When people ask me how I became a Lay Spiritan, they are often surprised when, without hesitation, I reply it was because I read the Spiritan charism. My journey to our community started twenty years before I knew anything about the Spiritans.
St. Stephen Church in Hazelwood, PA might not have regular weekly Mass, but the Spirit is very much alive. There’s a thriving Spiritan mission in the Hazelwood community, connected with the work of other groups dedicated to helping the area thrive.
The ministry of the Spiritans isn’t limited to just professed priests and brothers. Inspired Lay people have been a part of the Spiritan community for much of its history. In the U.S. Province, we recognize several levels of Spiritan Association for lay people including Spiritan Friends, Spiritan Fraternities, and Lay Spiritan Communities.
In November 2021, the U.S. Spiritans welcomed several new Lay members. We’d like to introduce you to these newest members of the Spiritan family, beginning with Mercia O’Neil.
Four Lay Spiritans from around the world, including U.S. Lay Spiritan Anne Marie Hansen, made a presentation at the General Chapter in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, earlier this week.
Lay Spiritans continue to meet once per month on Saturday for a day of reflection. Morning session focuses on prayer, sharing ‘ministry moments,” JPIC advocacy, followed by an afternoon presentation with guest speakers.
Fr. Barney Kelly, C.S.Sp., led a directed study on Francis Libermann at the Spiritan Center for Lay Spiritan, Dr. Anne Marie Hansen, Scholar in Residence, in November.
Rich Gosser, Lay Spiritan, joined JPIC coordinators from five other US religious congregations at the end of October to participate in a “Poverty and Care of Creation” immersion trip to Central Appalachia.