Franciscan Friars of the Sacred Heart Province (OFM)
25th Ordination
Father James Lause
Birthplace: Washington, Missouri
Entrance: June 22, 1981
First profession: Aug. 11, 1982
Final profession: Feb. 7, 1998
Ordination: Dec. 12, 1998
Education: Bachelor’s decree
Master’s of divinity
Service in the archdiocese: Pastor
Vicar
Secretary of the province
Guardian
Service outside the archdiocese: Vicar
Pastoral associate
Interprovincial novitiate team
Co-director of post novitiate
Formation director
Director of priesthood formation
50th Ordination
Father Frank Coens
Birthplace: Springfield, Illinois
Entrance: June 21, 1966
First profession: June 22, 1967
Final profession: June 22, 1970
Ordination: May 26,1973
Education: Bachelor’s in philosophy
Master’s of divinity
Service in the archdiocese: Secretary of the province
Vicar
Pastor
Service outside the archdiocese: Associate pastor
Pastor
Vicar
Associate director of Franciscan Vocation Center
Director of the Franciscan Vocation Center
Guardian
About Father Frank Coens: I am a Franciscan Friar currently stationed at the Franciscan Friary in East St. Louis, Illinois. Over the years, I have spent some 16 years ministering in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: 1975-79 as associate pastor and then pastor at Most Sacred Heart in Eureka; 1984-96 at St. Anthony in south St. Louis, six years in Franciscan provincial administration and six years as pastor of St. Anthony Church. I was pastor when lightning struck the church and a huge fire caused millions of dollars of damage. In 1996 I was transferred to the southern part of the United States where I remained for the next 25 years. Over the years I’ve enjoyed playing golf and doing cross-stitching. However, recently because of medical conditions, I am no longer able to engage in these activities. However, I have always been an avid Cardinals fan! Having been a Franciscan friar for 57 years and a Franciscan priest for 50 years, I can say that one of my greatest joys in life has been living as a brother among fellow Franciscans. Living as a member of a Franciscan community with men who have similar values, who pray together and who share everything in common has been one of the greatest joys of my life as well as a tremendous support for my ministry.