In the workshops we talked about how the political discussions and debates have become very narrow.  It is important to have vibrant civic community in order for countries to grow.  We talked about how we might teach and talk about things in our local communities.

On the evening of Oct. 3, some of the secular Franciscans came to Dolores Parish to celebrate the transitus of St. Francis with the Franciscan Sisters.

Father John Korcsmar has been a part of Capital IDEA, an adult job training program that trains people for jobs with a living wage, benefits, and a career path.  At a luncheon, Steve Jackobs, executive director of Capital IDEA,  presented with a plaque that said:

Father John Korcsmar shared a vision to raise Central Texas families out of poverty and into high skill careers.  As an Austin Interfaith leader, he worked hard in the early and mid-1990's to lay the groundwork for Capital IDEA.  Father John then served for six years on the Board of Directors.  He was particularly successful in convincing our public partners to maintain and deepen their investments in Capital IDEA.

His leadership enabled Capital IDEA to:

• place 388 participants in high-skill, high-demand jobs that more than doubled their income;

• increase Capital IDEA's ability to enroll people in college-level training to 490;

• and develop an annual budget of over $2.7 million.

John is being replaced on the board by Father Joe Tomei from St. Ignatius.