Here is the latest news from the Vocation Office. Things have been very busy and that is good.
Three men joined the community at Saint Anthony Friary in Cincinnati for a Come and See weekend. Stephen Vincent from Sulphur, LA; Justin Bell from Cincinnati, OH; and Stephen Tosterud from Bush, LA. They arrived Friday, November 4 and finished up Sunday, November 6. Brothers Richard Goodin, O.F.M. from Chicago and Roger Lopez, O.F.M. from Cincinnati assisted Fr. Don Miller, O.F.M. and Bro. Timothy Lamb, O.F.M., the Vocation Directors, with the weekend. The present class of Postulants also helped with the program.
Attached is a new newsletter from the Vocation Office featuring the reception of our new Postulants and the Solemn Profession of Friar Richard Goodin, O.F.M.
Since the Solemn Profession ceremony on August 27th, I have been on the road--or, rather, in the air--a great deal. The trip to Spain for World Youth Day put me behind in the Vocation Office and I am trying to catch up. Lately I have visited prospectives in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Missouri and Kansas. In the near future I will be back in Pennsylvania and in Michigan, Illinois and Florida. The class of 2012 is beginning to take shape but, as always, this time of the year it is too early to tell what size class we will have.
Spain was both a disappointment and a thrill. The disappointment came in the lack of organization and confusion that we all faced. There was a severe lack of communication. But the thrill came in getting to briefly see the Pope and spend time with two of our younger Friars as we visited and witnessed to the millions of young people from all over the world. I personally spent a number of hours every day hearing confessions and that was extremely satisfying.
I have also recently moved into a newly formed house in the Cincinnati area. We are in need of additional space in the city so three of us have begun a new friary in an old house which the province bought in the St. Bernard area. Things are going well as we settle in, but I haven't been home enough to really make it home yet.
This morning I am in the Kansas City airport preparing to return home. This morning I woke up to a flat tire on my rental, but AAA came to the rescue. God is good and taking care of me!!!
Bro. Chris Leigh, O.F.M. writes:
Heartfelt congratulations Br. Richard and to your Province on the wonderful occasion of your solemn profession! Thanks Br. Don for this video - great for those who sadly couldn't make it on the day. With prayers and best wishes, Br Chris Leigh OFM, Canterbury, England.
and Alexandra Wallace writes:
Wow beautiful service. Congratulations to Brother Richard! Jamaica misses his joyful presence. Be sure to visit us again soon!
Saturday, August 27, 2011, Friar Richard T> Goodin, O.F.M. pronounced his Solemn Profession of vows in the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans). Friar richard has completed the required five years of formation as a Franciscan and will be continuing his studies for the priesthood.
Our province and Richard's family filled the church with song and celebration on a cool, sunny morning in praise of God who has blessed us with a new full member of our community.
Attached is a video of some highlights from the service.
Marie comments:
MAY "GOD", BLESS ALL THE FRIARS !! CONGRATULATIONS !! IT GREAT TO SEE MORE FRIARS PROFESS VOWS ! YOURS-IN-CHRIST, MARIE.K.LALLY,KNOWN AS THE SCOOTERLADY AT SACRED HEART ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, PINELLAS PARK, FLORIDA 33781-2611
Here is a link to our latest Vocation Office Newsletter:
Barbara comments:
Wonderful to watch new friars profess vows! Thanks, Don, for taking the time to video, edit and post here.



