Happy Father's Day from the Friars and Staff of the Casa!
During this weekend's Masses, we'll remember, pray, and give thanks for our fathers who have given us life and love. Thank you to everyone who submitted pictures for the special Father's Day slideshow.
Transforming Lives in a Time of Change
A Message from Fr. Joe Schwab, OFM and Charlie Brown, General Manager
Looking back over the notes from January and February staff meetings, committee meetings and board minutes, no one imagined what would unfold. This pandemic impacted every single person’s life. Financial and business challenges impacting the Franciscan Renewal Center are staggering and fundamentally impacting our mission and financial resources.
We have been working to ensure the FRC is connecting with our community via livestream daily Mass, two live weekend Masses with optional communion services following each, and various prayer services.
While fundraising efforts have reduced the financial gap, we continue to face a reduction of revenue in excess of $1 million for the current fiscal year. While our financial position for the first half of this fiscal year was very strong, unfortunately, this has fundamentally changed.
Over the past eight weeks, the FRC executive leadership team has evaluated all functions currently in place and is preparing for what will be needed most in the coming 12 to 18 months. This has led to actions during the crisis for managing the day-to-day operations along with a focus on the future for all essential activities. The actions were based in a process of discernment. This process includes reception of input, gathering of facts and opinions, meditation, prayer and reflection.
Although we will be smaller, we will be effective while creating a future of hope and healing as we walk with our community through whatever new challenges we face. We have a vision and a plan
—
a response more than a reaction. As the world changes rapidly, so does our strategic direction and decisions. The board and staff leadership will adapt and make necessary modifications to our strategic plan as we navigate through these challenging times.
We trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit as this period of transition and adjustments continue over the next year. We move forward and work together strengthening our foundational mission and purpose.
Eat, Pray, Advocate: Act on Hunger NOW
A virtual session with speakers and legislative letter-writing
Monday, June 22 | 6:00-7:30 pm
Speakers:
- Tamera Zivic, Executive Director/CEO of WHEAT (World Hunger Education Advocacy and Training)
- Lupe Conchas, Bread for the World Southwest Regional Organizer
- Chonya Johnson, Bread for the World Government Relations Department
Join Casa Friars and Staff in Our Response to Racial Violence
Next week, we are offering two online events to unite against racism in our country. Please join us for a special Mass on Tuesday followed by a prayerful discussion with Fr. Sam on Thursday:
Mass for Peace and Justice
Tuesday, June 23 | 11:00 am | Livestream on
Youtube
(no public attendance)
Introduction to: "Open Wide Our Hearts," the U.S. Bishops' Pastoral Letter Against Racism
Thursday, June 25 | 4:30 – 6:00 pm on Zoom (register below for the link)
Fr. Sam will lead you in a prayerful discussion about this Church teaching. In order to have a fruitful discussion,
please read the letter prior to the meeting
.
This session will serve as an introduction to the document. The goal is to motivate us to pray, listen, and act more to fight against the sin of racism in our land.
Registration is required.
No fee.
Franciscan School of Theology Summer Lecture Series, Session 2
Pope Francis’ Integral Ecology and the Consistent Ethic of Life:
Calls for a Wider Moral Vision, with Dr. Thomas Nairn, OFM
Thursday, July 2 | 7:00 - 8:00 pm (on Zoom)
Sacraments Alive!
Last weekend we celebrated Confirmation and First Eucharist with 39 students in grades 2—9 (see the slideshow below), along with 1 student and 1 adult who celebrated Confirmation. Later this summer we will be scheduling one more celebration so that our remaining 10 students can receive their Sacraments of Initiation.
