Last Updated: Tuesday - 01/04/2011

Western Franciscans choose new leadership

LUMSDEN, SASK. — Western Canada's Francis-cans will actively pursue the possibility of bringing lay people into their ministries in paid and volunteer roles, to allow the friars to focus more closely on their callings.

Meeting at St. Michael's Retreat near Lumsden, the Franciscan representatives also agreed to work more actively in communications to raise the profile of their ministry and encourage new vocations.

The resolutions reflect a desire among the Franciscans to marshall their resources to meet the growing demand for their ministries.

The order provides spiritual direction and support in retreat ministries, works in rehabilitation programs and inner-city food banks, operates a mission in Peru, staff chapels and parishes, and provides teachers for training of new priests.

The week-long chapter elected Friar Bob Mokry of Edmonton as the new provincial minister, succeeding Friar Don MacDonald who has served for nine years. Friar Dave Norman, also of Edmonton, becomes vicar. Both new officers are professors at Newman Theological College. They will serve six-year terms.

Friar Kevin Lynch of St. Michael's Retreat was returned to a three-year term as a councillor, along with Friars Brian Burns of Mount St. Francis near Calgary, Anthony Gonsalves of Edmonton and Dennis Vavrek of St. Albert.

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