Fraternity Updater for December

 This mostly pertains to the members of our fraternity, but may be of interest to others who may be interested in what Secular Franciscans do.

1) Monthly Stations of the Cross, St. Pio devotions and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will take place on the First Friday of every month at 2 pm at St. Gregory's Church, Oshawa.

2) Remember to continue collecting items for the Needs for Street People project. The bags are to be handed in at the February Meeting.

3) Collection for Dr. Simone(Canadian Food for Children. For December bring in hard candy, eye glasses and medication bottles. For January socks.

4) If you have handed out an SFO Vocation Promotion card to a potential member, you will be given another one at Friday's General Meeting.

5) The Franciscans International are in dire straits financially. We will consider making a contribution in the new year.

6) An annual financial report and budget will be prepared for the January meeting.

7) Our fraternal visitation will take place Friday January 11th. Area Councillor from the Reginonal Fraternity, David Mitchell ofs will be in attendance. A pastoral visitation will be arranged for later in the spring of 2013. The fraternity council elections will take place in November 2013.

8) Discussions regarding the time of our monthly meeting will continue at the General Fraternity Meeting. The council has some new ideas to present.

9) A number of people will be involved in the Christmas dinner at Fr. Joe Macdonald's Berkeley Street House (Poverello Charities). Father Joe Macdonald's Berkeley Street House provides housing for long term consumers/survivors of the mental health system.

10) For those who do not receive their newsletter from the Regional Fraternity by e mail, extra copies will be available at the December meeting.

11) Our Fair Share contribution will be made to the Regional Fraternity in January. This is $32 per member per annum and is covered by the Common Fund.

12) Contributions to Appease Hunger and St. Clare Inn will be made in January. St. Clare Inn provides community, care and shelter for homeless women with mental health issues and support for their healing journey. Appease Hunger involves assisting a needy family in a third world country.

13) There will be a one day Regional Minister's Conference in the Spring of 2013 at the Queen of Apostles Retreat Centre, Mississauga.

14) Each member will be contacted by phone this week and provided with details about Friday's meeting.