The Franciscan emphasis is based on the fact that God is love. While every Christian believes this, Franciscans choose to emphasize it as Francis did. We live by the Rule of St. Francis, which is to imitate Christ through continual conversion - going from Gospel to life, and life to Gospel. Secular Franciscans live in communion with Christ poor and crucified, with love for God, in brother/ sisterhood, with all people and all creation; in participation with the life and mission of the Church; in liturgical, personal and communal prayer; in purity of heart and as instruments of peace. The Franciscan charism ‘to rebuild the Church’ is actualized by active service to God’s Church and His people.
Secular Franciscans can be recognized by the Tau Cross they wear as a symbol of union with the crucified Christ. We live the secular aspect of our charism by paying attention to three things: firstly, the rich experience of Franciscan figures of the past; secondly, by participating in evangelization; and thirdly, by cultivating a deep knowledge of Francis as an example of how to live in the world without being encumbered by it. Members of the Order gather in ecclesiastical communities called fraternities. In one's initial formation, participation in the meetings of the local fraternity is indispensable for initiation into community of prayer and fraternal life.
We pledge ourselves to live the spirit of the Beatitudes and, in a special way, the spirit of detachment which demonstrates confidence in the Father, affects interior freedom, and disposes us to promote a just distribution of wealth. We live with a spirit of gratitude to God for the gifts we have received, and try to use them as good stewards and not as owners. We take a firm position against consumerism, ideologies and practices which permit the exploitation of the human person.
Following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, Franciscans collaborate with efforts for environmental justice, social justice, especially upholding the dignity of the human person, the building of fraternity and living the conviction that work is a gift and grace from God – a way to fully live one’s baptismal call and serve others. Secular Franciscans are called to be bearers of peace in families and society. Family being the first place in which to live the Christian commitment and Franciscan vocation, making time for daily prayer, the Word of God and Christian catechesis, especially in the formation of youth.
Conditions for admission are: baptized Catholic, living in communion with the Church, good moral standing and clear signs of a vocation. Membership in the Order is attained through a time of initiation, a time of formation and finally, the Profession into the Order, and commitment to live the Rule in a solemn ecclesial Mass.
Parishioners interested in the Order are most welcome to attend fraternity meetings which are held at 7:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month in Meeting Room 4. Our contact number is on the front page of the Sunday bulletin.