Extra Issue. This supplementary July issue is to tell you about a couple of coming events, for which planning had not been finalised at the time of the July newsletter and to cover a couple of documents for which circulation has been requested.

August Social. At the July meeting, a potluck dinner at Hèléne’s was planned for Friday 7^th August. Unfortunately, Fr Alban can’t come. He has to catch a flight to Perth on the Friday evening so the dinner is cancelled.

August Regional Fraternity Meeting. The Secular Franciscan Order NSW/ACT Regional Day is to be held at the Assumption Seminary, 200 Jersey Road, Plumpton on Saturday, 8^th August, 1998. Our day will commence with morning tea at 10.30 a.m. followed by Morning Prayer. We will focus on Clare. Jack proposes driving up; leaving Canberra about 7am. Please let him know if you would like to go with him.

August Meeting. The meeting will be at 8pm on Friday 28^th August in Marian Hall, Stutchbury Street, Page. Frank will lead us to consider "Mary, Woman of Hope".

July Meeting. We were delighted to welcome Sylvia’s son Hugo and Diana Low sfo from Singapore. Diana is working at L’Arche.

Initial planning for the Transitus on the long weekend in October suggested the possibility of holding it a day in advance on Friday October 2^nd at St Matthew’s, Page. Hèléne will lead preparation with Frank’s help.

Marty’s input on "The Theological Virtue of Hope" stimulated much discussion. Trying a new meeting format, we broke for a cuppa and discussion after Marty gave his presentation and then we re-assembled to share on the subject. A number of people asked for a copy of Marty’s paper.

Conference of the Franciscan Family. The SFO International Council has published the  letter, issued on our behalf, to World Leaders. It is signed by the Ministers General.

Next Council Meeting. 7.30pm Tuesday August 11 at Hèléne’s place.

Available on the World Wide Web at http://www.ozemail.com.au/~jacksmth/canfran.htm