St. Joseph Fraternity

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Celebrates a Spirit-Filled “Great Forest Family Reunion”

South Barre, MA — St. Francis of Assisi Parish joyfully welcomed families from across the region on Sunday, June 28, for “The Great Forest Family Reunion,” a Franciscan Centenary Family Pilgrimage held on the beautiful grounds of St. Thomas Church along the Ware River. The event, part of the celebration of the Franciscan Jubilee Year, brought together children ages 4–14 and their families for an afternoon of faith, discovery, and community.

Led by Chris Jeffcoat, OFS, and Angela Richardson, OFS, along with members of the St. Joseph Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in Charlton, participants were invited into a hands-on experience of God’s presence in creation. Through guided forest exploration, families learned to approach nature with curiosity and wonder, inspired by the example of St. Francis of Assisi.

The gathering featured a forest pilgrimage, storytelling under the trees, and opportunities for reflection on “Sister Water,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of all creation. Families also took part in creating a collaborative parish art installation and prayerfully discerned a personal “creation care mission,” inspired by the Franciscan question: “What is yours to do?”

The day was marked by a deep sense of joy, reverence, and connection—both with one another and with the natural world. Participants described the experience as peaceful, engaging, and spiritually enriching, offering a meaningful way to live out their faith as families.

As part of this Jubilee Year celebration, pilgrims were also able to receive the Plenary Indulgence granted by Pope Leo XIV under the usual conditions, adding a profound spiritual dimension to the day.

St. Joseph Fraternity extends heartfelt gratitude to all who attended and to those who helped make this event a memorable and grace-filled celebration. The success of “The Great Forest Family Reunion” stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of St. Francis and the call to encounter God through creation, community, and joyful discipleship. 

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Hosts Inspiring Jubilee Reflection on St. Francis and Sultan Malik

Barre, MA — St. Francis of Assisi Parish welcomed parishioners and guests on Monday, June 8, for a spirit-filled evening of reflection at St. Joseph’s Church Hall as part of the ongoing celebration of the Franciscan Jubilee Year.

The presentation, “St. Francis and Sultan Malik in 1219: An Invitation to Kinship,” was offered by Diana Mackiewicz, OFS, a member of the St. Joseph Fraternity in Charlton and the Blessed Solanus Casey Region. Drawing from her extensive background as an educator and her international studies—including time spent in Israel—Diana brought both historical depth and personal insight to this remarkable encounter between St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kamil.

Attendees were deeply engaged as Diana explored the historical context of the Fifth Crusade, the courageous journey of St. Francis to Egypt, and the profound three-week dialogue between Francis and the Sultan. Her reflection highlighted themes of humility, mutual respect, and peaceful encounter, offering a compelling witness to the power of authentic dialogue across cultures and faith traditions.

The evening also connected this historic moment to the present day, drawing on Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Tutti and its call to fraternity, social friendship, and the building of a more compassionate and peaceful world. Participants found the presentation both timely and meaningful, especially within the context of today’s global challenges.

The gathering was marked by a spirit of attentiveness, reflection, and community, with many expressing appreciation for the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Franciscan charism of peace and reconciliation.

This event was part of the Special Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi (January 10, 2026 – January 10, 2027), proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. As a designated Franciscan pilgrimage site in the Worcester Diocese, St. Francis of Assisi Parish continues to offer opportunities for prayer, learning, and spiritual renewal throughout this jubilee year.

St. Joseph Fraternity extends its gratitude to Diana Mackiewicz, OFS, and to all who attended, making the evening a memorable and grace-filled celebration of faith, history, and the enduring call to peace.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Celebrates “St. Francis Lives!” Jubilee Reflection

Barre, MA — St. Francis of Assisi Parish gathered on Monday, May 18, at St. Thomas à Becket Church for a prayerful and inspiring evening titled “St. Francis Lives!” as part of the Special Franciscan Jubilee Year. The event drew parishioners and visitors into a spirit-filled reflection on the life and enduring legacy of St. Francis of Assisi.

The reflection was offered by Corinne Lorenzet, a member of the Secular Franciscan Order and a national councilor who also serves as a spiritual assistant to several local fraternities. Corinne shared moving insights from her recent pilgrimage to Assisi, where she joined hundreds of thousands of pilgrims in viewing the mortal remains of St. Francis during a rare 800th-anniversary commemoration earlier this year.

With depth and warmth, Corinne invited participants to encounter the living witness of St. Francis—highlighting his profound devotion to the Eucharist, his love for the poor and marginalized, his care for all of God’s creation, and his humility and commitment to peace. Her reflection helped bring to life the Jubilee theme, often described as “The Easter of St. Francis,” honoring both his passing (transitus) and the enduring vitality of his witness.

The evening was marked by a deep sense of reverence, gratitude, and renewed inspiration, as those present reflected on how the spirit of St. Francis continues to call people today to conversion, compassion, and peace.

As a designated Franciscan pilgrimage site in the Worcester Diocese, St. Francis of Assisi Parish continues to celebrate the Jubilee Year (January 10, 2026 – January 10, 2027) with opportunities for prayer, formation, and community. The parish extends sincere thanks to Corinne Lorenzet and to all who participated in making this gathering a grace-filled and memorable celebration.

St. Joseph Fraternity Celebrates Rite of Admission of Maura Collins

Charlton MA — The St. Joseph Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order joyfully celebrated the Rite of Admission for Maura Collins on August 22, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Church in Charlton, Massachusetts. This meaningful step marks the beginning of Maura's formal journey in the Secular Franciscan Order, as she enters a period of formation and discernment within the Franciscan family.

It is with great joy that we welcome Maura to the Franciscan Family and assure her of our prayers and support as she begins this journey.

St. Joseph Fraternity Celebrates Profession of Paula Wood

Barre, MA — The St. Joseph Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order joyfully celebrated the Profession for Paula Wood on May 13 2023, at St. Thomas A Becket Church in Barre, Massachusetts. Through her profession, Paula made a permanent commitment to live the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi as a Secular Franciscan.

Profession is a significant and grace-filled moment in the life of a Secular Franciscan, marking a lifelong dedication to following Christ through a life of prayer, fraternity, and service. Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the example of St. Francis, Secular Franciscans seek to bring peace, simplicity, and compassion into their families, workplaces, and communities.

It is with great joy and gratitude that we celebrate Paula’s commitment and welcome her fully into the Franciscan Family. We offer our continued prayers and support as she lives out her vocation with faith and generosity.

St. Joseph Fraternity Celebrates Profession of Chris Jeffcoat

Rutland, MA — The St. Joseph Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order joyfully celebrated the Profession for Christopher Jeffcoat on January 30, 2022, at St. Patrick Church in Rutland, Massachusetts. Through his profession, Chris made a permanent commitment to live the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi as a Secular Franciscan.

Profession in the Secular Franciscan Order is a solemn and joyful commitment to live the Gospel more intentionally in daily life, following the example of St. Francis of Assisi. Through this lifelong promise, Secular Franciscans embrace a path of ongoing conversion, deepening their relationship with Christ through prayer, community life, and service to others.

With gratitude and joy, the fraternity celebrates Chris’s “yes” to this vocation and his desire to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis. May he be strengthened in his journey, and may his life be a witness to the peace and love of Christ in the world.

St. Joseph Fraternity Celebrates Rite of Admission of Paula Wood

Sturbridge, MA — The St. Joseph Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order joyfully celebrated the Rite of Admission for Paula Wood on May 19, 2021, at St. Anne’s Church in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. This meaningful step marks the beginning of Paula’s formal journey in the Secular Franciscan Order, as she enters a period of formation and discernment within the Franciscan family.

It is with great joy that we welcome Paula to the Franciscan Family and assure her of our prayers and support as she begins this journey.

St. Joseph Fraternity Celebrates Rite of Admission of Chris Jeffcoat

Sturbridge, MA — The St. Joseph Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order joyfully celebrated the Rite of Admission for Chris Jeffcoat on June 17, 2020, at St. Joseph’s Church in Charlton, Massachusetts. This meaningful step marks the beginning of Chris’s formal journey in the Secular Franciscan Order, as he enters a period of formation and discernment within the Franciscan family.

It is with great joy that we welcome Chris to the Franciscan Family and assure her of our prayers and support as she begins this journey.

St. Joseph Fraternity Celebrates Profession of Angela Richardson

North Oxford, MA — The St. Joseph Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order joyfully celebrated the Profession for Angela Richardson on August 11, 2019, at St. Roch's Church in North Oxford, Massachusetts. Through her profession, Angela made a permanent commitment to live the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi as a Secular Franciscan.

Profession in the Secular Franciscan Order is both a joyful and solemn promise to live the Gospel more deeply in everyday life, inspired by the example of St. Francis of Assisi. It signifies a lifelong journey of conversion, nurtured through prayer, fraternity, and a commitment to serve others with humility and love.

With thanksgiving and joy, the fraternity celebrates Angela’s generous “yes” to this calling. May her life continue to reflect the spirit of St. Francis, and may she be a source of peace, hope, and compassion to all she encounters.