Topic: to Br. Max

[The Caffeinator]

I really hope this doesn't sound judgemental, because I am just curious.

When I am surfing the net, posting on forums, etc., it is usually when I should be working. (Like now, for example.)

I noticed you spend a lot of time online, and I have a hard time reconciling that with my image of the franciscan friar, out saving the poor and kissing lepers. What do your superiors think of your net addiction?

BTW, pray for me...prayers to St. Joseph that I become a model worker. I've got a long way to go.

[Jennifer]

I really hope this doesn't sound judgemental, because I am just curious.

When I am surfing the net, posting on forums, etc., it is usually when I should be working. (Like now, for example.)

I noticed you spend a lot of time online, and I have a hard time reconciling that with my image of the franciscan friar, out saving the poor and kissing lepers. What do your superiors think of your net addiction?

BTW, pray for me...prayers to St. Joseph that I become a model worker. I've got a long way to go.

He can't be a Fransican because he's not Catholic.  He's a member of a Protestant sect.  Look at his profile and visit his website.  

[Father Peter]

You surely don't have to be a Catholic to be a Franciscan or a Benedictine. It is a way of life not a membership in any particular communion.

I've stayed with the Anglican Society of St Francis, and though some novices were worryingly liberal in their opinions the community was certainly in the spirit of Francis and lived a life of selfless service, especially to tramps, AIDS sufferers and the terminally ill, while also missioning among Anglican parishes.

[Jennifer]

Anglicans are little "c" catholics.  Max is not little "c" Catholic.  Look at his website (http://communityofthecrucifiedone.org/AboutUs.dsp).  There's mention of some "bishop" but there's no mention of apostolic succession.  Apostolic succession is crucial to catholicism.  Catholics don't just found churches and call themselves bishops.

[The Caffeinator]

Well, he might not pray to St. Joseph for me (the prayer request was directed at everybody) but he has told me that he is franciscan, and I don't think he would make that up. Will check out the link to his denom, though.

[Br. Max, OFC]

Jenny: I don't have to prove myself to you are anyone. If you have any doubts, feel free to come and see for yourself.

[David]

One can embrace the lift of a religious order without necessarily being a member of that order with varying results.  

I am hesitant to allow threads where one or more members openly criticize another forum member.  I have no problem with Max and value his input even though I disagree with him more often than not.  

Caffeinator, I believe that your question would have been better suited to a PM where Max is not put on the spotlight.  As it stands I am sure you were geuninely curious and not wanting to start an open criticism of him or of his religious group.  

I am inclined to lock this thread, but I will keep it open until Max has a chance to respond.  Max, if you want me to close this thread, please send me a PM.

[David]

Whoa, Max, you posted that while I was formulating my response.  Let me know if you want me to keep it open or not.

[Br. Max, OFC]

I really hope this doesn't sound judgemental, because I am just curious.

When I am surfing the net, posting on forums, etc., it is usually when I should be working. (Like now, for example.)

I noticed you spend a lot of time online, and I have a hard time reconciling that with my image of the franciscan friar, out saving the poor and kissing lepers. What do your superiors think of your net addiction?

BTW, pray for me...prayers to St. Joseph that I become a model worker. I've got a long way to go.

Firstly it is none to charitable to accuse someone you know little about of being an addict. Despite that faux pas, I have taken no offence to your inquiry.

I have the august privilege of being the Director of Charitable Works for the Order.  Not just locally, but around the world.  I must, as a result, correspond with many people on many subjects, and Email is the fastest cheapest way of doing that.  I must also do a great deal of paper work and such (as you can well imagine) filing reports and making reports and reporting on reports . . . . I must also search out funding for the CW we do.  One of the fund raisers we do is Comedy./Mystery Dinner theatre - which requires me to be constantly on the search for new scripts.  We also do a bi-annual Variety Show as a fund raiser for our school - more scripts and ideas to find.  So I end up spending a lot of time on line - both work time and personal time searching the net.  

ADDITIONALLY, as a teacher, a history teacher no less, I am always on the search for news and current events that will be useful for lessons, as well as resources and teaching aids - more time online.  I also work at an after school homework/computer center.  That job requires me to be able to find quickly information on a variety of subjects - more time online.

I also use the net to communicate with my family - since I live near none of them and I do not have the funds to pay long distance charges to be calling them all the time - more time online.

ALL in all I do spend a great deal of time staring into a computer, but still find time to read, attend services daily, travel to and from work, do my job’s, serve as RA for a house of college students/novitiate, catch a movie from time to time and to unwind discussing with people on THIS messageboard.

[Jennifer]

Jenny: I don't have to prove myself to you are anyone. If you have any doubts, feel free to come and see for yourself.

For the (I think) 3rd time, it's Jennifer, not Jenny.

[The Caffeinator]

Br. Max, David, et al: I am a net junkie. My faux pas here is an example of the gravity of my dillemma. Prayers please!

[The Caffeinator]

If you don't believe me, just look at my avatar. It says it all.

[David]

Caffeinator: Point taken.  

Br. Max: Please make an effort to not call Jennifer Jenny, as she obviously does not like the nickname.  

I think we've answered the question put forward by Caffeinator and I'm locking this thread.  If any of you have any questions for Max on his work, I am sure he'd be happy to discuss it with you through PM or email.