A Tale of 3 Dinners

Oakland. (May 17) It’s 5:15-- time for evening prayer here at the St. Elizabeth friary in Oakland’s Fruitvale district. Felipé and José have been invited to dinner before the monthly Spanish-language group begins at 7:30. Yolanda, our cook, has prepared grilled chicken breasts, rice and beans, a table full of salad fixings, and a huge platter of fresh strawberries. After the guardian, Father Ponchie Vasquez, blesses the food, plates are handed to the newcomers, and everyone gets into the buffet line.

Father Peter Krieg, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, presides at the head of a table that easily seats 20. Everyone else grabs a ready chair and latecomers squeeze in at the far end. Except for Fathers Kenny,Oscar, Gabriel, and Ponchie, most of the friars in the house are in full-time studies at places ranging from Laney College and Holy Names University to the Franciscan School of Theology—FST). The strain of final exams is showing tonight. Several of the brothers, absorbed in their thoughts, mop up their plates in a hurry, then dash back to their computers to work on final papers. Still, there’s plenty of table talk as puns, jokes, and lively banter bounce around the room in both English and Spanish. Brother Nghia, famous for his love of spicy flavors, has prepared a plate of chopped red onions laced with a lethal dose of chopped jalapenas. Only the truly brave dare to sample.

In tonight’s group, there are eight men, including three newcomers. We start in the chapel with Night Prayer (Completas), then move to the reading room for discussion. We’ve selected a story from Friar Murray Bodo’s Francisco: el viaje y el sueno/ Francis: The Journey and the Dream. The discussion is animated, with lots of personal anecdotes and reflection. Friars Martin Ibarra and Sebastian Sandoval are on hand to help facilitate. By 9:00 pm, we make plans for our next meeting, then close with prayer.

Los Angeles (May 18). It’s Friday here at St. Francis of Assisi friary in LA’s Silver Lake neighborhood. Local friars— Fr. Rick Juzix, the pastor; Fr. Alberto Villafan, parochial vicar; and Br. Hajime Okuhara--- have been pitching in to help set things up for our dinner and meeting. It’s been a balmy, late-spring day so we’ll eat out on the patio. Rick and Hajime have hauled a church table and chairs over from the parish hall. I’ve been working on the culinary side: roast pork loin, a black bean salad, some leftover potato salad, and a big gooey cholocate cake from Vons.

Soon, our guests will begin to arrive and then keep trickling in over the course of the evening “depending on the traffic.” By 7:15, we’ll have a quorum and sit down to eat. Five inquirers tonight: two regulars, including Eric who has just been accepted for postulancy—and three newcomers, all of whom initially contacted us through our province website: http://www.sbfranciscans.org. The conversation is a bit stiff at first, until we get on the subject of hospital ministry. Several of our inquirers have had health care experience, and Brother Hajime still has vivid memories of his recent stint in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training. Alberto shares about an early experience in priestly ministry: “It doesn’t always work if only the family asks for the priest to come”, he reflects. “The patients themselves have to want us to be there.” The friars nod knowingly; we’ve been there. “Oh. And one thing I learned early on,” I offered. “ If you enter a room unannounced wearing a black shirt and clerical collar, good luck. The patients may panic and figure: ‘The priest is here. That means I’m going to die.’ That one gets a few chuckles, as we move indoors for more serious talk. Eric is asked how he feels about entering postulancy in September. He shares—eloquently-- about his own faith journey and discernment. There’s more talk about process, until at nine, we close with informal night prayer in the house chapel and chant the “Salve Regina” together.

Tucson. (May 18) Brother David Buer is handling things this month at historic Mission San Xavier del Bac. This will be a small group: Manny, a member of the Tohono O’odham nation and a regular, is here. Antonio has managed to get a ride from Nogales, 40 miles south. John, a recent inquirer, is expected soon.

David escorts our guests into the house chapel for evening prayer. At six, everyone sits down to dinner. As the serving plates are passed, guests are made welcome and friars check in about their day. Brother Brian works at the school and is resident computer whiz; David has been doing work with an interfaith group providing humanitarian assistance along the border. Fathers Steve and Edgar as well as Deacon Ed all work in the Mission parish. Father Camillus has been tending to the garden.

After dishes, a few of the friars will sit with David and our guests. There is a check-in followed by sharing. Friar Deacon Ed Sarrazin talks about his upcoming priestly ordination on June 16. Also, tonight, there’s a short dvd, The Gubbio Project, involving our own Fr. Louie Vitale, who has long been involved in peace and justice work…. As always, things close with prayer.

Why Prayer and Discernment Groups?
Prayer groups are a great way for inquirers to meet the friars and each other in a friendly and informal setting. The groups provide regular contact, information, referrals, and support. They help to break down isolation and stimulate personal growth.

Only Three Groups?
Right now, groups meet from September through June in LA, Tucson, and Oakland. New groups can be formed as interest arises in an area.

How do I join a group?
Contact Father Chuck at the Office of Vocations: 916/443-2714. Or email us at: friarchat@yahoo.com.//

Meet our New Postulants!

Following our annual admissions retreat (May 10-12) at Danville, California this year, our Provincial Minister, Father Mel Jurisich ofm, announced the acceptance of four candidates to our 2007-8 postulancy in Portland, Oregon. They will begin start their initial formation program at the Transfiguration Community in early September with Brother Robert Rodrigues ofm as their director.

Here’s a quck sketch of each of our new postulants:

Eric Burke (26) was born in Jemez (NM) Pueblo and grew up in Chino Hills, CA. He is full-time retreat coordinator for St. Paul the Apostle Parish in San Bernardino. Eric is a recent graduate of Cal State- Fullerton, (human resources). With deep family roots in the Jemez (New Mexico) Pueblo, Eric is understandably proud of his Native American heritage.

Javier Diaz (23) hails from Riverside, CA, and is a recent graduate of UC-Riverside, (business). Since graduation, he has been working at a local Smart & Final outlet. While at school, Javier was active in the Kyrie student group at the Newman Center. As part of his discernment process with the Franciscans, Javier spent six weeks volunteering at our Casa Franciscana program in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico.

Victor Vega (32) was born in Michoachan, Mexico, and has lived in the Salinas, California, area. A former farmworker, he recently completed a three-year course of studies at the Mount Angel (OR) Seminary ACE/ESL program while living at the House of Welcome. Victor is the first of our House of Welcome students to complete the entire ACE program. This summer he will be working at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, California, before entering postulancy in September.

Adam Weaver (28) was born in South Bend, Indiana and brought up in Florida. He is a graduate of Notre Dame University’s liberal studies program and is a former Holy Cross volunteer. Adam lives in Portland, OR, and has worked most recently at the St. Francis dining hall. In addition to his service commitments—Adam has worked in a number of programs for the homeless and other marginalized people during the past several years—he has a passion for music and plays his violin whenever he is able to make time for it.

Q: What exactly is the postulancy?
A. The postulancy is the point of entry into community life for men who are discerning a call to a Franciscan vocation. After a period of reflection and discernment with us, men are invited to apply to the community. The applicant then undergoes an extensive process including the writing of his spiritual autobiography, psychological testing, resume, letters of recommendation, and a face to face interview. Successful applicants are then invited to enter into this first phase of our formation program.

Postulancy programs vary from one religious congregation to another, but for us it consists of a nine-month period of residence much like an academic year—September through June—at our community in Portland, Oregon. In a way, the postulancy is a half-way house—a period of adjustment to the reality of religious life. It provides men with the time and space in which to focus on their growth in our shared humanity, our Christian faith, and in our Franciscan tradition.

Basically, men arrive with their clothes and a few other personal possessions. They settle in to our daily routine (aka horarium) of morning and evening prayer, Eucharist, breakfast, ministry/ paid work outside the house, meal preparation, dinner, cleanup, and classes most nights of the week. Everyone is expected to pay rent for their room & board by taking part-time jobs of more than 20 hours a week. In addition, men volunteer for ministry commitments on the weekend according to their interests. Evening classes given at home focus on our prayer life, an examination of our Catholic faith and teachings, communications skills necessary for group living, the meaning of the vows we take, etc….. Men are expected to have a regular spiritual director and are encouraged to maintain avocational interests and physical exercise. Throughout the year, men meet with their director to discuss and reflect upon their experience.

In addition to the formal program, each man has his own personal program to work on during his postulancy year. Upon entry, he is given a list of specific recommendations meant to assist him in growing spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally during the year. One man may be encouraged to develop his mechanical skills or artistic talents. Another may need to experience a new type of ministry. A third candidate may be directed to appropriate 12-step work such as Al-Anon.

Again, the fundamental intent of the postulancy is to enable the candidate to discern his vocation by experiencing what it is like to live with others in community. Men maintain their own possessions; they are not in vows. Contact with family and friends is encouraged as long as it does not interfere with the program. Through group interaction and regular feedback and dialogue with the Director and others, each candidate really has the opportunity to grow more deeply in faith and to discern his calling with greater confidence. Participation is by mutual consent; a man may leave or be asked to leave during the year. Those who complete the year successfully may then apply to the next stage of formation—the novitiate.//

May 14, 2007

FRIARside Chat No.1

Feast of St. Matthias

Peace and all good!

And welcome to this first, FRIARside Chat, for men in discernment who would like to know more about Franciscan life.

I am Father Chuck Talley, ofm, coordinator of vocations for the Franciscan friars (OFM) of the Province of St. Barbara on the West Coast. One of seven Franciscan (OFM) provinces in the United States, we minister among the people of God in an area covering six states: California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, and (part of) New Mexico. We also have brothers serving as missionaries in Russia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and Peru.

From time to time I’ll be writing about people and events in our Province which will give you both information and insight into how we live, work, pray, and even “play” together as friars. Your comments and feedback are always welcome. Contact me at: friarchat@yahoo.com Also, you can find further information on the Province of St. Barbara at our website: www.sbfranciscans.org.


Interviews for Postulancy Admissions (May 9-10-11)
I’ve just returned to my home and office in Sacramento after having spent three days at San Damiano Retreat Center (Danville, CA) with our applicants to postulancy and the members of the Admissions Committee . Postulancy is the first formal step towards entry into the community. After a period of discernment with us (in most cases 9-18 months), men who feel called to our way of life are invited to apply to our nine-month residential program in Portland, Oregon. Postulancy functions as a kind of halfway house, giving candidates an authentic live-in experience of Franciscan life.

This year, four men have applied for admission. Their interview before the Admissions Committee is the final step of a lengthy and thorough process which includes all the basic “stuff” you’d expect in a college/ job application (resume, references, academic records, criminal background check, physical examination, psychological testing, etc.) as well as some specifically reflective pieces. For example, each man is asked to write a spiritual autobiography describing his experience of God in his life, his understanding of our Catholic faith, and his particular interest in Franciscan life. Every applicant should have a basic understanding of what life in a religious community is about and what our vows (poverty, chastity, and obedience) mean.

It’s a demanding and time-consuming process. But it’s not just about jumping through hoops to get into the Order. The reflection questions are really meant to be a kind of at-home retreat—to get each man to think and to articulate for himself and for others: What do I really believe? How do I understand my calling from God? What gifts to I bring to the table?

After all of that, candidates are invited to the three-day interview retreat. This year it was held at the beautiful San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, California. This hilltop sanctuary located in suburban Contra Costa county about an hour’s drive east of San Franciso, is a perfect setting for peaceful reflection and contemplation. (Check out their website at www.sandamiano.org for information about private and group retreats!)

Of course, the men who are applying don't know quite what to expect. But if you’ve ever been through a big job interview or college application, you have a pretty good idea of the process. Basically, each applicant meets for a one-hour interview before the Committee, a group comprised of several friars and laypeople. The Committee members all have a copy of the completed application documents before them. Their interest is in putting a human face on the application. They want to get to acquainted with each of the applicants-- to hear from him directly about why he is interested in and feels drawn to religious life. They also want to know more about his background and life experience, his talents, interests, and hopes. And they may ask for some clarification about things the applicant has written or said.

After all the interviews are complete, each Committee member invites an applicant for a one-on-one Emmaus walk: "Was there anything you wish you had said but didn’t? Anything you’d like to clarify or change?" We’re all different. Some people excel in a group interview. Others choke it completely, but are much better relating with somebody one on one. We understand that and try to take it into account.

So what do applicants do when they’re not being interviewed? We have morning and evening prayer, Eucharist, meals, and social time. Men also have the option of hiking, jogging, or pulling weeds. Or rest in their rooms, pray, read, or journal.

After the interviews are complete, the Committee meets and votes for each man: acceptance, acceptance with reservations, deferral, or denial. They also make a list of specific recommendations for each candidates—things they believe will assist the man during his postulancy year. The Committee’s recommendations are sent to our Minister Provincial, Father Mel Jurisich, ofm, to review and approve. In this process, the Provincial has the last word about who to invite to enter the postulancy. Those accepted prepare to arrive in Portland on Labor Day (first Monday in September).

This year, each of our four applicants received a calligraphy rendering by one of our friars, Franklin Fong, ofm, of St. Francis’ "Prayer before the Crucifix," The text serves as an excellent meditation for all of us:

Most High, Glorious God,

enlighten the darkness

of my heart

and give me

true faith, certain hope

and perfect charity,

sense and knowledge,

Lord, that I may carry out

Your holy and true command.

-St. Francis of Assisi