NEW YORK — Plans are being completed for the Provincial Chapter of 2008, being held this year on the campus of St. Bonaventure University June 1 to 6. The gathering will focus on Holy Name Province’ Strategic Plan, 2008-2013, which has been in development under the direction of the Province’s visioning and planning committee. The last Provincial Chapter in 2005 mandated its creation.
The Strategic Plan has been drafted using input from almost three years of gatherings of friars and lay partners in ministry. Five directorates of the Province — formation and studies; fraternal life; justice, peace, and the integrity of creation; ministerial development; and sick and retired — have contributed material to the plan, said Francis Gunn, OFM, chair of the visioning and planning committee.
Full and Varied Week
As in the past, this year’s Chapter will include presentations, discussions and fraternal time. In addition to approving the Strategic Plan, the other key activities and goals for the Chapter include:
| • A keynote presentation by Fr. Bryan Hehir, Secretary for Social Services and president of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Boston. Fr. Hehir is widely known for his work in Catholic social services and the field of religion and public life. He is a published author, professor, and much sought-after speaker, Francis said. |
| • State of the Province report from Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM |
| • Election of Provincial Councilors |
| • Reports from Province directorates and committees with feedback from the friars |
| • Discussion of recommended revisions to Holy Name Province’s statutes |
| • First Profession of Vows on June 5 |
More than 160 delegate friars will be participating in the 2008 Chapter, according to Provincial Secretary Michael Harlan, OFM.
“As of May 5, we have 161 delegates,” Michael said, adding that “they were either elected or asked to be seated. There will also be ex officio members as well as formation students at the Chapter.”
New assignments for friars will be finalized after the Chapter at Holy Name’s congressus in Manhattan the week of June 16, Michael said.
Lodging at Mt. Irenaeus
Friars attending the Chapter have been invited by the Mt. Irenaeus community to spend some time at their house, Holy Peace Friary, on their way to St. Bonaventure. The friary accommodates up to 15 guests, all in single rooms, according to vicar Joseph Kotula, OFM, who said the Mountain community welcomes friars to spend a day, an overnight or two nights on their way to the Allegany campus. The Mountain is located approximately 40 miles east of SBU. Reservations can be made by contacting Louis McCormick, OFM, at 585-973-2470 ext. 1.