TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Secular Franciscans of Terre Haute will no longer be holding their free monthly breakfast program, due to membership falling below the number required by the General Constitution of the Secular Franciscan Order.
“With great sadness, the Secular Franciscans and Friends will no longer be able to provide breakfasts to our guests and patrons. This begins immediately,” said Linda Gorrell, OFS, minister of the fraternity.
Since October 2012, the fraternity has used St. Benedict Parish’s commercial kitchen to prepare and serve free monthly breakfasts, including curbside service during COVID.
The fraternity said membership fell after two members passed away within a week this spring, and three moved out of town this past year.
Due to this fall in membership, the cessation of St. Rose of Viterbo Fraternity, based at St. Joseph University Parish, ended the organization’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and their ability to apply for grants, purchase food at Catholic Charities Foodbank and tax-free supplies at local stores.
“Ebbing and flowing has been part of our fraternity’s history since the 1870s. We trust that in the future, another group of parishioners will come together to re-activate St. Rose of Viterbo Fraternity, praying and working to follow Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis by doing good works among the people of Terre Haute,” said Sandy Cline, OFS, vice minister.
