What do Secular Franciscans do at their monthly Gatherings?

Have You Ever Felt...

• There's something missing in my life style.
• I feel an urge to grow as a person.
• I want to do more with my life.
• I'm single, married, widowed,
• I don't want to leave the world for a religious community, and yet I want to grow in my relationship with Christ.

Consider the Secular Franciscans

Franciscans strive to live the gospel, in the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi. Franciscans come from all walks of life...Laborers, Professionals, Housewives, Executives, Workers, Ordinary Citizens, Managers, Career people, etc.

Franciscans meet monthly to replenish themselves spiritually and study God's way through Saint Francis of Assisi.

Franciscans learn to improve their prayer life, sacramental life, devotional life:  The WORLD is their arena of activity.

Franciscans reach out to people in need.

Franciscans become involved in parish activities.

Franciscans volunteer services in whatever areas appeals to them.

Franciscans promote family life.

FRANCISCANS are people with desires like YOURS. 

How do I Learn About the Franciscan Way of Life?

First one seeks a Fraternity location from your parish priest or from a Secular Franciscan. If you are in Florida, or in Southern Alabama, contact us through this page: https://www.ffmr-ofs.org/contact-us/

or seek a Fraternity to contact, Nationwide, through this map: https://secularfranciscansusa.org/map-of-local-fraternities/

--When you contact us through these websites, there are Secular Franciscans who will answer your initial questions.--

You express an interest to learn about the Secular Franciscans.

The Fraternity Welcomes You.

You receive information about the Order.

An assigned Franciscan member instructs you once a month.

Remember, You have no obligation to join, just to learn.

Then, if You would like to continue your studies, you are admitted into the the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS).

Your information and education about the Order continues at a deeper level.

You also attend meetings where Franciscan topics are presented and discussed.

In time, you are asked whether you want to make a permanent commitment to the Secular Franciscan way of life. If you do, you are Professed into the Order.

You continue to learn about your Franciscan way of life through monthly meetings. 
 

What are the Obligations?

Nothing binds you under sin except what binds you as a Catholic.

Daily

• You join in the prayer of the Church by reciting a form of Liturgical prayer, suitable for Secular Franciscans.
• You try to attend Mass as often as you can.
• You say morning and night prayers.
• You say prayers before and after every meal.
• You examine your conscience nightly.
• You pray for those in need: sick, suffering, dying...
• Become an example to others through your life style.
• Wear a symbol of your commitment -- a "T" shaped Cross. (known as a "Tau" Cross)

Monthly

• Attend regular Fraternity meetings...
  Secular Franciscans gather monthly. We support each other through the ups and downs of daily life. We pray together. We create opportunities to learn about our Church, our community and our world. Secular Franciscans do not make religious vows of chastity or poverty. The OFS members are involved in apostolic ministries and with youth (if feasible). When we are called to action, we embrace the call joyfully. Examples of Franciscan service include: teaching religious education, leading the rosary before masses, committing to Perpetual Adoration, serving as stewards of the environment and working with the poor, sick and homeless.
• Participate in prayers & Mass.
• Lead a discussion if you wish to.
• Contribute to the Fraternity common fund for the missions, unwed mothers, charitable causes, needy, poor...
• Try to attend a monthly Holy Hour.
• Get to confession if needed, or confess often for the grace of the sacrament.

You and Secular Franciscans

The Secular Franciscan Order is an Order for Lay People founded by St. Francis of Assisi, and approved by the Church. (Diocesan Clergy are welcome as well).

• It is a vocation to a Way of Life.
• You have to be called to serve.
• You learn your calling by attending meetings.
• You will never know if You are called unless You try.

Copied and amended by Fred Schaeffer, OFS

Divine Mercy Fraternity, Vero Beach, Florida
12/14/2021

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