Fraternity to Host Discussion with Assemblywoman on May 19

Assemblywoman
Marianne Buttenschon

St. Joseph Fraternity is hosting a discussion of "life issues" with special guest, New York State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica-119th Dist) on Sunday, May 19. The gathering begins at 2 p.m. in the St. Joseph-St. Patrick Parish Center, Utica, NY.

Assemblywoman Buttenschon voted against the recently enacted legislation that allows abortions in the third trimester. She will provide an update on what is happening in the state legislature regarding life issues.

April Gathering to Discuss Immigration

Mary Stronach, OFS

Katie Koscinski, OFS

The April 14th gathering of St. Joseph Fraternity will feature a discussion on "Immigration and The Wall."
 Formation Director Mary Stronach, OFS, will lead a discussion of Catholic social teaching on the topic, and Vice Minister Katie Kosinski, OFS, will bring out the church's perspective on the pros and cons of the southern border wall.

What's happening in formation?

Katie

Bill

The fraternity’s Enrichment Program will be held on Wednesday, February 6 at 4:30 p.m. Spiritual Assistant Bill Geary, OFS, and Vice Minister Katie Koscinski, OFS, will offer some thoughts on evangelizing – the perfect segue to helping to make this a more fraternal and evangelical world (Article 14 of the Rule).

Order Honors Parish Nurse

The Secular Franciscan Order in the U.S. recently honored a Detroit parish nurse with its "Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation" Award.

At the National Chapter in St. Louis last October, JPIC Chair Carolyn Townes, OFS, introduced the 2018 JPIC Award winner, Kathleen Carsten, OFS, as someone who lives her life with “two feet of love in action.” With one foot, she meets the immediate need; with the second foot, she addresses the issue.

Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec. 16

Instead of the normal monthly gathering at the Parish Center this month, St. Joseph Fraternity will hold its Christmas Party at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16, at Kitlas Restaurant at 2242 Broad St, Frankfort, 

Members and guests will be able to order off a special menu. To reserve a spot, contact Mary Stronach, OFS, at 315-796-9284 or stronach@kateriregion.org.

Fraternity Elects Servant Leaders

Mary, Bob, Marsha & Katie

Professed members of St. Joseph Fraternity have elected servant leaders.

The minister is Robert G. Stronach, OFS. Other newly elected are:

• Vice Minister: Catherine "Katie" Koscinski, OFS.
• Secretary: Marsha U. Kistner, OFS.
• Treasurer: Mary LaRocco, OFS.
• Formation Director: Mary T. Stronach, OFS.

Celebrating 50 Years of Priesthood

Secular Franciscans joined in the 50th Anniversary Celebration May 20 for Fr. Richard Dellos and Fr. Anthony LaFache of St. Joseph-St. Patrick Church, Utica, NY. Several Fraternity members even served on the 50th Anniversary Committee.