Lenten Reflections and Sacred Space

A Thank You to Fr. Jose for creating a "sacred space" for us while the sanctuary is otherwise occupied by the Holy Trinity Apostolate's Mass during the snowy months.  There was room for everyone and we were relatively cozy here before we broke up in groups to share on some Lenten reflections.

All Creatures of our God and King

With the Feast of St. Francis only a couple days away, our host parish again invited pets and their owners to come and participate in the annual Blessing of the Animals.  Once again, our Fraternity was very much present, providing treats for people and pets, as well as music and fellowship of all who attended.

Pets were well behaved while their owners joined in our opening song.

Unlike last year, Fr. Jose was not dressed as St. Francis.

There was an excellent turnout despite the threatening weather. 

These guys are still waiting for their blessings.

I wonder if the dog knows there's a cat in the nearby case.

With our banner displayed behind our table, we offered pet treats as well as people treats (cider & munchkins).

Afterward, the animals were invited into the church.

Regular Meeting

Last month was our first time we held our annual picnic at Holy Family.  We didn't have any rain, but it was HOT, HOT, HOT.  Kathy had offered her place out in Royalston for an outdoor picnic, but in the interest of keeping people from melting, we opted for the indoor option. 

New this year was actually cooking food.  Holy Family had a gas grille that Fr. Jose was happy to let us use.  It was really nice to have hamburgs and hot dogs to go with our other offerings. 

Unfortunately, we forgot to take any pictures.  Take my word for it, it was really nice.

Instead, we have photos of an ordinary meeting in September. 

Our attendance was very good and we had enough space to meet in spite of the parish getting ready for its annual yard sale the following weekend.

As usual, we had a few goodies to share.

It looks like there will be a ton of stuff for sale at next week's yard sale.  Sorry, no early purchases allowed.

Welcome Pam!

It is with great excitement that our fraternity welcomes our new Spiritual Assistant,
Pam Deres.  Pam started visiting us last fall, and after a little time and careful discernment, both she and the fraternity council thought that she would be a great fit to fill a much needed role for us.
 

Member Spotlight

It's always nice to share some of the blessings of our members.

Here's Deacon Bryan in the stole given to him by the Fraternity for his ordination.  Looks sharp!

OFS Professions

Formation Director Jan and Minister Steve present the candidates.

In January we celebrated Profession to the Secular Franciscan Order of Joyce Maxim and Peg Morin.   Fr. Sam Fuller, OFM Cap., newly assigned to assist in our  Region, celebrated the Mass of Solemn Profession at our new home at Holy Family of Nazareth in Leominster.  
Music was provided by our Fraternity's minister and his wife.

Fr. Sam greets Joyce and Peg.

Horace assists during the candle lighting portion of the ceremony.

Congratulations Joyce & Peg.

Following the Mass, the Fraternity, as well as family and friends, gathered to congratulate the newly professed in a celebratory meal.

Feed the Birds

We worked at one very long table.

At our December meeting, we continued with our annual Franciscan Christmas tradition of making bird-seed packets to hand out at our parishes on Christmas. 

Here's the recipe for our activity:
* 1000 Uline S-1293 3x5 2 mil plastic bags
* 1000 Avery 5160 2x4 labels
* 100 lbs of birdseed
* cups for measuring
* bottle tops as funnels
* song sheets for singing
* plastic grocery bags for carrying it all home

A great time was enjoyed by all, and we really made a lot of birdseed packets.  In just a little over an hour we went through that entire 100 lbs of birdseed.

What a wonderful way to share a little bit of St. Francis with others at Christmas!

FEEDING THE BIRDS FOR SAINT FRANCIS

A Gift from the
St. Bernard Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order

St. Francis wanted all creation to celebrate the birthday of Jesus.

It was his desire that all mayors and Lords of Castles issue a

decree that would require the scattering of grain on the roads on

Christmas so that our friends the birds might have something to

eat.  The Secular Franciscans, who strive to follow Christ in the

footsteps of St. Francis, ask you to use this token of a gift to feed

the birds on Christmas Day – in the example of St. Francis of Assisi.

Pax et Bonum (Peace and All Good)

St. Bernard Fraternity, Leominster, MA  StBernardSFO@gmail.com



Filling the bags from a big pot of birdseed.



It looks like this end of the table is making a bigger pile of packets, though.