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Are you Franciscan at Heart?

Perhaps, God is Calling You to Be a Secular Franciscan.

Do you find yourself attracted to the beauty of a dandelion in the field or  the sounds of a rushing brook? Uplifted by discussions about a spiritual life?  Embracing the causes of the poor and social justice issues? Searching for people who can understand these concerns and interests?

Then, perhaps, you are Franciscan at heart and in vocation and you should take a few more minutes to determine if you should call or e-mail us to get  more information.

The Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) is an order of Catholics who are married or single. It was founded by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. 

 We gather formally on, at least, a monthly basis. We have a regimen of prayer and regular activities. As a community, we study and discuss the issues of the day, most especially in the fields of peace & justice, ecology, family, work -- areas that we call the commissions.  Many of our fraternities and brothers and sisters have embraced special missions.

Some work at soup kitchens, some have a prison ministry, others work at animal shelters. We teach religion classes, support special ministries in other countries, visit residents at nursing homes; we are involved in pro-life and social justice or ecological activities. We promote family life and the dignity of work. In short, each of us takes the responsibility to live the Gospel in our own personal way. We are spiritually and emotionally supported in our efforts by our Secular Franciscan brothers and sisters. We become a spiritual family -- caring for each other, listening to each other and supporting each other.

Becoming a Secular Franciscan

The process of becoming a professed Secular Franciscan is a journey that involves three separate stages and culminates in a lifelong commitment to live the gospel following the example of St. Francis of Assisi.

The first stage is Orientation. Typically, it lasts about three months. It is a time for you to discern if the SFO way of life is for you. It provides time to talk about what it means to be a Secular Franciscan. You begin to develop relationships with other SFOs. You'll have a chance to observe first-hand what it means to be an SFO. During this time, you'll also begin to study Francis, Clare and the history of the Order. You'll be introduced to Franciscan prayer life. At the end of this time, you will be asked if you would like to continue.

The second stage is Inquiry. It is usually about six months in length. This will be your formal period of initiation. Now, your studies will begin to intensify. Discussions will take you deeply into Franciscan spirituality. You will deepen your understanding of what it means to be secular and Franciscan, and you will continue to discern if the Spirit is calling you to the Secular Franciscan way of life. If it is discerned (by you and the order) that you are meant to be a Secular Franciscan, you will be received into the Order at the end of this period.

The third stage is Candidacy. It is the final part of the period of initiation and lasts about eighteen months. At the end of this time you will either make a permanent commitment to the order as a professed Secular Franciscan or you may choose to be temporarily professed. During this time you will be fully immersed into fraternity life. There is more discussion with your Formation Director, decisions about choosing a ministry, involvement in fraternity activities.

We invite you to visit one of our local fraternities. Or, if you would like more information about the Secular Franciscan Order, in USA, please call 1-800-FRANCIS. (toll-free). Or contact our Regional Formation Director or Regional Minister who can refer you to a local fraternity.