Lay Associates |
 The Associates of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal are lay men and women who desire to follow Christ in the way of St. Francis of Assisi. Following the example of St. Francis who founded the Third Order for the lay men and women of his day, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal began the As
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The Associates meet as a group one Saturday a month in the South Bronx for a day of prayer, service and fellowship. A typical day begins with coffee and pastries while the Associates exchange greetings with one another and with the Friars. After coffee, each member is assigned some type of work duty which assists the mission of the Friars. Work assignments include such chores as sorting donated clothing, preparing food baskets for the poor, maintaining/cleaning the Shelter and the Residence for the homeless, gardening, and other means of serving the poor. At the end of the work period there is a Holy Hour in the church with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. Following the prayer time with our Eucharistic Lord, there is time for informal sharing over lunch. After lunch a Friar gives a brief presentation on the life of St. Francis, followed by discussion on how we can incorporate that aspect of Franciscan Spirituality into day to day life. The day comes to a close with Mass which is followed by cake and coffee. |
In addition to the Saturday in the South Bronx, the Associates have an annual weekend retreat every spring. Each month there are also meetings held in each region where a number of Associates live (Long Island, Vernon, NJ and Hopewell Junction, NY). At these meetings there is normally a Bible Study, pot luck dinner and Mass. Every two years the Associates plan a pilgrimage to a Holy Site. |
If you are interested in learning more about In New Jersey contact: Fr. Richard Roemer (973) 622-6622 In London, England: click here |
Read what Eugene and Monica have to say about being Lay Associates of the Friars of the Renewal |
| "Hello! Being an Associate to me is a way of giving and sharing the gifts that God has given me. In the Associate Program I allow myself to be guided by the Priests and brothers. I let God change my life and soul to be more according to His original intention, to be a loving person. On a typical Associate Day I put effort into the task assigned to me, then an hour of Adoration, lunch, a Franciscan teaching and discussion, our day ending with Mass. I love the Associates. I enjoy participating in Franciscan evangelization functions, helping the poor, Holy Day Masses, Priestly Ordinations and the Vows of the Religious Brothers and Sisters. The Door to the Friary opens many doors, especially the door to God and the door of my heart. |
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"Seek and you will find Catholic laity trying to grow in their faith by sharing in the Friars' work for the poor; Discovering the joy of giving and experiencing the peace found in a community striving for holiness. Knock and the door will be opened by joyful Friars who want to share their love of God by inviting you to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis, a man of humble simplicity on fire with love for God. Ask and you will receive timeless Catholic treasures; the beauty of the Sacraments; the power of prayer and the profound peace of Eucharistic Adoration." 
