Newsletter of the: July 2018 Volume 13, Issue 7 Saint Alphonsa Fraternity

Queen of Peace Region –

Minister’s Message: Precious Blood of Jesus

INSIDE THIS ISSUE July is devoted to the Precious Blood of Jesus. Minister’s Message 1 Dear Brothers and Sisters, Spiritual Assistant Reflections 2 Formation Assignment 2 July is an important month for us. Not only is June Meeting Minutes 3-4 it dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of our St. Article 5 Lord Jesus, but we also celebrate the Feast Upcoming Events 6 day of our Patroness St. Alphonsa on July 28. Prayer Requests 6 She suffered so much and offered it up to Fraternity Council 7 Jesus as a sacrifice of love. As we honor the Newsletter Notes 7 Precious Blood of Jesus in union with the Church, may it awaken in our hearts a love of Input for Virtual Library 7 gratitude for Christ’s gift to us for he has Next Meetings 7 saved us by His blood. In like manner, St. Lourdes Holy Water 7 Francis set an example for us to follow – never Birthdays 7 forgetting the cost, he poured out his very life Go Build My House 7 to honor our Lord and the sacrifice He made July Mini-Retreat 8 on our behalf.

May we always remember this. We are saved KEY THOUGHT: Jesus was sacrificed on the by the blood of a spotless lamb. Thank you, cross for us as lambs were sacrificed in Savior of the world, for freeing us from a life reparation for sin to God. Now it is God of sin and destruction. We could not save initiating the sacrifice of His Son for our sins. ourselves. We needed you. PRAYER RESPONSE: Thank you Lord for I offer the following for your reflection. It embracing the cross and sacrificing your life was written by Father Michael Scanlan, T.O.R for love us in love.

LAMB OF GOD DECISION: Today I will live in a manner SCRIPTURE: John 1:29 worthy of the Lord’s sacrifice for me.

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him PETITION: Come, Lord Jesus…………………… and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Peace and all good,

Teresa

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Spiritual Assistant Reflections:

Dear Franciscan Brothers and Sisters, them. Whatever you do, don’t give up the practice of prayer, even though every This month, I would just like to offer some discouragement might be telling you to simple encouragements around prayer. do so, because God is close and desires to set you free! Hands down, the most difficult thing about prayer is finding/making the time. If you For an assignment, simply keep taking the are not used to praying every day, start time for prayer! small! 5-10 minutes of quiet with God a day is a great start and can change a life! Peace and every good, Pick a time that will work for you. Don’t worry if you miss some days. Simply, Fr. John return to prayer the next day. Release yourself from the pressure of being perfect. It’s God’s job to make you perfect, not yours (and God is pretty good at it!).

The second most difficult thing about prayer is learning to deal with discouragement. The good news about Formation Director Notes: discouragement is that it is necessary for us to encounter spiritually so that we might learn to recognize it and hate where it Ongoing Formation leads us and even more importantly so that we might learn to recognize and love *Please see Fr. John's article. Also...We God’s true voice and to follow it even will be having our retreat on Sunday July more. Although it might not always be 29th at IHM. (Please Note our meeting readily apparent, discouragements often change in location!) surround the areas of false expectations we have for ourselves or the areas of * Inquirer Formation assignment is woundedness in our life. Even as Chapter 9 in "The Franciscan Journey". Our Christians, we often live as if we have to be next meeting will be held on Friday July slaves to our expectations and to the 13th at 11:00 (Please note the change from humiliation of our wounds. That is the First Friday for July only) in the Bride's result of the voice of discouragement. One room at Epiphany. of the nasty tricks of discouragement is that it façades as God’s voice. But God’s * Associate Formation assignment is voice is very different. And He allows the Chapter 10, 11, in the book "Clare Her pain surrounding our expectations and Light and Her Song". We will be meeting on wounds to arise so that He can empower us Tuesday, July 10th at 11:00 at Portillo's in to dismiss the discouragement, and so that Maple Grove. He can replace our expectations with His own gentle will and to dress our wounds United in Prayer and in Love, with the healing balm of His presence. +jean

As discouragements arise then, the best thing we can do is to talk with God about

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FRATERNITY MEETING MINUTES JUNE 24, 2018 in the church, pray The Liturgy of the Hours and The Crown and conclude with a The St. Alphonsa Fraternity meeting was held Holy Spirit potluck. The Council will arrive at

Sunday, June 24, 2018 at Epiphany Catholic 12:30pm to set up. Watch for the agenda in Church in Coon Rapids, MN from 2 – 4 pm. The the July Newsletter for the schedule for the meeting was preceded by adoration from 1:30 to day. Friends and family are welcome to 2 pm. attend.

Members Present were: Fr. John Bauer, Shirlann Teresa W. suggested that we have either a Biser, Ellen Drasin, Teresa Walker, Gordon Dine and Divine at a restaurant or a BBQ at Walker, Jean McGinty, Jeanne Page, Carol the Walker’s home for the September Schiebold, Cathy M Hills, Janet Uhlir, Mark Urick, meeting. She asked for a vote and the BBQ Patti Urick and Kathy Weismann. won unanimously. The Walker’s will purchase meat to grill using money from the Common Excused Members: Jeannette Schelonka, Ray Fund. Others are asked to bring a dish to Schelonka, Donna Green, Irene Brandenburg, share. This will be a social event only but will Jerry Swanson, Laurie Lacina and Teresa Isenor. be held on our normal September meeting day, 9.29.18 from 12:30 to 5:00 PM. Affiliate Present: Elizabeth Dohogne Since the white “From Gospel to Life” Inquirers Present: Linda Loes, Chiara Dowell and booklets are out of print and not available, a Ken Yarke letter has been sent to Franciscan Press asking permission to make reprints for our Orientee Excused: Susan Myers Fraternity. If approved, Gordon will create the reprints. Minister, Teresa Walker, ofs opened the meeting at 2:10 pm by leading the prayer from page 35 of Teresa W. showed a tiny brick that she The Ritual book. Linda Loes did the reading from obtained at the Regional Meeting. It has a page 72 of The Ritual Book; 22: 27-31. We paused note on it stating, “Go Rebuild My House.” to reflect on the reading then prayed a The intent is for each Fraternity member to for Jim Malisheski, Rick Isenor and Trisha take it home for a month on a rotating basis, Swanson and for comfort for their families. We focus on an arbitrarily picked rule from the recited the Memorare for our Priests and red rule book, decide what to do to follow vocations. that rule more closely then report back at the next meeting. Carol volunteered to take the Father John led us in singing “The Great brick for July. Carol will keep track of who has Forerunner of the Morn” and led The Liturgy of the brick and remind them to be prepared to the Hours, Evening Prayer for Week IV. give a report at the next meeting, then pass it on to someone else. Minister’s Report/Business: Teresa W. stated that our Mini-Retreat scheduled for Sunday, July Spiritual Assistant’s Report: Father John 29th will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary. asked Linda Loes to report on her recent trip Jean McGinty will speak about St. Alphonsa and to Santiago, Spain and walking The Camino de

Shirlann Biser will speak about the Blessed Virgin Santiago, “The Way of St. James The Greater.” Mary/St. Francis. We will start with Adoration in walk. The longer path goes across much of the church, pray The Liturgy of the Hours and Europe. (St. James The Greater was one of the The Crown Rosary and conclude with a Holy Apostles and was the first martyr. He died in Spirit potluck. The Council will arrive at 44 AD.) 12:30pm to set up. Watch for the agenda in

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She and her husband chose to do the 125 KM *Evil spirits want to interrupt our prayer, walk. The longer path goes across much of interpret it and change the focus away from Europe. (St. James The Greater was one of the Jesus. Apostles and was the first martyr. He died in

44 AD.) *Jesus is the Gospel. We will experience the revelation of Jesus if we read and pray using Treasurer’s Report: (read by Teresa W.): Initial the Gospels. Talk to Him, love Him, tell Him balance $1301.55, income $128.70, expenses about things that are happening in your life. none for a month end balance $1430.25. The Beggar Bag was passed as we prayed the *To start your prayer allow yourself to be quiet prayer for the collection of the common fund. and comfortable. Ask God for assistance. Use We will give a $100.00 donation to IHM for use your imagination and place yourself in a scene. of their facility on July 29th. Notice who is present. Secretary: The deadline for the July newsletter is on or before July 6th. Members were *This usually leads to an intimate conversation encouraged to contribute articles, prayers or with a person of The Trinity or a Saint.

short quips to Carol.

The Prayer Request sheet was passed around. *Be patient with yourself. This type of prayer

Formation Report: Jean reiterated that Father takes time to get used to doing.

John will be leading Formation on contemplative prayer for the next several After our discussion concluded we gathered meetings. around Ken Yarke to sing the blessing song and Formation: The meeting was turned over to for Father John to bless him as Ken goes Father John to present on Contemplative through extensive radiation treatment. Prayer. He distributed a handout on Ignatian Contemplative or Imaginative Prayer and The meeting was adjourned at 3:55pm. Teresa Lectio Divina. W. read the closing prayer from page 38 of the Ritual Book. Father John gave a blessing to all The following are a few brief thoughts from his members of the Fraternity. presentation: Respectfully Submitted, *Prayer is a simple conversation with God/Christ. Having methods helps us to pray. Carol Schiebold, ofs Secretary *The Word is important because it is living and

active. Praying with Jesus is meant to have a powerful influence on our lives.

*Jesus is the Gospel. We will experience the revelation of Jesus if we read and pray using the Gospels. Talk to Him, love Him, tell Him about things that are happening in your life.

*To start your prayer allow yourself to be quiet and comfortable. Ask God for assistance. Use your imagination and place yourself in a scene. Notice who is present.

*This usually leads to an intimate conversation

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July Franciscan Saint: St. Bonaventure

Submitted by Carol Schiebold, ofs

We have spent much time reading the writings of St. Bonaventure, but I would ascertain that many of us do not know a lot about him as a person. The following is a brief summary taken from The Franciscan Book of Saints, ed. by Marion Habig, ofm and is posted in full on the website: https://www.roman-catholic-saints.com/saint-bonaventure.html

Saint Bonaventure - Feast Day – July 14

He was born in 1221 and was given the name John in baptism. At age four he became seriously ill and was given up on by the physicians. His mother hastened to St Francis and begged him to heal her child. He prayed over the child, and immediately he was cured. St Francis is said then to have uttered the prophetic words: "O buona ventura - O blessed things to come!" For that reason, the child was called Bonaventure.

He entered the Order of St Francis as a young man Saint Bonaventure continued his studies under the great Alexander of Hales who did not know what he should admire most, the talent or the virtues of the young religious. He said it appeared that Adam had not sinned in this young man.

Saint Bonaventure devoted many hours to the contemplation of Christ's suffering and was a zealous client of our Blessed Lady. It is reported that once when he abstained from Holy Communion for several days from a sense of humility, an angel placed the consecrated Host on his tongue. After his ordination to the priesthood he devoted himself to the salvation of souls.

He was appointed professor of theology at the University of Paris at the early age of 27. Saint Bonaventure and Saint Thomas Aquinas, of the Order of St Dominic, shed great luster on that institution. Saint Thomas Aquinas once visited Saint Bonaventure while he was writing the life of St Francis. He found Saint Bonaventure raised in ecstasy above the earth. Reverently he withdrew, saying to his companion: "Let us leave a saint to write about a saint." On another occasion St Thomas asked St Bonaventure from which books he obtained his unparalleled knowledge. Saint Bonaventure pointed to the crucifix as his library.

In 1257, he was appointed minister general of the Franciscan Order. He governed for 18 years and regulated everything that pertained to convent life and the external activity of the friars with such circumspection and prudence that he has quite generally been considered the second founder of the order.

Both by word and deed he defended the order against great and learned opponents. Franciscan convents had already been established in all parts of the world; Saint Bonaventure divided them into provinces. He composed ordinances for the faithful observance of the rule which formed the basis for all future constitutions of the order. He still gave audience to the simplest brother and sometimes performed some of the lowliest duties in the convent. He prescribed that the Angelus bell be rung daily in all Franciscan churches. This beautiful custom soon spread throughout the Catholic world.

Despite all the duties of this important position he still found time to preach and to write books of great learning and holy unction. He had steadfastly declined all ecclesiastical distinctions. In 1273, however, Pope Gregory X obliged him to accept the bishopric of Albano and the dignity of the Cardinalate. The pope himself consecrated him bishop and entrusted him with the direction of the Council of Lyons.

Worn out by the heavy strain, he fell ill after the third session. The end came very rapidly; the pope himself administered extreme unction. With his eyes directed toward the crucifix, Bonaventure died during the night between the 14th and 15th of July 1274. Seldom if ever was there a grander funeral. The pope and all the members of the Council attended.

Pope Sixtus IV canonized Saint Bonaventure in 1482. Sixtus V gave him the title of Doctor of the Church in 1587. He is called the Seraphic Doctor because of the ardent love which marks his writings.

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Upcoming Events

2018 Calendar That my son, Ren, would trust the Lord more

in his life

All dates in bold type indicate required attendance For conversion of sons, daughters, brothers and sisters by our Rule To Thank our Lord for all that he has done and will do for us July 29th – Mini-Retreat at IHM – see flyer on For Ellen’s mom who is in her decline of life, page 8 that she would experience the grace of a happy death August 26th – Sunday 1:30 Adoration & Meeting In thanksgiving for healing, prayers Council Meeting 12:30 answered and good health For Brandon, acceptance of his condition &

doctors discernment of Brandon’s needs September 30th – Sunday 1:30 Adoration & and meds and supportive community Meeting housing Council Meeting 12:30 For family members who have left the church to open their hearts to encounter the October 28th – Sunday 1:30 Adoration & Meeting Lord Council Meeting 12:30 For Rob Barniskis for healing from cancer For direction in Jacob’s life For all with cancer and their providers, November 25th – Sunday 1:30 Adoration & especially Linda, that God’s wisdom, Meeting comfort and healing hands be upon them Council Meeting 12:30 For a deepening of desire to daily fully enter into contemplative prayer December –Re-consecration to Jesus through For the safety of all travelers especially my Mary and Christmas Party date to be determined sisters going to Norway For our families that the Holy Spirit enlighten and bring conversion to their hearts April 19th, 2019 – Chrism Mass, 7 PM Saint Paul Healing from cancer for Bill Corwin while he Cathedral – Blessing of Oils and Confirmation of is at Mayo for 6 weeks Vows by Diocesan Priests. Plan. For holiness & discernment for our Inquirers For all the graduates to be guided to a life of holiness and truth and to be protected from the draw of the world For Ken Yarke as he goes through extensive radiation treatments; that his tumor shrinks, Prayer Requests and the cancer disintegrates For Diana who was just diagnosed with colon cancer and is the caregiver of her 99- For all our family members, close and far year-old mother. away, that their faith in Our Triune God In thanksgiving for all who give of deepens day by day. themselves to help others in times of need Today is the shadow of tomorrow Cassandra & Nicholas Loes (married June 9, 2018) Conversion and inner healing for all family Pray for Our Priests members

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Saint Alphonsa Fraternity Council FRANCISCAN

Minister: Holy Hour Franciscan Brothers of Peace Teresa Walker, OFS 763-553-1343 Queen of Peace Friary Vice Minister & Co Infirmarian: 1289 Lafond Avenue Mark Urick, OFS 763-754-3062 Saint Paul, MN 55104-2035

Formation Director: Every First Friday at 7:00 PM Jean McGinty, OFS 763-494-8693 Adoration & Franciscan Crown Rosary Secretary: Chanted Compline & Benediction Carol Schiebold, OFS 763-323-4930 Refreshments and Fellowship follow. Treasurer: Teresa Isenor, OFS 763-757-4037 “Go Rebuild My House” traveling bricks: Spiritual Assistant: Fr John Bauer, OFS 612-208-5713 Teresa W. showed a tiny brick that she obtained at the Regional Meeting. It has a note on it stating, “Go Co-Infirmarian: Rebuild My House.” The intent is for each Fraternity Janet Uhlir, OFS 953-8325-4406 member to take it for a month on a rotating basis, focus on an arbitrarily picked rule from the red rule

book, decide what to do to follow that rule more

Birthdays! closely then report back at the next meeting about

Cathy Maloney Hills – July 8th what they did.

Teresa Walker – July 22nd

Carol will keep a record of who has the brick will and remind that person to be prepared to report at the

Newsletter Notes: next meeting. Carol volunteered to take the brick for the month of July. We will have two bricks to The Newsletter of the Saint Alphonsa Fraternity is accelerate the process. A red Rule Book is included published monthly. We seek to follow traditional so don’t be concerned if you don’t have one. conventions of journalism. For example; articles are ended with the symbol author name and/or source. Deadline for articles is the last day of the Input for Virtual Library: month. Articles should be sent to: If you have Franciscan books or DVDs you would like

to share through our virtual library, please send the Carol Schiebold, Secretary bibliography data to Gordon and he will include them [email protected] in the updated version. This document is a required

document for the Pastoral/Fraternal Visitation.

Next Meeting: Lourdes Holy Water: All are welcome to our monthly meetings which Linda Loes has Lourdes' Holy Water available for are held in the Charity room at Epiphany Catholic anyone who would like some to enhance their Church, 2:00 PM the last Sunday of each month. prayer life. Please contact Linda to make Meetings are preceded by Adoration beginning at arrangements for filling your own small bottle. 1:30 PM in the chapel. Call Jean McGinty for information regarding Initial Formation meeting Visit our Website: dates and times. Fraternity Council meetings www. precede the regular meeting. Call Teresa Walker if http://queenofpeaceregion.org/co on-rapids-st-alphonsa you are interested in attending. Next meeting day is July 29th at IMH for a Mini-Retreat. Webmaster needed!!!!

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RETREAT AT IHM JULY 29, 2018 CELEBRATING THE LIVES OF ST. FRANCIS, OUR BLESSED MOTHER AND ST. ALPHONSA

Agenda

12:30-1:30pm- Council Members arrive and set up for Retreat. Short Council Meeting.

1:15 Members arrive for Adoration in Church 1:30-2:00pm- Adoration – In the Church

2:00pm – 2:20pm - Return to Fellowship Hall, Welcome and Liturgy of the Hours led by Fr. John Bauer. Bring your Liturgy of The Hours!

2:20 -2:40pm – Jean McGinty speaks about St. Alphonsa 2:40 -3:00pm – Split into groups for discussion. Sharing. 3:00– 3:10pm Break

3:10 – 3:30pm – Second talk on Blessed Mother and St. Francis given by Shirlann Biser 3:30 -3:50pm - Split into groups for discussion. Sharing. 3:50- 4:00pm –Break if needed

4:00 – Crown Rosary – Bring your Crown Rosary

4:20- Holy Spirit Pot Luck Supper and fellowship Bring a dish to share

5:00 – Clean up and put room back in order

Drinks, plates and utensils will be provided. Please bring something to share at our Holy Spirit Pot Luck Supper. If you have any questions, please call Teresa at 763-553-1343 or Carol at 763-323-4930.