2011 Reunion - Invite
The FAA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the 2011 Franciscan Alumni Association Reunion will take place June 24 - 26, in Cincinnati, OH, on the grounds of the former St. Francis Seminary.
Paul Landers '76 will serve as the Reunion coordinator.
Follow the 2011 Reunion on Facebook!
General Information
For our 2011 Franciscan Alumni Reunion we will be back home in Cincinnati, and will hold our Saturday evening Mass and activities on the grounds of the former St. Francis Seminary. Activities are also planned for the evenings of Thursday, June 23 through Saturday June 25.
We have been blessed to be able to maintain an ongoing relationship with the folks at Mercy Community at Winton Woods (the former Seminary) and are able to enjoy the use of the grounds and facilities. We have regularly been holding our FAA Board meetings in the old study hall. Even though the gym has been closed to local groups for the last couple of years, the Mercy Community has opened it for the use of our Association members.
Local alumni have helped with grounds maintenance for years. Key to this effort is a relatively young member of the Mercy Community, Richard Eisele, whose team has worked effectively to clean up brush, maintain the landscaping and plant ornamentals throughout the property. The spirit of Fr. Aubert, who developed beautiful gardens at the seminary during the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, seems to continue to be working through Richard and the members of the Garden Club.
Having tamed the front lake, Richard plans on spending effort this Spring and Summer on the Peace Garden (formerly known as 'the pool') and the Grotto. Our Reunion activities will include an opportunity to help in these efforts in a combination picnic/work day, which may be the best way to appreciate the grounds.
In a post on a Facebook group for the seminary, Andrew Finkenstadt ('80) wrote "One of my most precious memories is singing that final Ultima at the closing Mass in both Latin and English." Rather than lamenting that such a rich piece of our Franciscan spirit may become lost, we would like enliven this beautiful prayer at our reunion this year: On Saturday afternoon all are invited to the Chapel to practice their parts and participate in a high-quality recording of the Ultima, which will then be available to all on our web site.
On Saturday evening we will celebrate Mass with Fr. Murray Bodo. Mass will be followed by dinner, Alumni awards, and a memorial service.
The Schedule
Specific times may be subject to change. Please check times the week before the reunion.
Thursday, June 23
Work Period: 1:00 PM at Mercy Franciscan
Seminary Night Out: 6:00 PM at the Hofbrau Haus in NewportThis has become the default location for our regular get-together of local former seminarians. Join us for artisan beer, German music, fried pickles and other good treats and gemutlichkeit.
Hofbräuhaus Newport
3rd & Saratoga at the Levee
Newport, KY 41071
Telephone: (859) 491-7200
http://www.hofbrauhausnewport.com/
Friday, June 24
Social: 6:00PM at Cincinnati Inn West
This will take place in the large meeting room on the first floor of the hotel. Drinks and snacks provided throughout the evening. Door prize, split-the-pot and Texas Hold'em tournament.
Saturday, June 25
St. Anthony Shrine & Franciscan Archives
5000 Colerain Ave, Mt. Airy
Meet at the steps to the chapel at 10:00.
Tour of the Grounds at Mercy Franciscan: 2:00 at the Veranda
Meet Richard Eisele at 2:00 at the Veranda
Choir Practice and Recording: 3:30 in the chapel
All voices are invited to participate in a high-quality recording of the Ultima. We will provide music and there will be sufficient time to practice parts. The final product will be posted on our web site for the whole world to enjoy.
Mass: 5:00 in the Peace Garden
Fr. Murray Bodo will celebrate Mass.
Group Picture: After Mass
Dinner: in the old Study Hall following
We're still working on the menu, but it looks like it will either be steak hoagies or pulled pork sandwiches. The meal will include salad, vegetables, bread and drinks. Mercy Franciscan residents will be invited to share the meal with us. Residents will offer desserts. There is no charge for dinner, but goodwill donations will be invited to offset costs.
Meeting: in the old Study Hall
After dinner, Fr. Murray will give a talk, and there will be opportunities for book-signing. This will be followed by an abbreviated Alumni business meeting featuring our annual service awards.
Memorial Service
We'll officially close our weekend by remembering brethren who have gone before us, especially those who have died in the last year.
All are welcome to remain and socialize.
Who's Planning to Attend?
Class of 1943
John Dekker
Class of 1952
Mario Wagner
Bill Pellman
Class of 1953
Gil Wholer, OFM
Class of 1955
Ralph Hatke
Murray Bodo, OFM
Tom Poisson, OFM (formerly Br. Andre)
Class of 1956
Dennis Kirby
Class of 1961
Fred Link, OFM
Class of 1964
Frank Jasper, OFM
Class of 1967
Charlie Bullington
Class of 1968
Randy LaFond
Class of 1969
Jerry Kaelin
Bob Sandoval
Bob Buescher
Greg Enneking
Alvin Harmeyer
Thomas Hartke
Richard St. John
Steven Thienman
Class of 1970
Dave Imhoff
Bill Ritter
Class of 1975
Butch Feldhaus
Mike Niklas
Rick Gardner
Roy Brannan
Mike Fritch
Class of 1976
Paul Landers
Steve Degnan-Schmidt
Pat Daly
Mike Lippman
Class of 1977
Mike Duncan
Tim Lacey
Tom Shumate
Mike Daly
Class of 1978
Joe Vormbrock
Robert Cummins
Antonio Trujillo
Michael Demeter
Class of 1979
Joe Edwards
Class of 1980
Don Weller
Daniel Trujillo
Class of 1981
Michael Niehaus
Please reach out to fellow alumni to make sure they know about this event. Let us know that you plan to attend by emailing the 2011Reunion Team.
Where To Stay
Our hotel accommodations and the Friday evening social will be at the same location as in 2009, but we'll have a little bit more breathing room. The FAA rate for a non-smoking double room is $59.99/night at the Days Inn Forest Park (new name - was Cincinnati West Inn & Suites), 11967 Chase Plaza Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45240. This includes complimentary breakfast, newspaper, wireless internet and indoor pool. Make your reservations by calling 513-825-9600 before June 1,, 2011.