July 1999

Secular Franciscan Order: Holy Spirit Fraternity
Canberra, Australia

COMING EVENTS

July Meeting. We will meet at 7.15pm for 7.30pm on Friday 23rd July in St Christophers Cathedral, Manuka, to celebrate the Mass for the Golden Jubilee of Ordination of Monsignor Hoare. We will sit together if that is practical.

Region Fraternity Meeting. On Saturday 31st July from 10.30am to 3pm the Region is gathering at the Capuchin Conference Centre, 200 Jersey Road (corner of Pringle Road), Plumpton NSW. Morning and Afternoon tea will be provided. For further information contact Sue Casey sfo, Regional Formator, telephone 4758 8798 or Melanie Hellmund sfo, Regional Secretary, telephone 4237 7411. A reflection on Saint Clare will be lead by a Secular Franciscan. It may be possible to make transport arrangements when we meet at St Christophers.

Portiuncula Indulgence. You may recall that 2nd August is the special day for this indulgence as described in the item "A Great Pardon of Portiuncula"[132KB] provided by Fr Allan.

Feast of Saint Clare. At 7.30pm on Wednesday 11th August we will join with the Croatian Charismatic Group to celebrate the Feast at St Augustines, Beasley Street, Farrer (near Yamba Drive - see the map [117KB]). Father Tvrtko Gujic ofm will celebrate Mass in English and afterwards we will have a shared supper in St Augustines Meeting Room.

August Meeting. On 27th August, Hélène will lead us to consider Aspects of "God is Love".

REPORTS

Professions. On Friday 25th June most of us met in St Matthews Church to celebrate Elizabeth and Rex making their life-long commitment to the Gospel life in the Secular Franciscan Order. The Profession Ceremony was held during a Festive Mass of St Francis concelebrated by Fr Allan Hartcher OFM (Regional Spiritual Assistant), Fr Hilton Roberts (Parish Priest) and Fr Eddie Tomic OFM (Chaplain to the Croatian community in Canberra).

Loui as Minister of the Fraternity, presided with Sylvia and Cec as witnesses.

Families, friends and some others with an interest in St Francis joined us for the occasion. The event had been publicized in the Canberra/Goulburn archdiocese Catholic newspaper Catholic Voice, parish bulletins and flyers on church notice boards. About 35 people attended not counting children and the celebrants.

Elizabeth and Rex were presented with San Damiano crucifixes and framed certificates. Afterwards we enjoyed a simple feast in the adjacent parish hall.

OTHER MATTERS

Jeremy Turanec, his wife Maria and daughter Michaela made a brief visit to Canberra for Jeremy to attend a job interview. It would be wonderful if they moved here.

National/Regional Levy. Where Hélène's records do not indicate that an active member has paid this year's Regional and National Levy of $30.00, a reminder letter will be sent. These levies were due on 1st January 1999 and have now been paid for all active members whether they have contributed or not.

Revised List of Members. An updated list of members of the Fraternity has been sent to members. Please let Jack know if it needs any corrections or additions.

Library. Members are asked to donate or loan books with a Franciscan theme to the Fraternity Library. A list of Library holdings will be compiled.

Prayers. Please remember to pray for vocations:

Gracious God, we pray that men and women might respond generously to Your call to ministry in the Church; --- And may You increase our Franciscan community by calling those dedicated to penance and the Gospel life.

Peace Prayer. Fr Allan has provided an interesting item concerning the Peace Prayer [96KB] often attributed to St Francis.

Next Council Meeting. 8pm Monday 9 August at Loui's place.

Input for the Canberra Franciscan and requests to Jack Smith: phone 61-2-62583824 fax 61-2-62583151 jacksmth@ozemail.com.au