Kent Ferris, SFO

email Kent

What is your connection to the Franciscan Family?
Secular Franciscan – 19 years
NAFRA JPIC Chair – August, 2010 to present
Minister- Blessed John XXIII Fraternity, Rock Island, IL, part of the Franciscans of the Prairie
Region, 2007 to present.

How have you been involved in justice, peace, and care for creation, and for how long?
I have served as the Director of Social Action for the Diocese of Davenport since May, 2009. I have worked in college students affairs, providing direct services to adults with developmentaldisabilities, child protection work, local disaster response efforts and teaching a batterer’s education program for those with charges relating to domestic violence. All of the work prior to starting as Director has prepared me to understand about those in great need. But now as Director, I need to be mindful of both the direct service response and the advocacy/justice response to social issues.

Why did you join FAN?
I joined FAN and sought the Action Commissioner role because I think it is imperative for my brother and sister Secular Franciscans to realize how we are connected to all of the members of the Franciscan family in different orders in our Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation efforts through FAN. I’ve marched in Washington with FAN, have been taught by them, understand my responsibility to promote the NAFRA JPIC-FAN connection this year while serving as an Action Commissioner, and in years to come.

What are you working for in your area?
I am working to draw the growing cadre of local and regional JPIC folks across the U.S. into the greater FAN, following the lead of involved Secular Franciscans who’ve done likewise.