Betty Frank Receives Peace Award

Betty Frank, OFS

UTICA -- Elizabeth "Betty" Frank, OFS, has been awarded the Franciscan Peace Award by the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Region of the Secular Franciscan Order (Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis). "Our national theme is to 'Be a Bridge -- Accept All People As a Gift of God'," Mary Stronach, OFS, the U.S. international councilor, noted during an awards ceremony at St. Joseph-St. Patrick Parish Center Sunday (Oct. 27). "Betty Frank is that bridge."

Fraternity Gathers a Week Later in Sept., Oct.

The fraternity will hold its monthly gathering on the fourth Sunday of the month in both September and October, instead of the third Sunday. The change to Sept. 22 and Oct. 27 avoids scheduling conflicts with the Regional Gathering and a St. Marianne novena/celebration at the parish.

Looking for More? Come to Info Night

 Do you have an inner nagging in your heart? Are you wondering about living life more fully? Are you attracted to St. Francis of Assisi? It may be time to check out the Secular Franciscan Order -- at an information night on July 31.

Vatican Honors Secular Franciscan

Betty Frank, OFS

UTICA, NY -- Betty Frank, OFS, was professed into the Secular Franciscan Order in 1949 at then-St. Joseph's Church. Since then, she has been immersed in the life of the parish (now St. Joseph-St. Patrick) and the Syracuse Diocese, leaving a spiritual handprint like few others, noted Fr. Richard Dellos, pastor. It has not gone unnoticed by the Vatican, Father Dellos added, because Pope Benedict XVI has conferred on her the Pontifical Cross, "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice," the highest honor the pope can bestow upon a lay person.

27 Gather for Christmas Dinner

Some 27 Secular Franciscans and guests gathered for Christmas dinner Dec. 16 at Riverside Diner in Marcy. See photos.

Elected International Councilor

Mary Stronach, OSF, was elected international councilor at the national gathering of the Secular Francciscan Order in the United States in October. With her election, Mary had to step down as vice minister of St. Joseph Fraternity, and the Fraternity Council elected Marsha Kistner, OSF, as vice minister and appointed Robert Stronach, OSF, to succeed Marsha as secretary.