Catholic Theological Union's Series on Laudato Si'

Catholic Theological Union's 'On Care for Our Common Home Series' gives insight into 'Laudato Si' through select passages which illuminate the appeal from Pope Francis addressed to "every person living on this planet."

The series features nine CTU faculty members giving short reflections on selected passages from the encyclical. The series was designed for use by parish groups and other discussion gatherings, and for personal reflection. A Study Guide is available. 

Check out the series: http://learn.ctu.edu/common-home

For Up To Now (FUN) Manual for Secular Franciscans

The FUN Manual is an excellent formation resource for Secular Franciscans. The original version was published in May 2011. Our fraternity was given a three-ring binder that contained the manual. Please note, there have been some revisions since the original was published. Learn more.

As the director of formation for my fraternity, I use the 460-page FUN Manual as a resource document. You can use it, too.

For example, for a quick overview of Franciscan spirituality take a look at pages 314-315 of the pdf.

If you need a refresher on who is actually leading the formation process, see page 28 of the pdf.

If you need a visual representation of the stages of formation, see page 33 of the pdf.

"Let us remember the Golden Rule" -- Pope Francis

The Golden Rule is an important ethical principle. In an earlier blog post, I established a connection between the Golden Rule and St Francis of Assisi.

A reference to the Golden Rule always capture my attention, especially when it's the pope who is referring to it.

Pope Francis' historic speech to Congress on September 24, 2015 referenced the Golden Rule. Here is what he said about it.

"Let us remember the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Mt 7:12).

This Rule points us in a clear direction. Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated. Let us seek for others the same possibilities which we seek for ourselves. Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves. In a word, if we want security, let us give security; if we want life, let us give life; if we want opportunities, let us provide opportunities. The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us. The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development."

Retreat Opportunity: Pope Francis On Care of Our Common Home

Saturday, June 4, 2016
Oldenburg Franciscan Center
Oldenburg, Indiana

9:30 am to 2:30 pm
$45 includes lunch


Retreat Facilitators:
S. Donna Graham, OSF
S. Olga Wittekind, OSF

Participants will reflect on the pastoral letter of Pope Francis, Laudato Si' On Care of Our Common Home, looking at the challenge it presents to us to: recognize the sacredness of the natural world, see the impact of its destruction on the poor and learn to do our part for its protection. Participants will see how St. Francis is a model for us in our time.

Retreat Option: Come Friday night to see the movie Journey of the Universe and stay overnight. $80 for the package.

Register at oldenburgfranciscancenter.org
center@oldenburgosf.com
812-933-6437

Fr. Keith Hosey | Lenten Series

Sponsored by the St. Pius X Adult Education Team
All events to be held from 7-8:30 pm at St. Pius X Conference Rooms
All are welcome!

To see a PDF of the above graphic:
Lenten Series

For more information:
Diane Eltzroth (845-0740) or email bhansberry@spxparish.org