FRANCISCAN FEDERATION OF THE SISTERS AND BROTHERS OF THE UNITED STATES |
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June 2022 | Volume 2, No. 1 |
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Message from the President |
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Several weeks ago we met in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the historic Annual Federation Conference (AFC) 2022. Our hearts were on fire as we were engaged in a piazza experience that generated an energy of ideas and a movement forward. The assembly affirmed changes in commission structures and titles to clearly define their focus. Engaged in this experience were women and men of the Third Order Regular and Secular, associates/cojourners/companions of religious communities, emergent members, and Franciscan organizations. We truly journeyed together. The transformation of the Franciscan Federation has really begun! However, it is only the beginning.
Since the AFC, the National Board has appointed an Executive Director. For those who were unable to attend the AFC, this Briefing provides an update of the changes with the commissions. The National Board would like to thank everyone for their support and enthusiasm during this past year and ask that you continue to be engaged in the transformation process as we move forward.
The National Board and the Executive Director will be meeting in Chicago, Illinois from September 8-11, 2022 to discuss moving forward with all that was generated at the AFC. There is more to come.
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The National Board has appointed Sara P. Marks as the next Executive Director. Sara is no stranger to the Franciscan Federation. For those of you who attended AFC 2022, Sara served as the facilitator of the event. She has also been involved in the Emergent group and has facilitated this group throughout the past year. Sara has served on the Communications Committee of the National Board in the development of the new website and served on the Commission of Charism Services. Her skills, background and Franciscan spirit will help the Franciscan Federation to move forward in the transformational process.
Sara is a West Chester, Pennsylvania native. Presently, she is a doctoral candidate in organizational leadership with a concentration in nonprofit and public administration. She holds a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from the University of Dayton and a bachelor’s degree in literature from West Chester University.
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Sara has served as the campus minister at Alvernia University, Reading, Pennsylvania and Neumann University, Aston, Pennsylvania. She also served as a case manager in a shelter for women and children at the Ministry of Caring in Wilmington, Delaware. She was the founding director of Franciscan Volunteers with the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. In 2020, Sara founded Fina Catalysts LLC, which provides facilitation and consultation services for religious congregations and non-profit organizations. She is a companion and former member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. |
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Sara begins her service as Executive Director on July 1, 2022. |
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Following the AFC 2022, the National Board held its first meeting of the 2022-2023 year. During the meeting, the members welcomed Jeanne Bessette as a representative of the CCL. Additionally, the Board elected its executive committee: Suzanne M. Kush, CSSF as president, Joyce Shanabarger, OSF as vice-president, Michelle Balek, OSF; secretary, and Frank Scornaienchi, TOR; treasurer. Also serving on the National Board are Kathy Warren, OSF, Celeste Crine, OSF, Jeanne Connally (Emergent) and Liz Hughes (ELFO). The National Board continues to dedicate its energy to listen to what was expressed during the AFC as the process of transformation moves forward in the coming year. |
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The leadership of the commissions is vital for the life of the Franciscan Federation, as well as the transformation process. During the AFC, the members of the assembly affirmed title and directional changes.
The Commission of Elected Leaders is now the Convocation of Canonical Leaders. Convocations with the National Board and Executive Director will be held at least twice a year for the purpose of consulting, informing, and receiving advice from the leadership TOR Congregations. The leadership of this group includes Damian Novello, OSF, Judith Wood, SSJ-TOSF, Leonette Kochan, OSF, Janet Gardner, OSF, and Renita Brummer, OSF.
The Commission of Charism Services is now known as the Commission for Life and Mission. The title change better reflects its priority to identify and/or create resources for continuing education and on-going life formation. Under the auspices of this Commission, sub-committees for Franciscan Associates/Cojourners/Companions, and Emergent initiatives is housed. This Commission is under the leadership of Margaret Carney, OSF, Corrina Thomas, FSPA, Bernie Tickerhoof, TOR, and Kevin Elphick.
The Commission of Regions is now the Commission of Animators. The Commission members will be animators in advertising, promoting, and providing the “means and ways” to meet to spread the offerings that the other Commissions or the National Board develop, and be a benefit to all. Leading this effort will be Camilla Wolfgram, OSF, Sandra Lyons, OSF and Jeanine Morozowich, CSSF.
The newest addition is the JPIC: Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission. The primary work of this Commission is to provide leadership for the Federation in educating and proposing advocacy regarding priority of social concerns. This Commission will be partnering with Franciscan Action Network. It is led by Pat Millan, OSF, and Maryann Agnes Mueller, CSSF. Click here for this year’s resolution.
Executive Leaders of Franciscan Organizations (ELFO) is comprised of Franciscan organizations with a National Scope. Though the Secular Franciscans are not an organization but a religious order, they have participated in the conversation. The Franciscan Federation serves as a convener of these organizations. ELFO is in the process of preparing a statement of purpose and a list of procedures used during their meetings to be on file with the Franciscan Federation.
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135 Remsen Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 | [email protected] | 1-929-207-3628 | www.franfed.org
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