Fr. David Couturier has published a book focused on mission integration in Franciscan institutions.

“In an era marked by volatility, complexity and accelerating globalization, Catholic institutions find themselves navigating increasingly turbulent organizational landscapes,” he writes in Franciscan Mission and Organizational Development: A Socio-Analytic Perspective. “Thomas Friedman says that we live in an ‘age of accelerations’ where the volume and velocity of change in almost every sector of our lives make it difficult to cope and adjust, even in our most cherished and, indeed, sacred institutions.

”Father David further notes that, while all institutions–from governments to corporations–struggle to maintain coherence and continuity, religious organizations, especially those dedicated to serving the poor and marginalized, face unique and vital challenges. These organizations are called to remain faithful to their founding charisms in a world that often overlooks their spiritual and communal contributions. The book explores how leaders can use mission-driven strategies to help their organizations thrive during difficult times. Father David is executive director of the Franciscan Institute and associate professor of theology and Franciscan studies at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y. The book is published by Franciscan Institute Publications and is available for order on their website.

Fr. Michael Ramos was interviewed by The Good News Room, the news operation of the Archdiocese of New York, at our Capuchin parish of Holy Cross-St. John the Baptist in New York City on July 30 for its celebration of the feast day of Blessed Solanus Casey. They also spoke to parishioner Ingrid Gerber, president of the parish chapter of the Solanus Casey Guild. We all hope that the Vatican will announce the canonization of Blessed Solanus in the next several months. Let us watch and pray! Go to vimeo.com/1107486356?fl=pl&fe=vl to see how and why we Capuchins and our parishioners remember and venerate Blessed Solanus. 

Br. Shawn Natola was a featured speaker at a Catholic charismatic rally in western Massachusetts on Aug. 21-22. Faith on Fire is sponsored by the Diocese of Springfield Catholic Charismatic Renewal. It took place at Sacred Heart Parish in Feeding Hills. The event included worship, the sacrament of reconciliation, praise music, Eucharistic adoration, processions, and pray-overs. Brother Shawn, whose faith was steeped in the Diocese of Springfield, spoke on one night about faith and on the other night about evangelization. Learn more about Faith on Fire and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal at diospringfield.org.