In the past few weeks, many have noticed the presence of three more Franciscans in church or around the parish. These three friars are Temporary Professed friars moving toward discernment of Solemn Profession in the Order. They are also students on their summer break who have chosen to do ministry in the Cincinnati area. Let me introduce them to you but feel free to approach them yourself to say hello. All three are really good guys.
Brother John Neuffer, OFM came to know the friars through Internet research and subsequent visits to Franciscan parishes in Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina. As a parishioner at Holy Family parish in Hillsborough, North Carolina, John served as a sacristan, a leader for elementary religious education, and as IT support for the parish. Before joining the Franciscan Postulancy program of Holy Name Province (based in
New York), John worked as a systems analyst and product manager for Fidelity Investments in Durham. After having spent some time first with the friars in Raleigh/Durham, Brother John is coming now from St. Joseph friary and the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago where he is a student. Inspired particularly by the friars’ focus on social justice and community living, Brother John will spend summer working in St. Francis Seraph Ministries in Over-the-Rhine. Welcome Brother John!
Brother Matt Ryan, OFM, originally from Northern Kentucky, came to know the friars while he was a law student at the University of Cincinnati. When Father Al Hirt, OFM was pastor at St. Monica-St George, Matt was a member of that parish and involved in the Newman Center. In previous parish involvements, Matt was also part of the choir. Before joining St. John the Baptist's Franciscan Postulancy program, Matt worked as a Public Defender with
the State of Kentucky for 13 years. Currently he too is a student at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. This summer, Brother Matt will be involved in ministry here at St. Clement parish — preaching, visiting parishioners with Sister Pat, and helping in the Food Pantry – while also providing some support to his parents. Welcome, Brother Matt!
Brother Phil McCarter, OFM is originally from Cincinnati’s west side and a graduate of Elder High School. His background is in truck driving. Before coming to St. Clement for the summer, Brother Phil served for nine months at the St. Francis Mission in Elfrida, Arizona, participating in the Franciscan Brothers Walking Together program where he could live with and learn from a different culture. All our temporary professed friars participate in this program,
introducing them to settings very different from what they are used to, and guiding them as they explore challenging situations. This summer, Brother Phil too will be working with the St. Francis Seraph Ministries in Over-the-Rhine. Welcome Brother Phil!