Brothers working in Parishes
Brother Francis Schafer:
"Being involved in Parish ministry has provided a very rewarding, varied and enriching
experience and has provided an opportunity to meet so many people at the various stages of
their life journey whether it be encounters of great joy and happiness or sadness and
grief.
As a Brother ministering on the parish level I have had the opportunity over the years to
serve the needs of the sick and home-bound, the bereaved, assisted families in preparing
funeral liturgies, ministering to those touched by HIV/AIDS, leading a ministry of prayer
for the elderly, handicapped and home-bound, assisting the poor and homeless and have been
part of the Parish Office Staff. Parish ministry has provided wonderful experiences and
has allowed me to touch and be touched by so many.
I often feel that I receive more than
I give and am amazed and uplifted by the deep faith of those I encounter. What blessing
these ministries have provided.
As a Brother I am joined by other members of my community who live the religious vows of
poverty, chastity and obedience. As members we live, work and pray together supporting
one another in the good and bad times. Serving as “brother” suggests to me a rich
spirituality. As Brothers we are called to be brothers of Christ; brothers to one
another; brothers to everyone especially the neediest of society. Involving oneself in
parish based ministries as provided an opportunity for me to be “brother” to so many, the
young and the old, the sick, the poor, those searching for meaning in their lives and the
many others who share their hopes, dreams, faith and encouragement."
