Secular Franciscans

MISSION STATEMENT

In the Spirit of St. Francis, we, the Secular Franciscans of Saint Francis of Assisi Fraternity are called to live the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the world.

Trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit, we use our God-given talents and resources to promote reverence and care for all life. We also use these same talents to promote respect and care for our environment.

We see to share with others our Spirit of Franciscan hospitality. Likewise, we share with all people God’s gift of our earth and the awareness of responsible stewardship.

Filled with passion on the goodness of God, we move forward.

(presented to the Fraternity for approval, April 2005)

WHO?

Secular Franciscans are a community of Catholic men and women in the world wo seek to pattern their lives after Christ in the spirit of Francis. We believe that as human beings and Christians, we have such a sublime vocation that we cannot fulfill it alone. In our common response to the Gospel, we work together in community toward a depp evangelical life and toward communion with all people.

This is our way of life.

WHAT DO WE DO?

We PRAY alone and together

We LEARN about Christ (Gospels), Francis, Clare and ourselves

We SHARE our journeys

We LIVE with the Gospels as our guide – reaching out to all s.

HOW?

Meeting on a regular basis to share our lives and our efforts to live the Gospel. Retreat together and gather our thoughts, re-direct our lives through time away. Work together to change our lives and our world.

WHY?

We feel called by the Holy Spirit to follow Christ in the spirit of Franciscanism, with the support and encouragement of others who are committed to a Gospel life style.

Almost 800 years ago in Assisi, It, a man named Francis was called by God to “Rebuild My Church”. The times were difficult, war and greed were rampant. He chose the Life of Christ (Gospels) as his guide. People began to follow him embracing his values of poverty, joy, simplicity, gratitude and love of all God’s creature

A SHORT HISTORY OF SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER

St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) founded three Orders: The Order of Friars Minor, which is now divided into three branches (Franciscans, Conventuals, Capuchins), with the assistance of St. Clare of Assisi the Order of Poor Ladies or Poor Clare’s, and, for people living in the world, the Order of Brothers and Sisters in Penance (the Third Order Secular, now known as the Secular Franciscan Order). Out of the last is the Third Order Regular, comprising of numerous congregations of Brothers and Sister as well as a fourth Religious Order of Friars (priests and Brothers).

The first simple rule of the Secular Order, written by St. Francis, was put into legal language by Cardinal Ugolino in 1221, and orally approved the same year by Pope Honorius III. In 1289, Pope Nicholas IV revised the rule and solemnly confirmed it by a papal bull. Pope Leo XIII adapted this rule to the conditions of his time in 1883. In 1978, Pope Paul VI approved a new rule for the Secular Franciscan Order which reflects the task of the universal Church in the modern world and brings the spirit of St. Francis to bear in a creative way on the world today. This rule invites the secular Franciscan to become a leaven of the Gospel in today’s world and to take part in its transformation into the kingdom, which the Lord Jesus proclaimed.

The Order is comprised of fraternities on various levels made up of men and women, age 21 and over, who have recognized their vocation to the Franciscan Family and strive to achieve holiness in their lay state while bringing the gospel message to the world through the example of their lives. The Secular Franciscan Order has been recommended to the laity by the Supreme Pontiffs of the past century from Pius IX to Paul VI, both by word and example. The Secular Franciscan Order has members in every part of the world; their total number is more than one million.

BECOMING A SECULAR FRANCISCAN

The process of discernment through which an individual may discover a vocation to the Secular Franciscan life involves three phases:

ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY phase during which a person who has sensed a possible call to the Order learns about the life of Francis, the history, structure and purpose of the Order, examines the Rule of Life and becomes a part of fraternity life and ministry.
PROFESSION TO LIVING THE RULE for a lifetime commitment celebrating a promise to live according to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order, “observing the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of St. Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people.
ORIENTATION is the first phase of formation in the Secular Franciscan Order. You become acquainted with Secular Franciscans and they get to know you. Together, we determine whether you have a vocation to the SFO. The “discovery” period begins in orientation and extends into inquiry. These phases of formation help discern your vocation through reflection, dialogue, and prayer. There are necessary requirements as you begin the journey.
AN INQUIRY PERIOD during which the individual discovers and shares the story of how God has acted in their life and hears an introduction to the Franciscan Story as well as the Story of the Catholic Church in the modern world. The Inquiry period is a time of continuing discernment of your vocation and learning more about our way of life. Inquiry is the first of a two-step program.
ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY is the second step, but not the end of formation. During candidacy a person who has sensed a possible call to the Order learns about the life of Francis, the history, structure and purpose of the Order, examines the Rule of Life and becomes a part of fraternity life and ministry. The candidates open themselves more formally to Gospel conversion in the spirit of Saint Francis. This period leads to a candidates decision to make a permanent profession as a secular Franciscan. They begin to observe the Rule without making any binding commitment.

CANTICLE OF CREATURES

Most High, all powerful, good Lord, Yours are the praises, the glory,

the honor, and all blessing.

To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no one is

worthy to mention Your name.

Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially

Sir Brother Sun who is the day and through whom You give us light.

And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,

and bears a likeness of

You Most High One.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, in heaven

You formed them clear and precious and beautiful.

Praised be You,, my Lord, through Brother Wind and through the air,

cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather, through whom

You give sustenance to Your creatures.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, who is very useful

and humble and precious and chaste.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom

You light the night and he is beautiful and playful

and robust and strong.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth,

who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruits

with colored flowers and herbs.

Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks and serve

Him with great humility.

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Gloria Prokap - Minister

Jim Heimlich - Vice-Minister

Mary Lou Ligus - Secretary

Jim Moench - Treasurer

Alice Latham - Formation Director

Kenneth Finn - Counselor-at-large

Joseph Onufer - Counselor-at-large

Barbara Sweeton - Counselor-at-large

THE BLESSING OF ST. FRANCIS

MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU.

MAY HIS FACE SHINE UPON YOU, AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU.

MAY HE LOOK UPON YOU WITH KINDNESS,

AND GIVE YOU HIS PEACE.

MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU, IN THE NAME OF

THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Amen

Invitation

Prayer of St. Francis

RULE OF THE SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER

The testament of St Francis

St. Francis History

Apostolates