For the past seventeen years, friar John Elmer, OFM Conv., has served as the Spiritual Director of the Mission Advancement Office of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation. Whether you have asked a question, shared a burden that laid heavily on your heart, or relayed joyful news of prayers answered, friar John has faithfully listened and responded.
In 2024, friar John, after considerable thought and prayer, thought that it would be good for him to move to a different Friary while continuing to serve as Spiritual Director of the Mission Advancement Office. Our inter-province novitiate in Arroyo Grande, CA, was seeking an older and seasoned friar to take up residence in the Novitiate. Experience has taught us that having a few “seasoned” friars in an initial formation community gives the friars in initial formation a living example of Franciscan life and service. During this time, friar John has continued to serve as Spiritual Director of the Mission Advancement Office. A few months ago, Friar John was asked to relocate again, to St. Bonaventure Friary in Chicago, IL, a friary where men begin their journey as Conventual Franciscan Friars in the United States. With friar John making the transition to a new friary community in a different state, it seemed a good idea to free him from the responsibilities of the Spiritual Director ministry, which he has done so well. Friar Bob Roddy, OFM Conv., has been asked to serve as Spiritual Director of the Mission Advancement Office for the next four years.
A native of Floyds Knobs, IN, Friar John grew up near Mt. St. Francis, IN. He has served in many ministries in the Midwest and Southwest. His calm demeanor and gentle spirit, as well as his many years in the Order (62 years!), have been a steady anchor for our outreach to our friends and benefactors.
Friar John recalls that he was “caught off guard” when the then-Minister Provincial, Friar Jim Kent, asked him to step into the role of Spiritual Director of what was then known as “The Development Office.” Friar John admits that he had quite a learning curve with this new ministry, but with the help of the office staff he grew into his ministry to our friends and donors. “I appreciated coming to know the passion and love that each staff member had for the friars and their ministries. It was an experience of being a member of a caring Franciscan family. I most appreciated having the opportunity to know the faith journey of the benefactors that led each to want to support the friars and their ministries.”
While friar John will no longer serve as Spiritual Director, he will continue to lift up in prayer our many friends and donors who make our varied ministries possible. Friar Bob looks forward to getting to know all of our friends and brothers and sisters who support us.
