SECULAR FRANCISCAN MONTHLY PLEDGE

[Adapted from the former Tertiary Monthly Pledge by Deacon Dave & Thérèse Ream, O.F.S., Revised July 2017]

Secular Franciscan Statement of Commitment

• We realize the importance of glorifying God, of striving for personal holiness, and of working for the spiritual and temporal welfare of others. We recognize the great value of the Secular Franciscan Way of Life in seeking to achieve these important goals.
• Therefore, we resolve to observe the teachings of Jesus Christ, by following in his footsteps, according to the spirit and Rule of St. Francis. With the help of the grace of God, we will try to participate as fully and as often as possible in the celebration of the Mass, in the other Sacraments of the Church, especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and in the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the Church.
• We will try to spend a portion of time each day in personal prayer and service to others. We will involve ourselves in the life of our Fraternity each month, in an effort to build a stronger community and as an expression of our commitment to our Franciscan Profession.
• We will contribute according to our means, time, talent, and possessions to the charities of the Church and the Franciscan Family, especially to the unborn, the poor, the marginalized, the sick, and the suffering. We will uphold the dignity of every person and the worth of all creation.
• We will demonstrate our commitment to the Commandments of God and to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• We will continually try to turn closer to the Lord and make daily conversion of mind and heart our intention.
• We will use the material and spiritual gifts that we have received in a spirit of justice, moderation, and generosity.
• We will wear the Tau Cross daily as the official symbol of our membership in the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States.
• By our actions and our speech, we will show others that we are followers of the Gospel, by setting a good example and striving to be peacemakers in our society and within our own families.
• This we resolve through the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Francis, by the grace of the
  Holy Spirit, and in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This is what we promised:



I, ________, by the grace of God, renew my baptismal promises and consecrate myself to the service of his Kingdom. Therefore, in my secular state I promise to live all the days of my life the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Secular Franciscan Order by observing its rule of life. May the grace of the Holy Spirit, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and our holy father St. Francis, and the fraternal bonds of community always be my help, so that I may reach the goal of perfect Christian love.