NEW YORK — The following are highlights from the Provincial Council’s meeting on Sept. 13 and 14 at the Provincial Office.
Visioning and Planning
The Provincial Council met with members of the Province’s Visioning and Planning Committee on Sept. 13 and the following items were discussed:
(1) Vision Statement
The Council and the committee reviewed the vision statement approved at the August Council meeting and subsequently mailed to each of the friars. The statement has been used internally thus far, but the goal is to share the statement externally through the Province newsletter and Web site in the near future.
(2) Data from the Friars
The Council and the committee reviewed the process for receiving feedback from
the friars about preferences for ministry and fraternal life through a survey designed by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA). The questionnaires are due on Sept. 28 so that CARA can analyze all the responses they receive.
(3) Data from the Directorates
The committee gave an update on the data that the directorates have been asked to submit as part of the strategic plan. Their analysis and proposals are due on Sept. 30.
(4) Fall Fraternal Gatherings
The committee reviewed the proposed dates and locations for the Fraternal Gatherings that will take place in late October and early November. The analysis and information from the surveys will be a major part of the sharing and discussion at the gatherings. An announcement of the dates and locations will be sent to all friars, followed by registration materials in a mailing from the Provincial Office.
(5) Concerns and Questions
The Council and committee discussed some concerns regarding the visioning and planning process focusing on the need for additional data in the area of finances and demographics that will be shared with the friars.
The Visioning and Planning Committee confirmed their meetings for the upcoming months: Oct. 12, Nov. 9, and Dec. 4.
Policy on Work Contracts
The Provincial Council approved a revision to the policy for friars working under employment contracts.
Friars can read the revision in Making Sense (in the document section of HNP Friars Only of the Provincial Web site).
Friar Transitions
The Provincial Council approved new assignments for six friars:
James Czerwinski, OFM, has been appointed as pastor of the new St. Clare Parish in Buffalo by Bishop Edward Kmiec upon the nomination of the Provincial Council, effective Oct. 28. This new parish is a result of the merger of five parishes on Buffalo’s Southeast side, announced over the summer by Bishop Kmiec, including our Sts. Rita and Patrick Parish, where the friars have served since 1858. The other parishes involved are Precious Blood, Holy Apostles Peter & Paul, St. Valentine and St. Stephen. The Province was asked by Bishop Kmiec to continue to provide the pastoral leadership for the merged parish and to transfer our ministry to the St. Stephen’s site, which will become the base of the new St. Clare parish. Jim has been overseeing the merger process over the summer, which will continue over the fall.
Daniel Murray, OFM, has been assigned to the staff of St. Anthony Shrine, Boston, effective immediately.
Ronald Pecci, OFM, has been provisionally designated to succeed Thomas Gallagher, OFM, as Director of Novices. This appointment must be confirmed following next year’s chapter. John Maganzini, OFM, has been provisionally designated to succeed Ron as Director of Pre-novitiate formation. These designations were made at this point to assure a smooth transition in the Province’s formation program.
Patrick Sieber, OFM, will take up residence at Juniper Friary in Philadelphia, Pa., effective Oct. 5, while continuing in his present ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, N.J.
Thomas Sheehan, OFM, retirement, with permission to care for his mother in Lancaster, N.Y., effective immediately.
Upcoming Meetings
The Council discussed the topics to be addressed at the guardians meeting scheduled for Nov. 12 to 15 at St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg, Fla. The guardians will be asked to submit agenda items to Andrew Reitz, OFM, before Oct. 15.
The Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 17 – 18.
— Br. Michael is provincial secretary of Holy Name Province.