I once overheard a board member of our Franciscan community pose a poignant question, “Is it not up to us to help those that help those most in need?” This simple inquiry struck a chord in my heart, encapsulating the very essence of our Alpha and Omega Appeal.

Imagine, for a moment, our elderly friars – men who have given their lives to service, prayer, and the spreading of God’s love. Now in their twilight years, they are often forgotten by the world they have served, yet, within our Franciscan community, they are anything but forgotten. Our internal ministry to each other ensures that these venerable men, our friars, continue to live with dignity and grace. This commitment to care for one another, especially our elderly or infirm friars, is not just an act of charity; it is an expression of the deep bond we share as members of our brotherhood, our Franciscan fraternity.

Care of our aging and infirm friars comprises the focal point of the Omega portion of our appeal to you. It costs the friars over $63,669 per friar annually to provide for our limited ministry friars. These ever-increasing costs encompass medical treatments, housing, and the myriad of other needs that come with advancing age. Our province expends over $1,375,000 annually to guarantee that these faithful servants of God receive the care and support they need.

While we diligently allocate resources to ensure our senior friars live their twilight years in comfort and dignity, we simultaneously recognize the importance of investing in the future by nurturing the growth and formation of our young friars. To fulfill a young friar’s initial formation–the Alpha portion of a young friar’s journey, we invest approximately $71,500 annually. This amount includes not only their theological and ministerial education, but also, their health care, housing, spiritual formation, and other physical needs.

Our Alpha and Omega, two ends of one continuous “Yes” to the call that God placed in the hearts of our friars. Our younger friars, who represent the Alpha part of this appeal, bring their many gifts and enthusiasm for the Franciscan life; most of all, they bring joy into the lives of those they serve. Our “Omegas,” who have contributed nearly 2,000 years of combined ministry to the Church, now need extra attention and care. They have been pillars of faith and are living testaments to our Franciscan tradition.

Your generosity serves as a beacon of hope and an affirmation of the love that we, as a Franciscan community, pledge to one another. It is a living echo of the early Christian spirit, where “See how they love one another,” was not just a phrase, but a way of life.

May I count on your financial support of the Alpha and Omega campaign? Your gift is a sacred trust and a powerful affirmation of your faith in our mission, where “we strive to help those most in need, especially those on the margins.”

In gratitude for your consideration and with prayers for your intentions, I remain,

Yours in St. Francis,

 

Fr. John Elmer, OFM Conv.

P.S. Thank you for your generosity! Our novices look to you with hope and gratitude, and ask for your continued support and prayers. Our senior friars continue to remember you in their daily prayers.

From his humble beginnings in 1950 as a young student to his profound service in 2023 celebrating Mass, Father Christian Moore, OFM Conv., embodies the Franciscan spirit of lifelong dedication to faith and ministry.

In an investiture ceremony, three friars, (left to right) friar Bob Moynihan, friar Colden Fell, and friar André Miller, receive their habits. Later in the year, all three went on to make first vows. Now, they continue a lifelong journey in faith and service as they focus on education and discerning their ministerial paths.