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Friars Bob Roddy, Vincent Petersen, John Elmer and Ken Bartsch in the Mission Advancement Office at Mt. St. Francis. Friar Bob assists with writing and donor visits; friar Vincent works with the Franciscan Arts and Earth Care Initiatives; friar John serves as Spiritual Director for the Mission Advancement Office and friar Ken regularly makes phone calls to donors to show our appreciation for their support.

A Shared Passion: Friars and Benefactors Partner to Boost Province Ministries

By Becki Romans, Executive Director of Mission Advancement

Praise God for the gift of our sisters and brothers who support the ministries of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation! Our Province Mission Advancement Office is where we assist the Province with both non-profit fundraising and strategies for growth. We do this with an unwavering focus on serving the passions and needs of you and our friars.

The following friars help in our mission advancement ministry: Friar John Elmer is our Spiritual Director. He works tirelessly to support our staff and all of you with prayer requests, spiritual guidance and education on the Franciscan charism. Friar John is humble, gentle and faithful. He is moved to personally respond to your needs with prayers, handwritten notes, and when possible personal visits. Friar Bob Roddy is our friar writer and editor. He uses his skilled writing and personal passion to help us all focus on the spirituality of St. Francis. Friar Bob is a kind and welcoming friar who shares his hospitality with all. Friar Vince Petersen is our resident artist. He works closely with the Franciscan Earth and Arts Initiatives and teaches us all about connecting with God, the Creator, through art and nature. Friar Ken Bartsch dedicates his time with us to calling you and thanking you for your generosity. His deep faith and wisdom is used to answer any questions that you may have.

Our Mission Advancement team feels blessed to work side by side with these gracious servants of God, and with you, our brothers and sisters who help us support the meaningful ministries of the friars. With deep gratitude to our friars and benefactors we thank you.

2023 - Summer Newsletter - The Power of Participation
Give

“Remember when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received – only what you have given.”

-St. Francis of Assisi

Since the time of St. Francis and his first followers, our ministries, our ability to serve those in need, the education of new Friars, the care of our senior men all are possible with the partnership of our benefactors. Your generosity makes these stories possible.

Related Articles

Deepening Communion: One Friar’s Experience

By friar Martin Day, OFM Conv.

Donor Story – Mary Hart

The Power of Prayer – Summer 23

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PRAYER REQUESTS

For the Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation, Praesidium Accreditation is more than a seal of approval — it reflects our enduring commitment to creating environments of safety, accountability, and care in every aspect of our ministry.

Accreditation by Praesidium, an independent leader in abuse prevention, affirms that we have strong policies in place, regularly train friars and lay collaborators, and maintain clear, independent processes for responding to concerns. It is not a one-time designation but an ongoing commitment, maintained through annual reviews and continuous alignment with evolving national standards.

Through this process, we foster a culture of awareness and formation — equipping friars, staff, and volunteers not only to prevent harm, but to actively promote safety, healing, and trust. We actively engage those closest to our ministries — families, lay collaborators, and ministry partners — to help us recognize risks early, support safe environments, and uphold a culture of accountability.

Any report of misconduct is taken seriously, investigated by an independent professional, and reviewed by an external board. Our safeguarding practices are designed to protect the vulnerable, ensure transparency, and respond with integrity and care.

We invite anyone who has experienced abuse in a Church setting to come forward. Our commitment to justice and healing compels us to listen with compassion and act responsibly.

Contacts

spiritualdirector@franciscansusa.org
Provincial Headquarters: +812 923 8444
Mission Advancement: +812 923 5250
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