Regional Formation Team

Merritta Florence, OFS
Regional Formation Director
margiflo32@gmail.com
 

My name is Merritta “Margi”Florence. I am a member of San Damiano Fraternity in Marshalltown Iowa. I live in Des Moines, Iowa. I commute about an hour to meet with my Franciscan brothers and sisters each month. I have been a Secular Franciscan for fifteen years. I have been a formation director for about seven years. I am a retired educator having taught for fifty year at different levels, elementary, high school, and college. I still teach two days a week at the community college level. I am active in my church, the Basilica of St. John, in various ministries. I am the director of the Care Ministry as well as a Eucharistic Minister. I also assist the stewardship committee which works with seminarians. In my spare time I walk and do water exercises to keep fit. I have one adult daughter.  It is my honor to have the opportunity to serve our order as the regional Formation director. I am looking forward to being of service.
 

Kathy Taormina, OFS
Regional Spiritual Assistant
kathysfo@hotmail.com

Kathy Taormina, OFS is married, has four children, one grandchild, and has been professed since 1994. She is currently serving the Queen of Peace Region as the Regional Spiritual Assistant, officially since 2013. She has experience working with parish youth for over 32 years and Franciscan Youth for over 12 years. Starting in 1996 she has served on the OFS National Youth/Young Adult Commission - in October 2002 she became its Chairperson, and in 2006, it’s Fraternal Animator.  She attended five Franciscan World Youth Day Delegate Celebrations, representing the OFS-USA at the OFS International level.  She has also served as a local Minister, a local Formation Director, Lady Poverty Regional Youth/Young Adult Commission Chair, Queen of Peace Regional Formation Director and a National Fraternity Councilor (2003-2006). In 2009 she was certified and commissioned as a Spiritual Assistant in the Brothers and Sisters of St. Francis Region, after completing the Franciscan Family Connections Course.  Formation continues to be her first love as evident in her development of the Queen of Peace Regional Spiritual Assistants Class.