Ken Beattie, SFO

email Ken

What is your connection to the Franciscan Family?
Franciscan Order Secular - Professed 44 years
Regional Minister - 8 terms
Local Minister of former St. Thomas Aq Fraternity, Portiuncula Fraternity
Chair Fraternity Formation team
Served on NAFRA Ecumenical Commission
Chaired and Served on NAFRA Peace Award Committee
Member of FAN from its inception
Presently Acting SA for Holy Innocents Fraternity Manitowoc WI

How have you been involved in justice, peace, and care for creation, and for how long?
Since the day of my profession I have been active in the work of JPIC, long before we knew it as JPIC. I have not only been active in service, but have strongly encouraged others to become and stay active in service to the needs of our secular community in as many ways as possible.

When the opportunity came to life that the Franciscan Family at large began to discuss the need to join together to have a stranger voice in the work of JPIC, I answered the call to discussion and organization of such a group.

The need to make a change in the living conditions of not only my local community but also the national and international community was always ringing in my ears - the bell was answered and I have tried to be of some use in any way that I can.

Why did you join FAN?
Joining FAN was the best way we as a family of Franciscans could make a difference in a much larger community and carry that call to service to a much larger audience within the Catholic Church and the community.

I view FAN as being the most effective way we can serve as a Franciscan.

What are you working for in your area?
Feeding the hungry, educating those who will listen to the story of the immigrant, drilling of wells in third world communities, education on service to the imprisoned and their communities as to the just and fair way to treat the persons who are labeled a "criminal."

Because of my very limited physical ability today, my activity in these areas is more of an advocate - both educating and addressing the issues.