The Ongoing Formation Team continues to search for ways that we can all continue to deepen our spirituality, especially in the area of Franciscanism. Below are a number of opportunities available to us in the coming months. Perhaps one or more of these is calling to your heart!

Online Zoom Course offered by our own associates Sue Nowak and Kay Shrewsbery: “Early Franciscan Laity: Diversity and Authenticity” will be offered on four Wednesday evenings—June 10 & 17, July 1 & 8—at 6:30-8:00 PM. The course is based on Darleen Pryds’ book, Enduring Presence: Diversity and Authenticity Among the First Generations of Franciscan Laity.  All are welcome, but you will need to register ASAP with Karen Kin in order to participate: kkin@tiffinfranciscans.org

DEADLINE IS JUNE 8 AT NOON.

Franciscan Federation offerings: The Federation has a MULTITUDE of opportunities to choose from in the coming weeks. Check these out:

Virtual Assisi Pilgrimage with Jean-Francois Godet-Calogeras and Debi Haug. Dates: July 19-23, 7:00-9:00 PM. A number of our sisters and associates participated in last year’s virtual Assisi pilgrimage and raved about it. This year’s experience promises to be equally enlightening. This is a beautiful way to experience the spirit of Assisi from home.  Cost: $80.00. Click below to learn more and register:

Virtual Assisi Registration

Ilia Delio webinar: “Brother, Sister, Robot: Being Franciscan in the Age of AI.” Date: July 9 at 7:00 PM. How do we remain grounded in Franciscan values as artificial intelligence becomes woven into daily life? With Pope Leo’s new encyclical raising urgent concerns about AI and human dignity, this webinar will help us navigate these questions — offering a Franciscan way of seeing in an age of rapid technological change. Click below to register:

Ilia Delio Webinar Registration

Monthly Connection Circles: This monthly connection circle is grounded in prayer, reflection, and community. The next meeting is Monday, July 13, at 7:00-8:30 PM. Click below for more info and to register:

Monthly Connection Circles Registration

Birds, Wolves, Bulls, and Bears (Oh, my!): virtual session facilitated by Margaret Carney, OSF. Date: July 15 at 7:30-9:00 PM. Sister Margaret needs no introduction. She will lead this Zoom meeting addressing the economic realities of Francis’ time as well as the wisdom that modern-day Franciscans can bring to the table today. Cost: $10.00. Click below for more information and to register:

Birds, Wolves, Bulls, and Bears (oh My!) Registration

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: What exactly is a plenary indulgence in today’s world?

As part of the Special Year of St. Francis, the Church is granting a plenary indulgence to those who make a pilgrimage to a Franciscan site this year. For some of us, the term “plenary indulgence” may seem antiquated or even meaningless. Yet the original Franciscan indulgence, which we know as the Portiuncola Indulgence and is celebrated on August 2, was established by Francis himself in 1216. We want to hear from you!

Please send your responses to Sister Maggie by July 25 at hermana-maggie@hotmail.com. We may publish them in our next newsletter!

For more information on ongoing formation, contact Sue Nowak, Kay Shrewsbery, Sister Edna, or Sister Maggie. Have a blessed summer!

Virtual Assisi Registration

Enduring Presence: Diversity and Authenticity Among the First Generations of Franciscan Laity

In June and July 2026, our Franciscan associates Sue Nowak and Kay Shrewsbery presented a class entitled “Enduring Presence: Diversity and Authenticity Among the First Generations of Franciscan Laity.” We are pleased to make the recordings of this class available to all at no charge.

Click the links below to watch the Videos