NEW YORK — Right on time for the official start of summer last week, the Province’s Franciscan Vocation Ministry distributed copies of the newest issue of Be A Franciscan, its quarterly publication, to parishes, ministries and schools along the East Coast.
The Summer 2011 issue highlights the May ordination of Cidouane Joseph, OFM, and Erick Lopez, OFM. It also includes thoughts from F. Edward Coughlin, OFM, on St. Bonaventure, the doctor of the church, whose feast is celebrated on July 15.
Other articles in this issue, electronically distributed to friars on June 16, include:
| • | “Confessions of a First Year Student at Holy Name College” by Michael Reyes, OFM |
| • | “My Vocation Story” by Dwayne Fernandez, OFM |
| • | “HNP’s Commitment to Ministry with Young Adults” by Katie Sullivan, executive director of the Franciscan Volunteer Ministry |
| • | “What Does it Mean to Say that God is Calling Me?” by Fr. Warren Sazama, SJ |
Online Updates
The Province’s Vocation Ministry continues to enhance its online presence.
Earlier this month, it posted a new welcome screen on its Be A Franciscan Facebook page. In his note, vocation director Brian Smail, OFM, invites visitors to use the page “as a forum to share your comments and questions about Franciscan life.”
Additionally, two new elements have been added to the “Join Us” page of HNP.org.
The landing page has been reconfigured to include a news box. “We wanted men visiting BeAFranciscan.org to know they have found a site that is frequently updated. The news box allows us to draw attention to upcoming events, congratulate student friars on their formation milestones and share helpful resources about discernment and Franciscan life,” Brian said.
The left navigation bar also has a new button. “Listen to an HNP Podcast” directs visitors to the Dating God podcast, produced by Daniel Horan, OFM. The podcast currently includes interviews with Daniel Dwyer, OFM, andDennis Taburello, OFM. Earlier this month, Dan interviewed Brian about his role as vocation director for a forthcoming episode.
Upcoming Formation Milestones
As the summer progresses, several men will be reaching milestones in their Franciscan formation journeys.
On Aug. 15, 2010-2011 postulants John Aherne, Pedro Corces, and Jeffrey Upshaw will join men from seven other North American English-speaking provinces at St. Francis Friary in Burlington, Wis., home of the new interprovincial novitiate.
Later that week, on Aug. 20, Holy Name will welcome six new men into the Province as postulants. This will be the largest postulant class since 2005.
Finally, on Aug. 27, two friars — Stephen DeWitt, OFM, and Dan Horan — will reach the culmination of their work and studies as friars in initial formation when they profess solemn vows at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City.
— Rebecca Doel is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.
Editor’s note: To receive printed copies of Be A Franciscan by mail or electronic versions by email, contact the Vocation Office at vocation@hnp.org.