Meeting notes - March 12, 2016
Attendance: Carl, Phil, Kathleen, Therese, Sheila, Melanie, Brother Matt, and John
Guests: Bernadette
1) Opening Prayers
2) Formation with Brother Matt
• Reflection on Saint Francis our Seraphic Father and the San Damiano Cross
• Updates on Capuchin brothers:
• Brother Kip - has been helping to rebuild a new friary that is serving the poor in Philadelphia.
• Brother Brian - has passed his exams for priesthood and will be ordained in Pittsburgh this coming June.
• Fr. Gregory will be at our next meeting to offer us instruction on praying the Divine Office
3) Great fellowship and food -- thanks for all those sharing their bounty, thoughts, and prayers!
4) Kathleen & John attended the presentation from the Madonna House community in Roanoke, Virginia. They have two Poustinias in Roanoke, and Fr. Gregory is offering the small apartment above the Rectory's garage to be used as a Poustinia for use for those who wish to make this type of unique retreat. Fr. Gregory has made a call to start a new ministry that would help maintain the Poustinia, and Kathleen has answered the call to help. Contact Fr. Gregory if you want to help with this ministry.
Madonna House in Roanoke website
5) John shared news from Jan Parker that the International Secular Franciscan Order has selected the United States of America to host the International Chapter in 2017. Looking quickly for a retreat space in U.S. that would host 150+ people, is close to an international airport, and can keep costs to $55/day for facilities and food -- if you have a suggestion contact our National Minister Jan Parker. John suggested the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in Philadelphia -- please say a prayer that we can find an inspiring and affordable place to host this event.
6) Secretary's Report: John will contact Helga arrange a visit with sister Rose in March. Positive feedback on new newsletter.
7) Treasurer's Report - Melanie Bninski
Mount La Verna Fraternity
Januarry & February 2016
Balance at end of December 2015:
Checking $281.40
Savings 100.00
Pay Pal 154.93
Cash 269.60
TOTAL $805.93
Income
Donations 429.00
Total Income 429.00
Expenses
Deposit for Retreat OlofA 50.00
Refund (rosaries) 10.00
Website (CWS) 30.00
Books/supplies 109.80
TOTAL EXPENSES 199.80
Net Income/Expense 229.20
Balance at end of February 2016:
Checking $485.20
Savings $100.00
Pay Pal $154.93
Cash $295.00
TOTAL $1,035.13
7) Please continue to pray for Deacon Tom Bello, O.F.S. and follow his inspirations each day at MercyHour.org He is very appreciative of everyone's prayers, and loved the Franciscan Crown Rosary that was made by Elizabeth and Melanie.
8) Carl has a person who may be able to lead our Fall Retreat -- stay tuned...
9) Closing prayer -- Divine Mercy Chaplet (with many special intentions offered from those present and by e-mail)
Fraternity Milestones:
Birthdays:
• Melanie Bninski - March 21st
Remembrance for those who have gone before us:
• Mary Benza, O.F.S.
Upcoming Dates:
• March 19th - 12:30-3:30pm Spring Garden planting Incarnation Community Gardens
• March 26th - 10am Trader Joe's Food Donations Pickup
• Social Justice Stations of the Cross on Downtown Mall -- TBA w/ Casa Alma & Pax Christi - hoping to organize for Good Friday.
• April 2, 2016 - Day of Reflection for Candidates and Inquirers at St. Anthony Shrine
• April 4-6: Parish Mission for the Jubilee Year of Mercy iMission: The Divine Hotspot. A mission for the Jubilee Year of Mercy with Fr. Bill Garrott, O.P. 7:30pm Monday through Wednesday evening, April 4-6 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church.
• April 9, 2016 - Next Mount LaVerna Fraternity Meeting at 12:15pm
• April 22-24, 2016 - Annual Regional Retreat at Priestfield
• May -- Pilgrimage to Terra Patris with John -- details TBA
• June 30 - July 4, 2016 - Quinquennial Meeting in St. Louis
• Virginia Gathering of Secular Franciscans - Mid-July at Incarnation PAC
• Saturday, October 8th -- Elections for officers (done every three years -- prayerfully consider)
• Saturday & Sunday October 22-23 - Annual Fraternity Retreat at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Crozet.
