By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald correspondent

Secular Franciscans mark 25th anniversary

Pictured are Larry Rappley, seated left, Ruth Mason, Kathy Sutliff, Teresa Zellinger, Nancy Weber, Marge Huser, standing left, Jean Platz, Pat Yates, Wayne Raymond, Joanne Guzik, Helene Mahac, Eileen Bosshart, Sr. Maria Vinton (spiritual assistant) and Charlie Jewsen. Members not pictured are Jennie Kukanich, Becky and Sy Poskie, Pat and Jack Lietz, Linda Welbes, Mary Kranz and Marie Young.

RHINELANDER -- The St. John Neumann Fraternity of Secular Franciscans based in Rhinelander had reason to celebrate this summer. It was 25 years ago that the fraternity was established, and it has grown to its current 18 members and three candidates.

Formerly called "Third Order of St. Francis," the group saw that and other changes in conjunction with the New Rule initiated in 1987, a time when most religious orders were making revisions. The rule offers direction for a way of life based on the principles of St. Francis of Assisi.

"The Old Rule, established under Pope Leo XIII, was very legalistic; the New Rule consists of more general principles," explained Jean Platz, who has been professed for 51 years. She joined the order as a young adult while living in Milwaukee.

Joanne Guzik, who has been a member for 20 years, said she was drawn to following the way of St. Francis after she read his biography while spending long nights at her seriously ill grandmother's bedside. "His conversion impressed me ... how he gave up the things of the world and how he saw Christ in all creation," she said. "He had a fun-loving but simple lifestyle.

"Being a Secular Franciscan has taught me that I have value in the eyes of the Lord," Guzik added, "but also what a little piece I am in the big picture. I see in a different way how people suffer, and I know what I go through is nothing."

In addition to the spiritual growth experienced by members of the fraternity, they value the camaraderie of the group. "When I am tired and I least want to be at a meeting, someone will share an experience, and I come away refreshed and renewed, Guzik said."

"They are wonderful people," said Mary Kranz, the newest member. For much of her life she had been attracted to Franciscan spirituality, but didn't have the opportunity to join a fraternity until recently. "It has enhanced my spiritual life so much. Now I really want to pray."

"There is a lot of trust in the group," Platz said. "You are getting together with the same people once a month and we have some good discussions, because people aren't afraid to talk."

The St. John Neumann Fraternity has members from approximately a 50-mile radius of Rhinelander. It was Lillian Martin, now deceased, who was the driving force in its organization. Fr. Ulric Buening, OFM, Cap., was also instrumental in establishing the group. Now retired, he took time to attend the 25th anniversary celebration. Charter members still active include Platz, Marge Huser, Ruth Mason and Teresa Zellinger.

Before the fraternity was canonically established June 23, 1977, the charter members went through a novitiate. St. John Neumann was chosen as the fraternity's name because he had been canonized only days before the fraternity was established. The local group is part of the LaVerna region, which encompasses Michigan's Upper Peninsula and most of Wisconsin. There are also national and international organizational levels.

Monthly meetings are held at St. Joseph Parish, during which there is a time of study, discussion and prayer. There are also opportunities to attend workshops and retreats.

In addition, the fraternity is involved in several outreach and community service projects. From a common fund to which members contribute, homes were built for two families in India. Proceeds from an annual garage sale help finance fraternity activities and provide contributions to local charities.

Service projects include participation in highway cleanup and beautifying church grounds with a flower garden and welcome sign.

While deepening their individual spiritual lives is the reason given by most for becoming a Secular Franciscan, among the valued fringe benefits that all discover is being a member of a close-knit community. The St. John Neumann Fraternity lives up to that expectation and is looking ahead to welcoming more members in the next quarter century.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2002