the poverello · what came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human...

The PoverelloSt. Bonaventure Secular Franciscans Detroit, Michigan

Vol. 74, no. 1 — January 2014

2 The Poverello,January2014

Minister’s LetterMy dear sisters and brothers,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May God’s peace and joy reign in your heart!

I want to express my appreciation to Pat Cardellio for organizing the reception following the Christmas Concert, to Pat Cardellio, Caroline Florescu, Ron and Elizabeth Kessler, Joe Gentile, Teresa Westbrook-Lienert and Tony Lienert for assisting with the set up and clean up for the reception, to Elizabeth and Ron Kessler, Joe Gentile and Ona Moore for decorating the dining room, to everyone who brought food for the reception, and to Javier Aguilar and Leticia Aguilar for taking pictures during the concert and reception. The choir members, their family and friends, and all of our guests were impressed with the incredible banquet we prepared for them. If you have not already done so, please remember to mail in your Fair Share contribution before December 31. If you have already mailed in your payment, thank you very much.

REFLECTION

God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life (Jn 3:16)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (Jn 1:1-5)

The Word of God is always “in the beginning’ and this means that it is always in the process of being born and is always already born… The essence of God is birthing. What good is it to me if this eternal birth of the Divine Son takes place unceasingly and does not take place within myself? And what good is it to me for the Creator to give birth to his Son if I do not give birth to him in my time and in my culture?

– from Meditations with Meister Eckhart, O.P. by Matthew Fox, 1983

As we hurry about with last minute preparations for our Christmas celebration, let us remember to take some time to quiet our hearts and focus on the most precious gift of all, the Incarnation of God. Christmas is a celebration not only of the Incarnation of God over 2000 years ago, but the gift that God is dwelling among us today. What generous love our heavenly Father has for us that he would send his only Son to humble himself to take on our human nature and desire to have a personal relationship with us. As I read through the Gospels for the Advent and Christmas seasons, I was struck by the fact that our all-powerful God chose simple, ordinary people and all of creation (Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men, Simeon, a donkey, a star) to bring about his kingdom. The God who guided and provided for them on their journey continues to accompany us on our earthly journey today. The Incarnation of God transformed their lives and filled their hearts with hope that things can be different. We pray that our hearts will be transformed and filled with hope by the grace of the Incarnation. “For St. Francis of Assisi, the Incarnation was not just the historical event of God becoming one of us. The Incarnation was then, but it is also now. Anyone who accepts the gospel life accepts the commission from God continually to bring forth Christ into our world. Francis put it this way (in his Second Letter to the Faithful): “We are…(his)mothers when we carry him in our heart and body through love and a pure and sincere conscience; and give him birth through a holy activity, which must shine before others by example” (Brian Purfield, “Francis of Assisi: A Gospel Way of Life”. After all the family visits have ended, presents unwrapped and put away, the Christmas tree taken down, and

The Poverello,January2014 3

3.....Alice Vier4.....Joe Driessen7.....Gary Johnson8.....John Bodell Tony Lienert10...Mary Lou Catino Bridget Schultz15...Natalie Grabowski

19...Gloria Longueil25...Thomas Nozewski Paul Catrow Matthew Kosch28...Beverly Hanus30...Kathleen Lang Patricia Vail31...Stephen Garcia

we return to our routine, ordinary lives, what difference does the transforming grace of the Incarnation of God make in our every daily lives? As we prepare to begin a new year, let us reflect : What new idea or activity is God birthing in your life? God is still speaking to us today. God is still present among us in Sacred Scripture and in the Eucharist. Whenever we receive the Eucharist and hear the Word proclaimed, God is born again in our hearts. God is still using all of the circumstances in our life to birth in us a deeper faith, deeper hope, deeper love, and a deeper relationship with himself. God has something new in mind for each of us. No matter what happens in our lives – illness, a new friendship, the loss of a job, a new ministry, moving to a new home, the death of a loved, the birth of a child or grandchild, retirement – God is with us throughout it all and is bringing about something new (and good!) in our life. Like the shepherds who witnessed the Incarnation of God and shared the good news with great joy, we, too, are “to go forth as witnesses and instruments of her [i.e., the Church’s] mission among all people proclaiming Christ by their life and words” (OFS Rule, 6). We who have experienced the grace of God’s love and mercy must go forth and share the gifts of peace, love, hope, joy and forgiveness we have received with members of our families, our coworkers, members of our faith community, and to all those most in need of God’s healing touch. As we journey through the New Year, let us go forth with hearts full of joy and put into action these words of St. Paul to the Colossians (3:12-21):

Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I wish you and your family a grace-filled Christmas Season and a New Year filled with abundant blessings.

Your sister in Ss. Francis and Clare,maryann

From the Friars’ Choir


Our DeceasedBettie Carrico, V 19 Dec. 2013 (mother of deceased Br. Mark Carrico, OFM Cap)

Members of our Fraternity

Wilhelmina AdkinsDan & Jan AtkinsonKay BalasClaire BoutainMary Lou CatinoRocco CesaroJoe DriessenMary GillenGrabowski FamilyNona Mary HebertJames HeymesCaroline Hojna & FamilyAnna Marie JezakGary JohnsonDonna Marie JohnstonLouis JosephJoyce KaminskiEsther KelleyMary KleinLorraine Korte

Frank B. KraimerJosie LafataFrank & Rosalie LiccardelloPatricia LongGloria LongueuilIlene Manning & FamilyJoseph MarraSophie MartinMabel MichaelsHugh MontpetitBarbara PardingtonBob PeckhamGeorge PelyakTom RicardMary SaberMichael & Bridget SchultzBen StapelAlice VierJoseph Wisk

Relatives needing prayers:

Theresa Brannigan, daughter-in-law of MargueriteMary Ann Bridge, daughter of Connie MusialRichard Boutain, son of ClaireFr. Edward Ertzbischoff, brother of JuliaAlice Greene, sister of Hank ForysBonnie Holler, niece of Jo Marie NardiDenise Joseph, daughter of LouisDavid Kaminski, son of JoyceIrene Kutchey, daughter-in-law of Julia ErtzbischoffAl Long (in Hospice Care)Rosemary Marson, sister of RalphBarbara Musial, daughter of ConnieVance Nardi, sister-in-law of Jo MarieJean Nozewski, wife of Thomas

Teresa Poole, mother of MaryJoseph Ricard, brother of Tom

At times, the names of relatives needing prayers are dropped from the list if we have not received an update after a few months. Please keep in contact with Jo Marie. Please help to keep our list up-to-date. Call:

Jo Marie Nardi at 586-978-2335

In memory of AzAlee6 years old

Azalee received treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital from April 2012 until November 2013. Sadly, she lost her battle with

cancer on November 17, 2013. Azalee loved being her mother’s little helper, whether it was assisting in the garden or trying to tell her little brother what to do. But in April 2012, Azalee became pale and listless. She tired easily and moaned in her sleep. Azalee’s doctor thought she had an ear infection. But two months later, as Azalee’s mom, Amanda, lifted her into the car, she felt a lump near Azalee’s shoulder. By the next morning, the lump had grown bigger. Azalee was rushed to the emergency room. She spent five days in the local hospital while doctors searched for an answer. Azalee’s family was soon referred to St. Jude, where doctors determined that Azalee suffered from a tumor that develops in the nervous system. “There was no doubt in my mind that St. Jude was the right place to go,” says Amanda. “Azalee’s doctors and nurses went above and beyond.” Azalee’s treatment included chemotherapy, surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy and an antibody treatment. Throughout her battle, Azalee always had a smile on her face. Her family is hopeful that Azalee’s story will continue to inspire others to support St. Jude, so that the hospital can continue its search for a cure for the many types of cancer that strike children.

Our 2014 Fraternity Calendar January 11, Saturday ..............10:00 a.m. ...............................Fraternity Council meetingJanuary 19, Sunday ................1:30 p.m. ................................Fraternity Gathering Welcoming and Admissions Ceremonies

February 8, Saturday ..............10:00 a.m. ...............................Fraternity Council meetingFebruary 16, Sunday ..............1:30 p.m. ................................Fraternity GatheringFebruary 22, Saturday.........10:00 a.m. ..............................Mass for OFS DeceasedMarch 8, Saturday ..................10:00 a.m. ...............................Fraternity Council meeting March 16, Sunday ..................11:00 a.m. ...............................Fraternity Day of Reflection

April 12, Saturday ..................10:00 a.m. ...............................Fraternity Council meetingApril 20, Sunday ....................Easter Sunday .........................Meeting moved to the 27th

April 27, Sunday ....................1:30 p.m. ................................Fraternity Gathering – Jubilarian Mass

May 10, Saturday ...................10:00 a.m. ...............................Fraternity Council meetingMay 18, Sunday .....................1:30 p.m. ................................Fraternity Gathering

June 7, Saturday .....................10:00 a.m. ...............................Fraternity Council meetingJune 8, Sunday .......................1:30 p.m. ................................Fraternity Chapter (Fathers Day is June 15th)................................................................................................Welcoming CeremonyJune 21, Saturday.................10:00 a.m. ..............................Mass for OFS Deceased

July 12, Saturday ....................10:00 a.m. ...............................Fraternity Council meetingJuly 20, Sunday ....................1:30 p.m. ................................Fraternity Annual Picnic on Belle Isle

August 9, Saturday .................10:00 a.m. ...............................Fraternity Council meetingAugust 17, Sunday .................1:30 p.m. ................................Fraternity Gathering – Admissions Ceremony

September 13, Saturday .........10:00 a.m. ...............................Fraternity Council meetingSeptember 21, Sunday ...........11:00 a.m. ...............................Fraternity Day of Reflection

October 3, Friday ...................7:00 p.m. ................................Transitus and SocialOctober 4, Saturday ...............7:00 p.m. ................................Mass in honor of St. FrancisOctober 11, Saturday ..............10:00 a.m. ...............................Fraternity Council meetingOctober 18, Saturday ...........10:00 a.m. ..............................Mass for All Franciscan Deceased: Religious, Seculars, Relatives and BenefactorsOctober 19, Sunday ................1:30 p.m. ................................Fraternity Gathering

November 8, Saturday ...........10:00 a.m. ...............................Fraternity Council meetingNovember 15, Saturday .........10:30 a.m. ...............................OFS Profession RetreatNovember 16, Sunday ............1:30 p.m. ................................OFS Profession Mass

December 13, Saturday ..........10:00 a.m. ...............................Fraternity Council meetingDecember 21, Sunday ............1:30 p.m. ................................Christmas Concert and Social



Celebrating Stephen Garcia Stephen was born on January 31, 1973 to Leo and Rose Marie Garcia in Ventura, California where the family has deep roots. Stephen’s ancestors were members of the first land expeditions into California, serving as soldiers and settlers, along side the Franciscan missionaries, led by Blessed Junípero Serra. Stephen was baptized at San Buenaventura Mission, where nine generations of his family were baptized, and where his mother currently serves as receptionist. Stephen’s siblings are: Anne Marie, Greg and Joanne. Stephen attended Holy Cross School from kindergarten through eighth grade, and then attended St. Bonaventure High School. He spent his freshman year of college at the University of California at Berkeley, and then transferred to Stanford University where he received an

A.B. in Psychology in 1995. He attended Princeton University for graduate school where he received a Master’s degree in Psychology in 1999 and a Ph.D. in Psychology in 2002. That same year he also received a Master’s degree in Administrative, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University. College summer jobs included working at an oil field company as a roustabout and at McDonald’s as a “fry guy.” Later, he had the opportunity to work as a research assistant for various professors. After college, he was employed at Well Fargo Bank, Merrill Lynch and Charles Schwab as a marketing consultant. In 2002, Stephen began working at the University of Michigan as an assistant professor of public policy, and is currently an associate professor of psychology and organizational studies. Stephen’s home parish is St. Andrew’s in Saline, Michigan. He takes Holy Communion once a month to an assisted living community in town on behalf of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Ann Arbor. Stephen learned about the Secular Franciscans from his regular visits to the Solanus Casey Center for confession. When Stephen saw the street sign outside the building listing “Secular Franciscans,” it got his attention and he decided to learn more about the Secular Franciscan Order. Stephen enjoys doing his “school work” in coffee houses around Detroit or Ann Arbor. He also enjoys running on the treadmill or track, when he has the discipline to exercise. He enjoys visiting the Solanus Casey Center where he feels more at peace, regardless of the stressors of life. In fact, the Solanus Casey Center is his favorite place in the Midwest, and, unlike other places or institutions, has been the most meaningful and important place in his life. He is very grateful to Father Solanus Casey for helping him through so many trials and difficulties. In Stephen’s experience and spiritual journey, life is a series of “rising again”. We love you, Stephen!

The three popes TIME magazine chose as Person of the Year

1962

1994

2013


Pineville Couple Shares Blessings on Thanksgivingfrom theowntalk.com for Nov. 28, 2013

Leonard and Ona Wilson feel blessed. To truly give thanks for those blessings, they feel, they have to share them with others. That’s why the Wilsons cooked enough food to feed an army this Thanksgiving, even though they weren’t hosting family or friends. Instead, they shared their holiday meal with the folks at Hope House in Alexandria. “We just thought it was the Christian thing to do,” Ona said. “We have been blessed to have some wonderful Thanksgivings. We felt like we wanted to give a nice Thanksgiving to Hope House.” Hope House, established in 1989, offers shelter and support services to homeless women and their children. The nonprofit is celebrating its first holiday in its new home. The Wilsons knew each other as young people in Michigan (they went to prom together) before going their separate ways and starting families. They did not see each other for 37 years before they reconnected in Detroit a few years ago. They met for lunch one Christmas while Leonard was visiting family. One thing led to another and they married four years ago. They chose to make their home in Pineville, where Leonard works at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Ona had worked with homeless women and children in Michigan. “It’s what I did and I loved it,” she said. “I have a special place in my heart for anyone who is homeless, but women and children especially are so vulnerable.” Ona visited Hope House after a friend told her about it and asked if she and her husband could cook a Thanksgiving meal for residents and staff. The Wilsons prepared three turkeys, dressing, pork loin, string bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, collared greens, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, cake and ice cream. “Thanksgiving is not only about thanking God for what you have,” Ona said. “It’s an opportunity to make someone else happy. Giving is where the real joy is. You get more joy from sharing with someone who is not as fortunate as you.”

St. Clare Society of Regina High School


Photo Potpourri

1 2 3 4

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28

lord's BAptIsm

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MeldrumSoup Kitchen:

10:30-1:00

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frAternIty GAtherInG

12 - formAtIon

1:30 - everyone

EPIPHANYPss Proper

WEEK 2ORD. TIME

Pss Wk 2

WEEK 3ORD. TIME

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Mary,Mother of God* IS a holy day

in the USA

Holy Nameof Jesus

January

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(UsA)

Minister Maryann KummerVice Minister Teresa Westbrook-LienertTreasurer Laura SapianSecretary Anthony LienertFormation Minister Sylvia SnigierCouncillors-at-Large: Patricia Cardellio Caroline Florescu Melissa Lindow Beverly Sapian Joseph Sapian Mary Williams Spiritual Assistant: Br. Patrick McSherry, OFM Cap

APPOINTMENTSInfirmarian: Jo Marie NardiContinuing Formation: Beverly SapianHealing Service Coordinator: Melissa LindowSoup Kitchen Coordinator: Joseph SapianHospitality Coordinator: Pat CardellioAnnual Picnic Coordinators: Terry Westbrook-Lienert and Tony Lienert Gospel Happenings Coordinator: Laura Sapian

MAKING FRATERNITY HAPPEN

The entire St. Bonaventure Secular Franciscan Fraternity gathers on the Third Sunday of every month. For more information, contact: Maryann Kummer In addition to our monthly Fraternity gathering, some members also gather in a small group:

Fr. Solanus Cell (2nd Friday, 7:30 pm): Mary Ann and Hugh Montpetit

FRATERNITY MINISTRY OUTREACH:Meldrum Soup Kitchen

Usually on the 2nd Friday of each month.&

Healing Service Social Wednesdays at 2 PM

The Poverello is published by theSt. Bonaventure Secular Franciscan Fraternity

1780 Mt. Elliott St.Detroit, Michigan 48207

Phone: 313-579-2100, ext. 136e-mail: [email protected]

editor: Br. Pat McSherry, OFM Cap

Pray Dailyfor Vocations to the OFS


[email protected]

Visit our weebsite at:

http://www.sfostbonaventure-detroit.org

Fax et Phonum

St. BonaventureSecular Franciscan Fraternity1780 Mount Elliott StreetDetroit, Michigan 48207

the poverello · what came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human...

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