In an effort to better connect its provinces, the English-speaking Conference has recently launched a series of communication tools for friars, including a website and social media accounts.
The English-speaking Conference’s new website provides information on the conference and its various secretariats, commissions and committees. It also has a blog, which is used to share news from each province as well as information about events in the Order. Recent topics include a report from St. John the Baptist Province on a talk given by Provincial Vicar Dominic Monti, OFM, at the All Province Assembly in Dayton and a reflection from George Corrigan, OFM, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Tampa, Fla., which appeared in the May 22 issue of HNP Today.
The website also hosts recent issues of the ESC’s newsletter.
“My hope is that the website will be a source of sharing information from the various provinces so that we can all rejoice more frequently in the good works happening across the conference,” said Fr. Thomas Washburn, OFM, executive secretary.
The ESC, which comprises 14 provinces in regions stretching from California to Ireland to Malta, has also created Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Fr. Thomas encourages friars to explore the website and to connect through social media. “These tools will be particularly helpful when it comes to the Plenary Council in November and the General Chapter in 2015 as a means of communication,” he said.
A link to the English-speaking Conference Order of Friars Minor website can be found on the Links page of the HNP website. “Sharing information about the provinces will be not only interesting to friars, but helpful as they serve their ministries,” said Jocelyn Thomas, HNP communications director, who is planning the annual meeting of the communication directors of all the ESC provinces.
— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.