NEW YORK — Four HNP Fraternal Gatherings were held this month, at which friars learned about an assortment of Provincial updates highlighting leadership transitions, ministry interests of friars and developments from the Provincial Administration.
Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, briefed attendees about his recent meetings including visits to Japan and toClemson University, near Greenville. S.C., and told the friars about the first-ever performance review being launched for HNP guardians.
A major part of each of this year’s gathering is a discussion of friar statistics: the available number of friars with interests and skills in specific areas of ministry. These statistics are based on a survey completed by Holy Name friars last fall.
Participants at the fraternal gatherings are given several documents for their review, including:
· Letter from John O’Connor on Leadership Transitions
· Looking at the Personnel Situation — Results of the Friar Inventory
· Assessing HNP’s Ministerial Commitments
· Reflection on the Guardian’s Performance
· Reflection on the Role of the Guardian
In addition, attendees hear a presentation on “Boundaries in Life and Ministry” usually given by J. Patrick Kelly, OFM (shown in photo from New York gathering). They are also provided documents about communications and vocation:
· HNP Vocations Handbook
· Communicating Through Photos: Tips for conveying Franciscan life and ministry with pictures
Roughly 35 friars attended the March 9 gathering at San Damiano Hall at the Provincial Office in New York. Fraternal Gatherings were also held at St. Bonaventure Church in Paterson, N.J, on March 11, at St. Bonaventure University on March 24, and at Siena College on March 25.
Six of the Province’s nine spring 2010 fraternal gatherings have been completed, said Provincial Secretary Michael Harlan, OFM, who organized the series. The remaining meetings are scheduled for April 26, May 8 and May 11.
— Jocelyn Thomas is director of communications for Holy Name Province.