Incarnation in Sarasota.

Boston Shrine Staff Learns More About the Ministry’s History
The Human Resources Department of St. Anthony Shrine in Boston recently held a Franciscan-themed in-service day for friars and staff, showcasing the ministry’s rich history.

Friar News Briefs
Click here for news about activities of Holy Name friars, including Peter Chepaitis, Daniel Dwyer, Brian Jordan, Christopher Keenan, Steve Kluge, Jim McIntosh, Cassian Miles, Kevin Mullen, and Brian Smail.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SHORT REPORTS

SBU and Siena Announce Commencement Dates, Speakers
Speakers from the worlds of business and religion will highlight this year’s graduation ceremonies at St. Bonaventure University and Siena College.

Ministries Invited to JPIC Local Contacts Retreat
Holy Name's office of justice, peace and integrity of creation has scheduled its JPIC Local Contacts Retreat, June 27 to 29, at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, N.C., near Greensboro.

Jersey Shore Parish Renovates Damaged Lobby
When termite damage was noticed in the lobby of Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Brant Beach, N.J., the parish wasted no time in repairing it, thanks to the generosity of parishioners, led by one local contractor who donated his time and staff.

Update from Ministerial Development Directorate
At its April meeting members of Holy Name’s ministerial development directorate reviewed the transfer of leadership of two parishes as well as its report to the upcoming Provincial Chapter.

Web Site Provides Scrolling Through More News Than Ever
Holy Name’s Web site provides more news than is visible on the home page and also allows users to sign up for RSS news feeds. Try scrolling through a list of news stories on the site, using the up and down arrows to access "hidden" information.

Holy Name’s Summer Events: Save the Dates
The dates of this year’s postulant affiliation, solemn profession and diaconate ordination have been announced by the Provincial Council.

Franciscan Symposium to Feature Leadership
A Franciscan symposium in Pennsylvania next month is scheduled to focus on Franciscan education, developing leadership, building character and strengthening student learning. Seven Siena College teachers will lead discussions.

St. Francis Church in Manhattan to Host Graduate Religion Courses
A Jesuit school in New York City, Fordham University, will offer summer graduate and enrichment courses at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Manhattan.

Midtown Manhattan Church Celebrates Filipino Community
Ugnayan, the Filipino Community of St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with two events – on May 10 and on June 7.

THE FRANCISCAN WORLD

Franciscans Commemorate 25 Years of Ministry in Africa
It was just 25 years ago that a new mode of ministry began in Africa with the "Africa Project." Now the Vicariate of St. Francis, friars celebrated in April with an anniversary Mass and festivities at the Franciscan Family Center in Nairobi, Kenya.

Third Order Regular Festival Marks Milestone in Franciscan History
More than 230 Franciscans representing 45 congregations gathered in Western New York last month to commemorate a milestone for the Third Order Regular.

Filipino Province Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The Province of San Pedro Bautista in the Phillipines is celebrating its founding in January 1983.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Priesthood Ordinations of Five Friars
May 24, 2008
11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church; West 31st Street, New York, NY. Friars who will be ordained are Scott Brookbank, OFM, Zachary Elliott, OFM, Julian Jagudilla,...

Provincial Chapter
June 1 - 6, 2008
St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, N.Y. The gathering begins Sunday afternoon with check-in and dinner; it concludes Friday with 11 a.m. Eucharist.