We are a brotherhood of like-minded men who follow St. Francis’ example as a discipline in service to God. We are an order that exists apostolically: our brothers are embedded in the world with normal lives, rather than enclosed in a monastery. We live in different parts of the world, each with our own individual ministry, based upon the needs of our respective local communities and parishes.
The Rt. Rev. Jos Tharakan
Bishop Visitor
Bishop Jos Tharakan is the XIV Bishop of Idaho. The Episcopal Diocese of Idaho is the diocese of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, with jurisdiction over Idaho south of the Salmon River, and one congregation in western Wyoming. Located in Province 8, its cathedral is St. Michael's in Boise, as are the diocesan offices. Bishop Jos bio can be found by clicking here.
Br. Les Roberts, OSF
Minister General
Brother Les resides in Trappe, MD and is a deacon in the Diocese of Easton assigned to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, White Marsh Parish. Br. Les' ministry passion is working with those who are recently released from prison or jail transition back into society. He was the Executive Director of the Baltimore Area Aftercare Program (BAAP) a non-profit organization that assists returning citizens. Br Les was elected as Minister General in 2024 and was invested in 2025.
The Rev. Michael Roeske
Chaplain
We are honored to have the Rev. Michael Roeske serving as our current chaplain. Father Michael is currently the rector of St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Fort Wayne, IN in the Diocese of Northern Indiana.
Life Professed
Br. Zane Young, OSF
​Minister General Emeritus
Brother Zane was received into the OSF in October 2006 and resides in the Pacific Northwest. He is employed as a Research Coordinator at Texas Tech University, working in air quality research, and he also teaches Geography online for Cameron University. Shortly after Br. Nicholas' death, Br Zane was elected as Minister General in 2009 and served until 2025.
Br. Rich Atkinson, OSF
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Brother Rich lives in San Rafael, California, which was founded by Franciscans in 1817. He is a member of the Redeemer Episcopal Church, where he is a Eucharistic Minister. His other ministries Include: working at a free dining hall, offering regular services to residents at a local nursing home, and street chaplaincy for the homeless.
Br. Chuck Hannan, OSF
Brother Chuck lives in Madison, Wisconsin. He serves on both the Home Visitation Ministry Team taking Communion to parishioners who are unable to physically attend church services, and as a Lector (Reader) at Messiah Lutheran Church (ELCA). Brother Chuck also serves as a Lector (Reader) and Communion Assistant during Sunday and Wednesday worship services at Oakwood Village-Prairie Ridge retirement community where he and his wife, Nancy, live. Under the direction of Oakwood's Chaplain, Brother Chuck visits home-bound assisted living and memory care residents.
Br. John Huebner, OSF
Secretary General &
Director of Formation
Brother John resides in Western North Carolina. He serves as Parish Missioner at Saint Mary's Episcopal Church. His ministry
involves being a Franciscan presence to the home bound, those living in a care facility, and being available for ministry throughout the parish. He enjoys hiking, playing the guitar, and writing icons.
Br. John Ryan, OSF
Brother John has spent the majority of his adult ilife in Religious Life. He entered OFM in 1961 and lived that life until 1971. Upon leaving Community he had several careers and moved to San Francisco. In December of 1976 at Grace Cathedral he was revived from the Roman tradition into the Episcopal/Anglican Tradition. From 1979 to present he has lived in Seattle, WA. In 2003 he reestablished the Paracletian Order in the Episcopal Church, under the name of the Order of the Community of the Paraclete. In 2018 he returned to the life of a Franciscan Friar in OSF.
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Br. Sam Hawk, OSF
Br. Sam devotes his time to both the death ministry and healing ministry with focus on eastern medicine and nature based healing. Being a lover and companion with animals, his spiritual practices incorporate and interact extensively with animal spiritual medicine. He also spends his time working on off-grid homesteading, renewable energy technologies, and has a passion for quantum physics. Br. Sam lives in Italy with his spouse, Morgan.
Br. Paul Dahlke, OSF
Director of Ministry
Brother Paul lives in downtown Seattle, WA with his wife Mary Mac. He attends St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church and numerous other downtown parishes. He is currently serving as an Usher, Crucifer, and visiting Eucharistic Minister in his parish. He is also a Software Tester, and has worked for numerous technology companies, both large and small, throughout the years. He holds a BS in Computer Science from Washington State University. Paul also keeps busy supporting his family members with their activities in education and the arts, and he often works with the elderly and companions with people on the streets outside his front door.
Br. Billy Isenor, OSF
Guardian Canada Province
Br. Billy resides in Edmonton, Alberta with his family. He serves as chaplain at the Edmonton Institution (men's maximum security prison). He is an ordained priest and a Métis citizen. His passions include passing on indigenous teachings, the theology of St. Bonaventure and Duns Scotus, bead work, learning Michif and print making. When not working hard, he takes time to cook traditional Métis foods.
Br. Charles-Paul Sowinski, OSF
Brother Charles-Paul attends Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix Arizona, where he was ordained a deacon in 2014. His ministries include assisting people living in transitional housing to include veterans, native american connections, seniors with disabilities, and those with mental issues.
Br. Allen White, OSF
Brother Allen is a contemplative teacher, activist, writer, and spiritual director committed to the healing transformation of the world. A life-professed friar with the Order of Saint Francis, Brother Allen integrates ancient mystical wisdom with modern contemplative practice. He is a 2024 graduate of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) Living School, having studied extensively with Richard Rohr. Currently serving on staff at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Houston TX, he brings a contemplative heart to lay worship and pastoral care. Brother Allen resides in the Houston area with his wife, LeslieAnn.
Br. Brian Sadler, OSF
Brother Brian Sadler lives in Broseley, MO. He was raised in a christian household by his late mother Tina and his Dad Bill Sadler. Tina was an award winning songwriter and singer within the southern gospel community. His late uncle Alfred Sadler pastored Northend Holiness Pentecostal Church where Brian learned about God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Brian attends Holy Cross Episcopal Church. He works professionally in Criminal Justice Information Systems and has an active role in helping those that are struggling with technology. He considers this to be part of his ministry as he finds Technology an easy subject his whole life and a way he can help others. He makes himself available to pray with anyone that wants prayer or just someone to hear their story. He has recently purchased a motorhome and plans to travel and serve wherever God takes him.
Br. Jay Boggs, OSF
Director of
Business Management
Brother Jay was born and raised in Baltimore. He and his wife Ruth recently relocated to the coastal town of Bethany Beach, Delaware. Their two children and families live in Nashville and Boulder. He serves at St Francis Episcopal Parish in Baltimore and St Martha’s Episcopal Church in Bethany Beach. He leads a group of consultants focused on facilitating the adoption of renewable energy in the US. Brother Jay is also the Director of Cornerstone ministries, a collective of missioners committed to helping individuals, families and communities overcome poverty and homelessness through a series of financial literacy initiatives.
Br. Andrew Jones, OSF
Director of Vocations
Brother Andrew lives in New York City with his husband. He is a Deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of New York, serving at St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery. With the Archdeacon of the Diocese, he co-founded Ecclesia in the Bowery, a street ministry that gathers every Sunday afternoon to welcome the homeless and all who might feel unwelcome in traditional church spaces. The ministry invites neighborhood congregations to share in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the offering of bag lunches in community.
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He also serves as liturgist for St. Ann’s Church for the Deaf, the oldest Deaf congregation in the United States, where he interprets and translates Scripture into American Sign Language (ASL) for weekly worship.
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He serves the Order as Vocations Director, accompanying those in the Postulancy—the first formal stage of life in the community—through formation, study, and discernment. During the week, he works as Parish Administrator at the Church of the Ascension in Manhattan.
Br. Sam Kincade, OSF
Brother Sam attends Christ Church Cathedral in Downtown St Louis. He is the assistant director of Trinity Food Ministry. Brother Sam serves on the Companion Diocese Committee between the Diocese of Missouri and the Diocese of Puerto Rico. He serves as an Acolyte and a Eucharistic Minister. He serves on the Communications Committee and handles the Cathedral and the Order of St Francis Facebook page.
Br. David Wigger, OSF
Brother David is retired and lives in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he is a member of the parish at Christ Church Cathedral. He has served in various ecclesial ministries, including multiple positions in local churches, working with students in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam, Davao City, Philippines, and Jakarta, Indonesia, and assisting in a national church development program. Through an extensive self-examination and deep discernment following retirement, Br. David entered the Order of Saint Francis and is engaged in a life of prayer and service, particularly among people experiencing unfortunate limitations. He spends much of his day walking the streets of the central core of Saint Louis, offering himself to serve whomever he meets.
Br. Kristofer Lindh-Payne, OSF
Born and raised in Baltimore, Brother Kristofer serves as Canon to the Ordinary for Leadership in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. He is deeply passionate about collaborating with both lay and clergy leaders to help congregations embrace their God-given purpose and mission. The same call that St. Francis heard more than 800 years ago—to “rebuild God’s house that has fallen into disrepair”—remains a guiding force in Brother Kristofer’s ministry today.
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For over 14 years, he served the parish where he was ordained, witnessing a powerful, Spirit-led transformation as the congregation responded to the call to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8).
Drawn to follow Jesus in the Franciscan tradition, Brother Kristofer describes his journey as an ongoing discovery of what it truly means to be a friar, priest, husband, and father. He leans on the fellowship of his OSF brothers and the loving guidance of God to help him navigate the path—even when it feels uncertain.
Br. Scotland Gallo, OSF
Brother Scotland calls Charlotte, NC his home where he lives with his dearest friend Elizabeth and their frisky, formerly feral felines. He attends The Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter where he is a Eucharistic minister & visitor, lector and host. He teaches elementary school full time, and assists with various homeless, cold-weather and feeding ministries.
Professed
Brother Michael was born and raised in Toronto, Canada where he has been a member of Saint Thomas's Anglican Church for over forty years. After a life as a composer, professional musician, and many years in the music ministry, he is now retired. He continues his Franciscan ministry with prayer, writing, and the ministry of presence to a number of individuals who feel isolated or abandoned due to old age or health issues.
Br. Michael Rudman, OSF
Originally from Ciguid, Romania, Br. Dustin serves in the tri-cities region of East Tennessee. As a member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church of Kingsport, he serves on the pastoral care team and assists with the community clothes closet.
During the week days, he serves the community as a elementary school teacher, specializing in primary grades instruction.
A classically trained countertenor and clarinetist, he shares the gospel of Christ through sacred concert series which he shares with parishes wherever asked.
Br. Dustin Odom
Armand Mercier is husband to Carol Anne, dad to Benoît, 13, and Étienne, 9, and lifelong (almost) resident of Alberta who is now answering the call to serve God and God’s Church as a member of the Order of St Francis!
After obtaining a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta, Br. Armand worked for a number of years in the automotive industry before beginning a discernment to ministry in the Franciscan Order (OFM) in the Roman Catholic Church. After ordination to the diaconate and obtaining M.Div. and M.Th. degrees, Br. Armand left the Franciscan Order to marry Carol Anne; some time later, Br. Armand and Carol Anne were called to the Anglican Church, where they participated as parishioners for several years in two different communities.
Br. Armand was subsequently called to serve as a deacon before receiving the call to the priesthood in 2016, after which he was an honourary assistant in the Diocese of Edmonton. In 2017, Br. Armand was inducted as Rector of St Stephen’s Parish, where he served until July 2021. Br. Armand also worked at Habitat for Humanity Edmonton from 2010-21 as Director of Family Services. He is currently serving a 3-point ministry in the Diocese of Edmonton.
Apart from enjoying the company of his family, Br. Armand enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and cycling, and he and his family look forward to many new adventures with the brotherhood of St Francis.
Br. Armand Mercier, OSF
Brother Ross was born and raised in the Los Angeles area and now resides in Houston, TX. He is a Licensed Eucharistic Minister and serves at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church as a Sub-Deacon. His ministry is to the addicted.
Br. Ross Jamison
Br. Paul was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. One of 6 children, he attended Catholic Grammar and High School. At age 17, one week after graduating Bishop Ford High School, he entered the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn. (the Order which staffed his school.) He earned his BA from the orders' own St. Francis Collage, and during 15 years taught at their High School and Grammar Schools. Upon leaving the Order, he transitioned his teaching skills to work in the airline industry with Air France USA in New York City and Fort Lauderdale. That time coincided with meeting his future husband PJ Gallo. Retiring after 30 years with Air France, they moved to the Raleigh, North Carolina area in 2014 and were confirmed in The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, where they were married in 2016. Sadly, PJ passed away after 33 years of love in 2019. Currently Br. Paul's church ministries include: Alter Guild, Choir Music Ministries, Parish Outreach Ministry, Chalicist and intercessor, Alter Floral Guild and Usher. He also shepherds his parish's longstanding monthly GLBT Out & About potluck supper group. After PJ's passing he returned to teaching school. Today he extends his ministry being a Franciscan presence to his middle school special needs students and colleagues. Br. Paul loves collecting and trying new recipes, traveling, viewing foreign films, listening to Motown music (especially Diana Ross) and loving on his sweet companion Yorkie, Miss Scarlett.
Br. Paul Henry
Novices
Br. John Greenhow
Brother John resides in Southern Maryland. He has retired from full-time ministry and
now serves as a Supply Priest in the dioceses of Maryland and Washington. Before retiring he served parishes in the dioceses of Northwest Texas, South Dakota, and Northern California. He did ecumenical work with the United Methodist Church in West Texas. He also served parishes in the Church of England’s Manchester Diocese (where he was ordained), and in the Scottish Episcopal Church’s Edinburgh Diocese.
Br. Carson Stover
Brother Carson was born and raised in the small country town of Union City, Tennessee. After attending college and working locally for several years, he felt called to venture beyond his roots and begin a new chapter in Spokane, Washington, where he now resides with his dog, Toby, and cares for other foster animals through the humane society.
He serves as a nurse and college educator, and enjoys the outdoors, travel, and a good cup of coffee. Carson is an active member of The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Spokane, where he participates in a variety of ministries, including young adult Bible studies, faith formation, choir, and Taizé prayer.
He has a particular passion for those on the margins of society, especially individuals who feel estranged from the Church. Carson hopes to help bridge the gap between the LGBTQ+ community and the Church, fostering a spirit of welcome and helping all people recognize their God-given dignity and their place at the Eucharistic table.
He also has a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom St. Francis honored as the humble handmaid of the Lord. Inspired by her fiat and her life of simplicity, Carson looks to Mary as a model of total trust in God and joyful surrender. Through her example and intercession, he continues to grow in faith, striving to live the Gospel with humility, simplicity, and love.
Br. Brandon Barnes
Throughout his whole life, Brandon has heard the call that "the world is now too dangerous for anything but the truth and too small for anything but love." After graduating from New York University with a degree in sociology and religious studies, he stepped aside from academia in the pursuit of serving his community now, not later. He is an active member of both Grace Church and St. Mark's in the Bowery in downtown Manhattan. If not in church, volunteering, or bird watching, he can most likely be found mid-conversation with a friend (brand new or decades old), giving a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on.
Br. Allen-Michael ”Mike“ Soard
Allen-Michael “Mike” Soard is an Emergency Medical Technician with a deep love for God, the Church, and a life of service. Baptized and confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church and now worshiping within the Episcopal Church, he embraces the Anglican tradition while drawing deeply from the broader Catholic spiritual heritage. His spirituality has been profoundly shaped by the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Benedict of Nursia, St. Anthony of Padua, and the communion of saints.
Raised as both an Eagle Scout and an altar server, Mike developed an early appreciation for servant leadership, reverence, and responsibility. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of public service roles, including corrections, firefighting, and emergency medical services.
Mike has a particular love for the Daily Office, the liturgy of the Church, and the rich spiritual traditions shared across the Christian centuries. His interests include Church history, theology, and deepening his life of prayer and discipleship.
He lives in Amarillo, Texas, with his dogs, Dipper, and Chop. Mike attends St. Andrew‘s Episcopal Church.
Postulants
Holt Frazier
TBD
Brady Freitas
Brother Brady grew up in California, Oklahoma and Oregon. He now attends St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bakersfield, California. He first encountered St. Francis during his service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia. It was then, while working as a community health worker, that he found a contemplative book featuring C. S. Lewis and in it was written St. Francis’ prayer “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…” After service missions in Brazil, Costa Rica, and Mexico he worked for some years as a Clinical Social Worker in Baltimore, Maryland. He enjoys biking, baseball, reading and traveling.
Jack Slocomb
TBD
Robert "Rob" Pettit
Brother Rob lives in Woodbury MN and attends St Mathews Episcopal Church in St Paul MN. Rob has a MBA in Healthcare Management from Regis University and has worked many years in the Catholic Health Care System in New Orleans and Washington DC. Rob currently investigates physicians for medical Fraud as his day job and teaches martial arts a few evenings during the week. Rob also volunteers at Project Home which takes care of homeless families in the Twin Cities area of MN.
Eternal Order
Br. Nicholas Kis
(1946-2009)
Brother Nicholas passed away on August 3rd, 2009. The Order of St. Francis was founded by Br. Nicholas and he served as Guardian until his death. Originally a Greek Orthodox monk, Br. Nicholas left that order, joined the Episcopal church and became a Franciscan. Through the Order of Saint Francis, he was devoted to ministering to the sick, caring for animals, and he was also active in liturgical roles within his home parish of Christ Church.
Br. Bill Bales, OSF
(1936-2024)
Brother Bill Bales was born on June 18th, 1936 and passed on May 25th, 2024. Brother Bill resided in Southern Ohio with his wife Kathryn. Since becoming home bound, Br. Bill lived out a ministry of intercessory prayer. He is a retired deacon and strove to be an instrument of peace through his vocation as a Franciscan friar.
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Brother Bill was a terrific Hospitality host for our brothers at Convocations. He kept us supplied and fed with snacks and always made sure that the ice cream was procured for our last night together. His many stories will also be remembered fondly along with never having his hearing aids on his person...the hand cupped around his ear was always a tell tale sign. He is missed.
Br. Kris Hebble, OSF
(1983-2018)
Brother Kris passed away on March 29, 2018 surrounded by family. Kris attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Elyria, Ohio, where he was a Chorister and a member of the Vestry. He also headed St. Andrew’s Outreach Committee, worked in the parish food pantry, and the community meals program. He held an MA in history from Cleveland State University. Br Kris was made a postulant in 2013, took his professed vows in 2016 and became life professed in 2018.
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"My calling is to serve God in any capacity that I am able, and to love all of those with whom I come in contact. In God's mercy, they have allowed me to be on this wonderful path of the OSF, which has helped me not only grow as a person and allowed me to be the true person I am, but also to magnify the love of God within me, so that I am overcome with desire to spread this love. Every interaction, every conversation , I am able to share this love with the world"
"My life is service, and my language is love. I will follow this path in what ever capacity you deem right, my Brothers, you are my guides and companions. God bless you all, and I send my love."