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- parish history 		      O. F. M.Conv.

These letters identify us as the Order of Friars Minor Conven­tual. How did we become known as the Conventuals? The name is derived from the word "conventus" which means "to have gathered together." In the Middle Ages, the friars lived in large houses or "convents" next to the major churches in these Medieval cities of Europe
Today the Conventual Franciscans are a world wide commu­nity of vowed men who follow the Gospel of Jesus in the spirit of Francis of Assisi. They have branched out far beyond the cit­ies of Europe. As a religious order within the Catholic Church vows of poverty, chastity and obedience are embraced by all the friars. Some of these friars are priests (ordained) others are brothers - all are friars.

       

The FOCUS
Francis of Assisi centered his life upon the person of Jesus Christ. Experienc­ing the presence of God through Jesus is what motivated Francis throughout his life. Friars today strive to grow in their relationship with Jesus by a life of prayer, ministry and by inviting Je­sus to be with them through their life's journey.

The LIFESTYLE
What is unique about the Conventu­als? In one word, community.
Our primary ministry is to witness our own life together as Brothers - to provide conditions for a ministry in which Franciscan life in fraternity, with our brothers, can be lived sub­stantially.

The MINISTRY
Ministry flows from a friar's personal love of God, a desire to bring the Good News of Christ to others. There are few boundaries to the type of activity that friars are asked to do. Friars serve God in the Church as teachers, missionaries, chaplains, pro­fessors, campus ministers, counselors, laborers, social workers, scien­tists, health care providers, preachers, pastors, etc. Just as Christians who bring themselves before the Lord in prayer, the friars place their skills and talents at the service of God and their sisters and brothers of the world.
Francis and his early followers stayed together in shelters for the sake of support and prayer. The Conventuals today embrace these two values of Francis — community and prayer. Today it is still Christ and the fraternity that binds the friars together.
The present day finds Conventuals, living in larger communities of friars. This allows the friars to gather to pray and to share the joys, sorrows and excitement of their different ministries, here they find support and en­couragement from one another. It is from this community bond that ministry flows as in the days of Francis.

WORLDWIDE APPEAL
It was St. Francis' wish to bring the Gospel of Jesus to all the world. The friars have contin­ued Francis' zeal by reaching out to their brothers and sisters everywhere. In this way the life giving message of Jesus' love for all can be shared.