History of the Poverello Society

The Wayfarers Group, headed by Father John O'Hara, began approximately four years ago. The Wayfarers was a group consisting of people trying to return to a Catholic life, those who had questions about the Catholic Faith, and/or those who wished to grow spiritually.

The meetings consisted of opening prayers, a biblical or theological reading, a period of meditation concerning the reading, discussion of the reading, questions of the members and discussion by the group, finishing with a closing prayer. There was a core group; others came to have questions answered and then did not return.

As the meetings progressed, Father John told us of his experiences while living in a Franciscan Community. He informed us that it was possible to become a Lay-Franciscan. It offered the members an opportunity to live a Franciscan lifestyle while remaining in the secular world rather than the religious world. A prayer community, living the Gospel in a secular world, and growth in a spiritual life as one attempts to grow closer to God were some of the attributes presented.

Interested members of Holy Family Parish met with a Jacksonville Franciscan group. The two groups were not located in close proximity, which would make it more difficult for our parish members to attend meetings. Many discussions took place, amongst potential Holy Family members, concerning membership in a Franciscan lay group. We decided that due to our geographic location and individual needs, Holy Family would form its own Franciscan lay group.

The formation was a slow process. Our first meeting was held in 2002, and many interested potential members attended. The new attendees included:

Father John O'Hara Sister Georgeanne Brown Mary Krings Jack Krings Pat Connolly Terry Furman Trudy Harris Bernie Dietzel Neil Fruenheim Nancy Rushton Joanne Wagner Paige Kellilson

Martin Eltrich Barbara Eltrich Diane Clark Gus Clark Jim Ventimiglia Dianne Rigby Nancy Lundgren Linda Demer Ellen Bechtel Larry Bechtel Kathy Brown NGA Steinbrecher Dave Harris

Cathy Weirich Gary Weirich Louise McLaughlin John McLaughlin Rosemary Jenkins Helen Bouffard Milton Dartouzos Lucy Chastain Mary Rousseau Irene Pezzuto Cheryl O'Connor Ed Rushton

The first formation period lasted approximately 18 months. It was a learning period. We discovered the life of Francis, a prayer life, and how this fit into our community life and our personal lives. Father John introduced us to Francis by reading from many books including:

St. Francis of Assisi by GK Chesterton
Francis of Assisi (The Saint) - Early Documents -New City Press
Reluctant Saint by Donald Spoto
The Perfect Joy of St. Francis by Felix Timmermans
St. Francis of Assisi by Omer Englebert
The Joyful Beggar by Louis De Wohl
St. Francis of Assisi by Aidan House

The members would discuss the reading and how Francis' ideas could influence the group. It was a time of searching and reflection. The first six months took many directions. Many had ideas of the group's direction and possible projects for the group to undertake.

We were slowly trying to find our place in the group and in the world. The group slowly developed its mission statement and goals. The Poverello mission statement developed was, "sharing the vision and the call of St. Francis of Assisi we strive to live life simply on every level. We strive to reverence creation and name the entire cosmos as kin. We strive to seek and serve our Lord in the poorest, the most abandoned, despised, and disinherited wherever we find them. Embracing the Cross through daily surrender to God's Will, we foster a sense of deep reverence and joy for one another, for our families, our coworkers, and friends. That reverent joy, in imitation of St. Francis, colors all we do. By so living, like Francis, we seek earnestly to announce the Good News of God's Love to all the world."

At six months a more formal formation process began. A book entitled A Spiritual Formation Workbook; Small-Group Resources for Nurturing Christian Growth by James Smith and Lynda Graybeal was used for the formation process. Topics included:
• Discovering a balanced vision of Christian faith and practice
• Practicing the prayer-filled life
• Practicing the virtuous life
• Practicing the spirit-empowered life
• Practicing the compassionate life
• Practicing the word-centered life
• Practicing the sacramental life
• Discovering a practical strategy for spiritual growth

Readings from books about Francis, spiritual books, and readings from Scripture and discussions contributed to our spiritual life. As time passed, members began to express personal problems and asked the group to pray for solutions. These problems were discussed in a group setting. This helped to bond the members, and that bond strengthened as time passed.

A strong community bond materialized with the fund raising spaghetti dinner that we sponsored for Father Kevin McGarry's mission in Kenya. The dinner was fun for everyone involved, but more than that, it helped to solidify the bond among the members—we were now a community.

Poverello also realized that we could successfully help others. One of the ways to live the Gospel is to help those in need, and the spaghetti dinner launched that journey for us. We have been involved in other projects, since the dinner, and we grow closer to each other and to Christ as time progresses.

There are no demands placed on individuals participating in projects. Members introduce a need at our meetings. Individual members that wish to help volunteer. Members participate in projects that fit within their schedule.

It was decided that members would make a temporary commitment of one year. If, at the end of the year, they were comfortable with their choice, a permanent commitment would be made. The Rite of Temporary Commitment was celebrated on the Transitus of St. Francis—October 3, 2003. Sixteen members made their commitment.

The commitment states:
"I make for one year my commitment to faithfully observe the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I do this here in the company of my Franciscan Bothers and Sisters and I call as my witnesses St. Francis and St. Clare, all the Saints of the Franciscan Family from all ages. In living out this commitment, I will strive earnestly to seek and serve the Lord Jesus in the company of these brothers and sisters whom the Lord has given me. Thanks be to God."

Discussion about electing members to office took place. Father John was the spiritual director and felt that members should take positions of leadership. Elections were held on October 20, 2003. The results were:

February of 2004, a new group of people started their formation period. Their formation culminates with their commitment. It is important to have our group grow to remain alive. New members add new ideas and spirit to our goal of helping others and growing closer to our Lord.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, Poverello will flourish in its sense of community and living the Gospel in the secular world.