Now that they have moved to their new ministerial assignments at friaries, parishes, and other Province locations in southern and northeastern states, friars have been settling into their new roles and environments, and have been adjusting to their new responsibilities and challenges. Recently, nine friars provided observations and reflections about their transitions, which came about after the Provincial Council’s fraternal assignment meetings in August.
They describe the challenges of getting to know community members while practicing social distancing, adapting to new roles, and traveling to their new homes through bad weather and other obstacles. They also share what they are finding exhilarating about their new assignments — from the friars with whom they live, to the proximity to family members, to the climate and scenery of the region, and, in general, the opportunity to begin again.
John C. Coughlin, OFM, Guardian, St. Mary’s Parish-Friary, Pompton Lakes, New Jersey
Prior Assignment
John was stationed for more than two and a half years as parochial vicar at St. Peter Claver Church in Macon, Georgia, where he provided sacramental ministry. He was also the chaplain for the parish school and for students at the nearby Catholic college-preparatory Mount de Sales Academy.
New Assignment
Although he began his new assignment at St. Mary’s Parish at the end of September, his arrival – like that of most friars relocating to a different ministry site – was delayed because of travel and other restrictions related to the global pandemic.
Role & Responsibilities
John is engaged in sacramental, Hispanic, and adult religious education ministries.
Differences: New vs. Former
“There are a handful of differences – I have no school chaplaincy, I minister alongside more friars, St. Mary’s is a much larger and busier parish than Macon, and I have more responsibilities with our Hispanic population,” said John, who served the Latino community before and after his 2002 ordination – including an internship in Anderson, South Carolina, and an assignment at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Camden, New Jersey, where he taught English as a second language in one of the poorest parishes in the country.
Saying Yes
For John, it was easy to accept the new assignment. “Living in a larger Franciscan fraternity and the promise of both Anglo and Hispanic ministry were the two biggest attractions,” explained John. “Close proximity to other friar communities and a return to the Northeast, where I am closer to my family, were also factors.”
Adjustment Period
Although he has been at the Pompton Lakes parish for several weeks, John says he is experiencing the usual adjustment period that comes with a transfer. “It’s a process, getting to know the staff, parishioners, and the friars who I live and work with – learning the different ways of doing ministry and getting around in the community. I learn things about my new environment every day. It’s an exciting time,” John said.
Greatest Challenge
“By far, trying to do new ministries in a new environment during a pandemic,” John said. “We still have a reduced Mass schedule, weddings and funerals are on backlog, and lay partners in ministry have not fully returned to parish life.”
Exhilarating Element
“Early in my new assignment, I have found inspiration in the hunger of our parishioners and my brother friars to live out their faith,” John said.
Bob Frazzetta, OFM, Formator, Interprovincial Post-Novitiate Team, St. Joseph Friary, Chicago, Illinois
Prior Assignment
Bob served as guardian at St. Anthony Friary, the Province’s retirement house in Butler, New Jersey, from 2014 to 2020. “During those six years, I was responsible for the safety and well-being of our brothers who have spent their lives in faithful service to fraternity and ministry,” said Bob, whose administrative duties included follow-up on doctor and other medical appointments for the friars. Among his daily duties were maintaining a healthy schedule of prayer, recreation, and fraternal living among the residents.
New Assignment
After the long drive from New Jersey to Chicago, which was made more arduous by the coronavirus pandemic – he arrived at St. Joseph Friary on Aug. 10. During the 800-mile trek, he had to navigate through a treacherous midwestern derecho, a straight-line sustained windstorm that causes hurricane-force winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, and flash floods.
Role & Responsibilities
As one of three formators of the interprovincial post-novitiate program, Bob says his primary role is to accompany friars in formation as they prepare, through prayer and study, for their solemn profession in the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor.
Differences: New vs. Former
Bob says his ministry life is moving in a “ping-pong” pattern. “My first assignments were spent in education, teaching primary and teenage students,” explained Bob, a former member of the Provincial Council. “Then I moved to the opposite end of the spectrum, caring for our senior friars. I have come full circle, returning to education – this time, teaching men in formation.”
Saying Yes
“I accepted the invitation to serve on the interprovincial post-novitiate team because the call not only represented a need, but it also demonstrated the Province’s trust and confidence in me to fulfill these responsibilities. I am happy to have an active part in helping the Order advance into the future,” Bob said.
Adjustment Period
The most difficult part of the adjustment was getting to his new assignment and the drive to St. Joseph Friary.
Greatest Challenge
Moving has always been difficult for Bob. “But this assignment,” he said, “has been particularly challenging because everything about it, with the exception of a couple of friars, is new and unfamiliar – and it’s very far away from all that is familiar.” He added, “I told one of our midwestern brothers that I have never lived outside of close driving range from the Atlantic Ocean – but that I knew of a nice little lake around here somewhere that I will have to adjust to. He was highly insulted!”
Exhilarating Element
“My new assignment has a thoroughly youthful Franciscan character,” said Bob. “The house rings with music and laughter, but it’s also filled with the silence of prayer. Our young friars in formation are eager to learn many things. They are open to all of the possibilities that our restructured and revitalized Order in the United States will bring – not only to our brothers in the fraternity but also to the entire people of God. I am happy to be part of this.”
Tom Gallagher, OFM, Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, New York City
Prior Assignment
Tom served in several positions during the 12 years (2008 to 2020) he was stationed at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish in Hartford, Connecticut. In addition to pastor of the parish and guardian of the friary, he was director of the parish’s Franciscan Center for Urban Ministries. “It is a vibrant, highly participative ministry of the Province. The religious education process for children and teens, and the music ministry, is quite excellent,” said Tom. “With its 106 zip codes, together with the local homeless and marginalized, the parish community blends remarkably well.”
New Assignment
He arrived at St. Francis of Assisi on West 31st Street on Sept. 23, bringing some normalcy during the pandemic. “We hosted a week of prayer for our nation before the presidential election,” explained Tom. “Vesper services included readings from scripture and from Pope Francis’s recent encyclical, ‘Fratelli Tutti.’”
Role & Responsibilities
His new assignment is not about reinventing the wheel. “I want to continue the good ministry of the friars,” said Tom – such as balancing service to the parish population and providing a spiritual haven for thousands who work in the city or visit as tourists. “It is essential in this pandemic to find new ways to engage the community. We are increasing our live-streaming of services for those who cannot join us in person,” said Tom, who made his first profession of vows as a Franciscan in 1978.
Differences: New vs. Former
There are several similarities between the Hartford parish and 31st Street. Both are large parishes that draw from outside their neighborhood boundaries, and both have renowned outreach ministries – 31st Street has the St. Francis Breadline and the Migrant Center, while Hartford has The Open Hearth, a non-profit shelter and housing program, and the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministries. “St. Francis has a more extensive staff than St. Patrick-St. Anthony, with more ordained friars to assist with the Mass schedule and adult religious education, counseling, spiritual direction, and prayer. This is a very engaged community that cares for the poor and appreciates the partnership with the laity,” said Tom, who was ordained to the priesthood in 1982.
Saying Yes
“As I responded to the questions for this article, I was reminded of Francis’s admonition to the friars – ‘Let us begin again to seek the Lord, for up until now we have done nothing.’ The move to a new ministry is the opportunity to discover the Lord’s presence in new ways and experiences,” said Tom, a New Jersey native who serves on the Provincial Council.
Adjustment Period
The transition was made seamless by the hospitality of the friar community and lay staff, according to Tom. “The initial task will be getting to know the people – and their needs – who make up the parish community. This will take more time than normal because of the pandemic,” he said.
Greatest Challenge
“Integrating into a new parish as its pastor at a time of social distancing and caution,” said Tom, a former director of novices. “The limits on interaction and in-person participation make it more difficult to get to know the community.”
Exhilarating Element
“The opportunity to ‘begin again’ may be the grace of this transition,” said Tom.
Greg Jakubowicz, OFM, Chaplain, St. Bonaventure University, Western New York
Prior Assignment
Greg served four years as the campus minister for SUNY Buffalo’s South Campus, ministering primarily to students of the university’s professional schools and off-campus fraternities, sororities, and housing. The campus ministry was anchored at the neighboring St. Joseph University Parish, which has history with Holy Name Province friars and where Greg also served pastorally and sacramentally.
New Assignment
When Greg arrived on the campus of St. Bonaventure University on Aug. 1 to take on his new assignment as chaplain, it was a homecoming of sorts. He graduated from SBU in 1987 and taught business law in the university’s school of business. “It’s good to be back,” he said. Since his ordination to the priesthood in 2004, Greg has served in a variety of ministries in higher education.
Role & Responsibilities
As the university chaplain, Greg is performing typical campus ministry, caring pastorally and sacramentally for all students and members of the SBU community – although campus life is anything but typical, with some classes and most student activities taking place remotely. In addition to providing encouragement and care for spiritual and emotional well-being, Greg oversees campus ministry outreach programs and the Franciscan Center for Social Concern, which includes the student-run soup kitchen, The Warming House. He also is working collaboratively with friars and lay partners at the nearby Franciscan mountain retreat, Mt. Irenaeus.
Differences: New vs. Former
“My last assignment was a state university, so the campus ministry and Catholic mission were not part of the school. I was external support for the students. But at St. Bonaventure, our ministry and mission, ideally, are intrinsic to the university – and, therefore, my role is far more visible in the life of this Franciscan Catholic college,” explained Greg, who professed his first vows as a friar in 1999 and made his solemn profession four years later. “At SBU, I am ministering in the context of our Franciscan identity and presence with my brothers in our Contemplative Fraternity in Mission.”
Saying Yes
“Living in fraternity with my brothers was a major appeal. But the motivation to accept this assignment was my strong desire to come back to SBU, and to stay in Western New York to be close to my aging parents,” said Greg, who served for five years as the campus minister at Siena College.
Adjustment Period
“Adjusting has been fine, although my associate campus minister has been on medical leave since July – which has presented some challenges. However, returning to a Contemplative Fraternity-in-Ministry has been a positive adjustment. This is a great fraternity here,” said Greg, who is a native of Western New York.
Greatest Challenge
“COVID-19 restrictions, although necessary and important, place unique roadblocks to being present to the students and interacting with them in ways in which I am accustomed,” said Greg. “Of course, this isn’t just a challenge at SBU. I suspect that anyone beginning a new ministry is facing similar challenges during this pandemic.”
Exhilarating Element
“Being back at my alma mater, where I was first assigned after ordination, is such a blessing. I truly enjoy being a part of this university and fraternity. I may have been physically gone, but my heart has always been here at Bona’s,” said Greg.
Cidouane Joseph, OFM, St. Anthony Shrine, Boston, Massachusetts
Prior Assignment
Cidouane was stationed at St. Patrick-St. Anthony in Hartford, Connecticut, where he served as parochial vicar since his ordination to the priesthood in May 2011. During his nearly decade of service in Hartford, Cid, a native of Haiti, also ministered at the nearby Haitian-populated diocesan parish of St. Justin-St. Michael Church. He additionally served as a hospital chaplain and ministered to the Third Order Secular Franciscans locally and regionally. He began a Cenacle group for adoration and Marian devotion and led a Haiti sister parish program. “I will always hold very good memories of this active parish and the many opportunities for ministry that it provided,” said Cid.
New Assignment
He received the news of his new assignment at about the same time he was coming back from Haiti, a return to the States that was delayed by three months because of the COVID outbreak. He reported to his new assignment at St. Anthony Shrine on Sept. 14.
Role & Responsibilities
Although the Shrine remains closed to the public because of coronavirus restrictions, Cid says the house is very active. “We have our routine – communal prayer and Masses, and meals and fraternal activities,” Cid explained. “I am looking forward to when we can open again, and where a schedule will set things in place for all of us. I won’t know until then what my ministries are going to be.”
Differences: New vs. Former
Although the pandemic has everything on pause, Cid’s ministries at the Shrine likely would be similar to his work in Hartford. “I am looking at a chaplaincy ministry at a major hospital and would hope to continue my ministry with the Secular Franciscans and the Haitian community in Boston. As things open up, I am sure there will be other opportunities,” he said.
Saying Yes
“This assignment came as a total surprise. But as much as I enjoyed Hartford, I was looking forward to a new ministerial experience. I am excited to be at the Shrine,” said Cid, who professed solemn vows in 2010.
Adjustment Period
Cid, who was a parishioner of the then-Franciscan staffed Holy Name of Jesus Church on Manhattan’s Upper West Side when he migrated from Haiti to the U.S. in 2002, believes that the adjustment period won’t truly be felt until the Shrine reopens its doors to in-person ministries and activities.
Greatest Challenge
“Living in a fraternity of about 30 friars after coming from a friar community of five is definitely a challenge. It is a big fraternity, but it’s also a very joyful one,” he said.
Exhilarating Element
“Changing assignments allows you to expand your ministerial output, it allows you to make new friends, and it challenges you to find Jesus in new and different ways,” said Cid. “It is part of the poverty we profess as friars, so as not to be in one place and miss out on the new graces that God may have in store for us. I know I will love this ministry. Moving has never been easy, but I am confident that I will find good Franciscan life and ministry here in downtown Boston.”
Stephen Mimnaugh, OFM, Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa, Florida
Prior Assignment
Stationed at St. Francis of Assisi on West 31st Street for 11 years, Stephen had been serving since 2016 as executive director of St. Francis Friends of the Poor, which provides permanent housing and support services at St. Francis Residences to homeless men and women with mental illness. In January, he handed the reins to the first layperson to hold the position, but with the COVID outbreak continued to provide support while also working on the St. Francis Breadline. “Even at the height of the pandemic, when the rest of the city was shut down, our dedicated volunteers, staff, and friars never stopped feeding hundreds of hungry guests who showed up at the Breadline every day. I was profoundly grateful to be a part of this 90-year-old ministry,” Stephen said.
New Assignment
After arriving at Sacred Heart Church on Sept. 14, Stephen spent a week and a half acclimating to his new environment and meeting staff and parish leaders. But it was anything but normal. Like all friars relocating, Stephen said he had to follow Province safety and health protocol that required him to take a COVID test upon arrival, and practice social distancing until the test results were reported.
Role & Responsibilities
As the pastor, Stephen leads this vibrant parish of more than 2,500 registered families in downtown Tampa, providing pastoral and sacramental ministry. Keeping everyone safe is a top priority. “Sacred Heart observes strict safety protocols, such as mask-wearing and maintaining six feet of distance at Mass. We are conducting most faith formation and ministry committee meetings on Zoom,” Stephen said. “We were one of the first to live-stream Mass under the leadership of the previous pastor, George Corrigan, OFM. We continue to refine our use of technology to stay connected with parishioners during these challenging times.”
Differences: New vs. Former
“Although this is my first assignment as a pastor, in some ways it’s not that different than running a mid-size non-profit – similar to what I was doing before this. My tenure with St. Francis Friends of the Poor and St. Francis Residences prepared me well for my new pastoral responsibilities,” said Stephen, who was ordained to the priesthood in 2009.
Saying Yes
“I was more than happy to agree when the Provincial Council asked me to accept this assignment – particularly since the fraternity in Tampa has grown from three friars to five. As the pastor, I am fortunate to have the vast experience of my brothers (Henry Fulmer, OFM, Mike Jones, OFM, Ron Gliatta, OFM, and Zack Elliott, OFM) – each of whom brings unique gifts to our shared ministry and fraternity,” said Stephen. “Our friary is filled with laughter, which is a nice balm as we continue to live amidst uncertainty.”
Adjustment Period
“Being in one place for 11 years – as I was at 31st Street – never makes moving easy. But I suppose that moving during a pandemic only made matters more stressful,” said Stephen. “That said, the friars and the people of the Sacred Heart community have been so appreciative and understanding. It never ceases to impress me how people respond to difficulty with great kindness.”
Greatest Challenge
The pandemic has been a major obstacle in getting to know the congregation and becoming familiar with the Tampa Bay geography, according to Stephen. “Learning names and getting to know parishioners is challenging when everyone’s face is covered. But everyone knows we will have to reintroduce ourselves to one another,” he said. “Because the pandemic has slowed the pace of many ministries, my introduction to a new ministry has been more gradual than would have unfolded under normal circumstances.”
Exhilarating Element
Stephen was excited about returning to Sacred Heart as pastor after recalling the experience of spending the summer of 2006 as an intern, simultaneous to the one-year anniversary that Holy Name Province assumed pastoral leadership of the parish from the Jesuits. “Back then, Sacred Heart and Tampa were not as busy and vibrant as they are today. After witnessing the early planting of Franciscan seeds, it is heartwarming – and humbling – to be pastor of what is clearly a truly Franciscan parish with a rich Ignatian history,” said Stephen.
Paul Santoro, OFM, St. Anthony Shrine, Boston, Massachusetts
Prior Assignment
Paul was stationed at Saints Peter and Paul Church, a diocesan parish in Winter Park, Florida, where he served as pastoral associate for three years. He served primarily in social justice issues and outreach, but also served in prison ministry and parish programs involving scripture studies, senior citizens, and youth.
New Assignment
When he arrived at St. Anthony Shrine in September, it was a homecoming on multiple fronts for Paul, who professed his simple vows in 1982. “I was born and raised in East Boston across the Boston Harbor, just two subway stops away on the Blue Line. Living close to home is a blessing,” said Paul, who, since returning to the Shrine, has reconnected with his seven siblings and many nieces and nephews (and their children) – all of whom live within a one-hour drive of the city. It is also Paul’s second assignment at Arch Street. A credentialed alcohol/drug counselor, Paul served at the Shrine from 2004 to 2009, doing work in a downtown outpatient narcotics treatment facility and at the Shrine’s Mychal Judge Center for Recovery – the latter named in memory of the HNP friar who served as chaplain of the New York City Fire Department and is listed as the first person to perish in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center.
Role & Responsibilities
Since St. Anthony Shrine remains closed to the public because of the pandemic, Paul’s ministerial role and responsibilities are in a holding pattern. Although he is not yet involved in particular ministries, he has been assisting in the Shrine’s development office.
Differences: New vs. Former
Although his ministries have yet to be determined, there are similar ministries at the Shrine in which he has served – such as senior citizens, outreach, and spiritual and addiction counseling.
Saying Yes
“I loved the Shrine the first time I was here, and I know I will love it again,” said Paul. “The friars are very welcoming, fraternal, prayerful, and supportive of one another. Franciscan community and values are fully alive in this fraternity.”
Adjustment Period
Aside from dealing with COVID-related restrictions, the biggest adjustment has been the weather – although the Boston native is accustomed to unforgiving New England winters. “The weather is very different than Florida. But I arrived just in time for the brilliant colors and crisp temperatures of the fall season,” said Paul, who was stationed in the South for 11 years between assignments in Florida and Georgia.
Greatest Challenge
As for most friars transitioning to new assignments, the ongoing pandemic has posed the greatest challenge for Paul. The Shrine is being extra cautious about reopening and resuming in-person ministries because a significant number of friars are in the vulnerable age category for COVID-19. “Prior to reopening, I am sure there will be discussions as to my role here,” said Paul, who has spent a significant part of his friar life in education ministry, teaching religion, and serving in campus ministry. “There is an abundance of ministries at the Shrine that I can connect with – hospitality, seniors, young adults, outreach. We’ll see where God is calling me when it’s safe to reopen and get back to normal.”
Exhilarating Element
“Overall, it’s good to be home!” said Paul.
Tim Shreenan, OFM, Pastor, St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish, Hartford, Connecticut
Prior Assignment
Tim was serving as parochial vicar and director of liturgy and communications at St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street, where he had been stationed for most of his 34 years in New York City. Among his varied responsibilities through the years, Tim planned dozens of jubilee, solemn profession, ordination, and other celebratory and milestone Masses of friars.
New Assignment
His arrival on Oct. 1 at St. Patrick-St. Anthony to assume his new position as pastor coincided with two other major events – the feast of St. Francis and the 30th anniversary of the Franciscans taking on the pastoral leadership of the parish. “I was keenly aware of these important observances and I tried to tailor my inaugural homily to address them,” said Tim, whose departure from 31st Street was slightly delayed because he needed to complete as much physical therapy as possible after fracturing his humerus in his right arm in a July mishap while riding an electric scooter.
Role & Responsibilities
In addition to providing leadership in pastoral and sacramental ministries to the congregation, he oversees all parish outreach – including major programs and entities at St. Patrick-St. Anthony, such as the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry and the sister parish of St. Genevieve in Haiti.
Differences: New vs. Former
“As the pastor, I face a whole new set of responsibilities quite different from those at 31st Street. My ministerial charges are far broader and more numerous than my previous role as director of liturgy and communications,” said Tim, who participated in a program in summer 2019 that examined St. Francis of Assisi Parish from a biblical, historical, theological, and artistic perspective in celebration of the church’s 175th anniversary. “Many of the ministries and organizations at St. Patrick-St. Anthony are ably run by very competent lay staff and volunteers. This is a great blessing not only for me personally but for all beneficiaries of these ministries. This a result of the high level of organization developed under the guidance of three previous friar-pastors – Tom Gallagher, OFM, the late Jim Hynes, OFM, and Jerome Massimino, OFM.”
Saying Yes
“It was time for a change,” Tim proclaimed. After all, he had spent the past 34 years in Manhattan. “I was not surprised when I was asked to become pastor at St. Patrick-St. Anthony. I felt that I had ‘flown under the radar’ long enough. It was certainly time to try something new,” Tim said. “I have long-admired the excellent liturgical music ministry at my new parish.”
Adjustment Period
Tim says that despite COVID restrictions and his broken arm, the transition from New York to Hartford has gone remarkably well. “After the first few frenetic weeks, I have settled into a good rhythm. The veteran friars – Francis Soucy and John Leonard – have been very helpful and patient with us newbies – myself, Michael Johnson, OFM, and the friary guardian, Bill Beaudin, OFM,” Tim said. “We seem to have developed a good rapport and we enjoy our evening meals together – thanks to Bill and Mike sharing the cooking duties.”
Greatest Challenge
“One of the greatest challenges we are facing – as every parish is facing – is how to be Church in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tim, who graduated from Siena College in 1976. The parish’s one public and three live-streamed weekend Masses, and one public and live-streamed Mass on weekdays, seems to work for congregants because many are still reluctant to return to church physically, according to Tim. “Hopefully, over the next few months we will be able to open more Masses to the public,” he added, noting that he and the other friars are meeting the challenges with numerous weekly Zoom events to help parishioners stay in touch with one another.
Exhilarating Element
“During my twice-weekly trips into Avon and Simsbury for my ongoing physical therapy, I have had the opportunity to enjoy some fantastic fall foliage, something I missed during my years in New York City,” said Tim, a native of Western New York. “I am also being treated to some first-class liturgical music each weekend – from Bach organ preludes to superb choral anthems by our professional quartet under the direction of Gabriel Löfvall, our parish’s music director. I keep saying to myself, ‘Tim, you’re a lucky man!’”
Chris Van Haight, OFM, Guardian, St. Anthony Friary, Butler, New Jersey
Prior Assignment
For the past six years, Chris had been stationed at Immaculate Conception in Durham, North Carolina, where he served as pastor of the bilingual, multicultural parish for three years. He also was the guardian of the friary for three years. Chris described the parish as a busy place – “there was always a project going on” – with 2,700 registered families and a grammar school.
New Assignment
When he arrived at St. Anthony Friary on Sept. 3, Chris said it was “like returning to the motherland.” Before his assignment in Durham, he had served six years, two as the pastor, at St. Bonaventure Parish in nearby Paterson, New Jersey. “I would visit the friars at the Butler retirement house once a week, usually joining them for Friday dinner. It’s nice to be back,” he said. “Since I am originally from Massachusetts, it’s also nice to be back in the Northeast.”
Role & Responsibilities
“As the guardian, it’s all about the care of the friars – and at a retirement house, there are special needs among the many residents. It’s up to me to coordinate with staff, working directly with the friars to make sure their health needs are being met, and making sure they are comfortable in their home,” said Chris, who was ordained to the priesthood in 2008.
Differences: New vs. Former
Instead of pastoral ministry to a parish congregation, Chris is providing fraternal ministry to the friar community. When things return to normal, he would like to help with the Hispanic ministry at St. Anthony of Padua Parish next door to the friary, and perhaps make a monthly visit to St. Mary’s Parish in Pompton Lakes (a 15-minute drive from Butler), which also has a large Latino population. “But my principal job – first and foremost – is taking care of the friars,” he said.
Saying Yes
Chris recalled a presentation by a friar when he was stationed at Holy Name College. “I remember him saying that friars love to go out and be with the people in the public square – which is our call as Franciscans. But he also asked the young friars to consider, at some point, internal ministry – caring for the brothers,” Chris said. “Those words stuck with me. I wasn’t looking to leave Durham. Hispanic ministry is a joy of mine – especially connecting with people of strong faith who so often don’t have the resources that match. But when I was offered this opportunity to care for the friars, I thought – this is my time to do internal ministry and take care of the brothers who have given so much.”
Adjustment Period
The transition to the Northeast has been smooth, says Chris, because he is familiar with the area and the retirement house, and with most of the friars. “It has always been an open and welcoming house to friars in the region, and to those passing through,” he said. “Although this a much larger house, I have the experience of being the guardian of four or five other friaries. I know the need for balance – balancing fraternal life and respect for everyone living in the house.” Chris said the pandemic has tempered the landing at his new ministry. “You couldn’t come in full steam because of all the safety protocols and restrictions, so there has been a lot of runway to adjust and settle in,” he said.
Greatest Challenge
“The greatest challenge, obviously because of the pandemic, is keeping this vulnerable population safe and healthy. Thankfully, this is a massive building, plenty of space to spread out and everyone has their own ensuite bathroom,” said Chris. “Although this is a retirement community, where many of the friars don’t leave the house or the grounds except for medical appointments, there are friars living here who help in local parishes and other outside ministries. It has been most difficult on them.” Chris may be better equipped than most to handle the unique challenges brought about by COVID. Before he became a friar with Holy Name Province, he worked in the biotechnology industry. “I have a background in infectious disease, managing laboratories, and dealing with government agencies such as OSHA and the nuclear regulatory commission – all of which helps me understand the language when I am conferring with medical personnel and advocating for the friars,” Chris said.
Exhilarating Element
“Working and being with the friars – that’s why I joined the Franciscans, for the fraternity. I served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and living in community back then completely changed my life. It struck a chord, but I wasn’t ready for a religious vocation,” Chris explained. “But I knew that when the time was right, fraternity would have to be a core value of whichever religious order I joined. I am in the right place at the right time. There is a great fraternal community here at the Butler friary.”
— Compiled by Stephen Mangione with research by Jocelyn Thomas
Related
- “New Guardians and Pastors Assigned to Friaries, Parishes” – Sept. 16, 2020, HNP Today
- “Province Announces Departure from Nine Locations” – Jan. 7, 2020, HNP today
- “Student Friars Reflect on Summer Assignments” — Sept. 1, 2010, HNP Today