FRANKLIN, Wis. — The Assumption Province, headquartered here, recently made several announcements in its Provincial Newsletter for September and October.
In top news, the province announced it will end its service to St. Anthony Parish on Milwaukee’s south side by January. The Provincial Newsletter said that while St. Anthony is the type of parish that is best served by Franciscans, the province had to ask to be relieved of its duties there. The increasing needs of the diverse ministry were challenging, and the logistics of caring for the community were not easy for the province.
In other news, Assumption’s provincial council met from Sept. 15 to 18 with the councils of Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. John the Baptist provinces in Milwaukee. Having met together for the past 20 years, the councils discussed how to facilitate further collaboration. The group presented a proposal that described the values, objectives and structures needed to support further collaborative efforts.
Br. Jerry Tokarz, OFM, also concluded his service to the province as secretary and guardian of the Francis and Clare Friary. He was described as a caring and concerned secretary and guardian who served with two ministers.
The newsletter also shared information about health, focusing on stroke and high blood pressure.