NEW YORK — Below are news items about some of the many activities of Holy Name friars, including their presentations, publications, and ministry work. More information can be obtained by visiting links to the parishes and organizations mentioned, by contacting the friars by phone or e-mail, and by connecting with communications office.
To provide news briefs for future issues of HNP Today, e-mail Jocelyn Thomas at communications@hnp.org
► Peter Chepaitis, OFM, co-director of Bethany Ministries, is appearing on the radio twice this month. June 8 and June 15 interviews can be heard at 6:30 a.m. on WXXA in Albany, N.Y. In a recent newsletter from Bethany Ministries, Peter recommends a book titled, Everything Must Change, by Brian McLaren. His impressions of the book, subtitled, Jesus: Global Crisis and a Revolution of Hope, as well as recent programs of his ministries, are available in the newsletter. The Franciscan Ministry of the Word at Bethany Ministries is available to lead parish missions, retreats, days of renewal and other workshops.
► Mathew Conlin, OFM, and Dennis Tamburello, OFM, recently gave a day of recollection for volunteers who sponsor Residents Encounter with Christ (REC) programs at the seven state prisons in the Diocese of Albany, N.Y. They spoke about “The Spirituality of the REC Volunteer.” Both Matthew and Dennis live at St. Bernardine of Siena Friary in Loudonville, N.Y. In addition, Dennis was one of two musical performers at Siena College’s Welcome Back Pub Night on June 6 during reunion weekend.
► Staff and contributors to The Anthonian magazine were recently honored by the Catholic Press Association. Octavio Duran, OFM, the Province’s photographer, and Todd Carpenter, OFM, won awards for articles they wrote for The Anthonian. Octavio’s piece, “A Friar’s Dream Come True,” took first place for best feature article. Todd’s essay on “Sheltering the Homeless,” took third place in the essay category. In other news, Octavio’s photos will be displayed in Hartford, Conn., from Aug. 7 to Oct. 4, the Feast of Clare to the Feast of Francis. Details will be provided in a future issue of this newsletter.
► Louis Iasiello, OFM, has been named commissioner and co-chair of a newly established federal task force charged with examining quality of life issues in the military in light of global extremism, especially sexual assault and violence. The White House, Congress and secretary of defense were involved in the nomination of the task force. As co-chair, Lou will conduct open meetings, represent the task force at press briefings and report to Congress. Commissioners will visit military operations and installations around the world, including combat zones. This is Lou’s second appointment to a Congressional commission. His first was in 2004.
► Jerome Massimino, OFM, and the friars of West 31st Street, Manhattan, honored two friars on June 10. Evening prayer and dinner celebrated the birthday of Vocation Director Brian Smail, OFM, and the year of service that Stephen Mimnaugh, OFM, gave the parish during his recent internship. Stephen is finishing the education phase of his formation next year.
► Provincial Vicar Dominic Monti, OFM, presided at the final Mass during St. Bonaventure University’s reunion weekend on June 8. Dominic is both an alumnus and former president of SBU.
► Siena College President Kevin Mullen, OFM, spoke about pizza on the college’s June 7 News & Views radio program. He interviewed Siena College alumnus Mike DeFazio ’07, Mike’s father, Rocco, and Mike’s bother, Matt, ’09, about family, education and their food business. The DeFazios donate part of the proceeds of their Organic Joe’s Pizza Kit to the Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy.
► Robert Sandoz, OFM, presented 17 Francis Medals last month to parishioners and staff members of our Lady of the Holy Angels Church, where he is pastor. The recognitions were given at the May 31 jubilee dinner dance that commemorated the parish’s 125h anniversary. Details about the celebration will appear in a future issue of issue of this newsletter.