Ministry of Proclamation

Sister Anna singing accompnied by Father Peter on the violin

Proclamation of God's Good news has taken diverse forms. Parish Missions / Retreats / Revivals (weekend and three or four evenings) have been presented for a single parish, for a cluster of parishes, and for an ecumenical group in a town or area.

Retreats and days of prayer have been offered to groups of sisters, protestant and catholic clergy, laymen and laywomen, and youth groups.

Members of the Bethany Ministries Community have written two dramatic presentations about the lives and spirituality of St. Francis and St. Clare: "Sacred Creation" and "The Song of Francis and Clare, Embracing the Humanity of Christ."

We have also created and led prayer for interfaith and spiritually mixed groups such as Environmental Institutes and Marriage Encounter conferences.

Our Goal is to enter into the ministry of Proclamation from a contemplative base, by:

  1. Preaching at parish missions, retreats and days of renewal in a collaborative style, using the gifts of Friars, laity and religious sisters to proclaim the good news.
  2. Collaborating with the Franciscan Ministry of the Word of Holy Name Province, when possible and appropriate.
  3. Ministering in local parishes on weekends, giving priority to lay-administered parishes and to the parishes of Schoharie County.