A Portrait of the Franciscan Spirit in Action

Friar Bernie Zajdel

Parishioners at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Bloomington, Minnesota have a deep emotional connection to their spiritual home. When their pastor Conventual Franciscan friar Bernie Zajdel’s term ended and the man had to move to a new parish, the community reacted with sadness. Friar Bernie was not simply a priest who presided at Masses; he was an equal member of the community.

One hears such sentiments about Franciscans frequently. The friars are always involved with their church and wider communities. They try to live their lives simply, work hard in service to others, and pray. Specifically at Bloomington’s St. Bonaventure Church one sees this sense of service to others in a recent series titled Coffee, Tea and Conversation.

Bloomington, Minnesota

The purpose of this St. Bonaventure series was to help parishioners become informed about issues that could affect their lives. During one of the series get-togethers, Mariann Bramer spoke about various scams (including identity theft) to which criminals subject innocent and unknowing persons. In the 21st century with information communication technologies such as email and social networking websites being so prevalent, we must all educate ourselves so that we will not fall prey to such scams.

Another Coffee, Tea and Conversation meeting at St. Bonaventure featured a speaker from the organization Age Well. The topic – aging - proved to be very pertinent. As we continue to age we want to do so while living active and healthy lives. The Age Well presentation and the conversation that followed provided attendees with information that will help them keep their physical and mental selves on a positive track into the future.

The spirit of St. Francis of Assisi permeates St. Bonaventure Church

in Bloomington, Minnesota

Service to others or in other words helping to improve the lives of our fellow human beings can take all sorts of forms. Providing informative presentations on pertinent issues, picking up garbage, volunteering and many other activities can affect positive change in the lives of our brothers and sisters. The only thing that we need to do is take action.

(Sources of all related images on webpage and homepage: www.saintbonaventure.org and www.wikipedia.org.)