Category: National Chapter

  • State of the Order OFS-USA 2024

    by Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS National Minister

    (This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2024  Issue #113)

    Jane, National Minister giving the State of the Order AddressNational Minister Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, updated attendees on the status of the three national priorities – Vocations, Communications and Relationships – in the annual State of the Order address delivered at Chapter on September 18th.

    National Chapter  2024

    (The Video YouTube of the Address)

    Vocations

    • As of July 2024, there were 10,232 active professed members and candidates.
    • Of these, 25 regions experienced a decrease in membership, with losses ranging from 7% to 23.8%.
    • Conversely, five regions saw increases of 6.5% to 9.7%.
    • Each region is comprised of candidates, aspirants, and seekers, with numbers ranging from 6 to 98. There is potential for a membership increase of 5% to 24%.
    • In 2023, 13 fraternities were Currently, there are 22 active Emerging Communities or Newly Forming Groups.
    • Membership distribution across regions includes two with fewer than 100 members, six with 101 to 300, nine with 301 to 500, and

    13 with over 500 members.

    • The national fraternity continues to seek opportunities to promote vocations wherever possible, including at the Eucharistic Congress held in July.
    • The United States is the sixth largest in membership among countries in the world following Italy, Mexico, India, Korea and

    Communications

    • The Communications Committee, which includes members from various subcommittees, held three virtual meetings instead of one in-person summit. They

    discussed protocols for consistent communications representing OFS-USA, established social media guidelines, confirmed translation processes, and addressed bulk email and document transfer logistics.

    • The NEC planned workshops and introductions for new Regional Executive

    Relationships

    • This year the NEC conducted six visitations and eight elections.
    • There was significant participation nationally and internationally with attendance at various chapters, involvement in the International Formation Secretariat, representation from the USA by the general vice minister, and participation in the Korean Congress.

    Other updates

    • New Look: The updated Ritual became available in August 2024 and can be ordered from the Gospel to Life Bookstore.
    • Language Translations: Key rites and ceremonies will be translated into Spanish and possibly Korean.
    • Formation Pilot Test: The National Formation Commission is pilot testing the first book for initial formation.
    • 2026 Quinquennial Preparation: Preparations continue for the upcoming Quinquennial event July 29 – August 2, 2026, in Lexington, KY.
    • Servant Leadership Workshops: Additional workshops are being planned before the Chapter of Elections in September 2025.
    • Important election preparation deadlines: Nomination Committee by May 13, 2025. Slate of Candidates by July 13, 2025. Chapter of Elections on September 13,
  • The National Chapter OFS-USA 2024

    (This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2024  Issue #113)

    Group Photo

    The National Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States assembled at the base of Camelback Mountain in the Sonoran Desert to pray, listen, learn and conduct fraternity business.

    The Franciscan Renewal Center, informally known as “The Casa” in Scottsdale, AZ, was the site of the annual meeting where 58 participants gathered including the National Executive Council, Regional Ministers, National Spiritual Assistants and visitors.

    Amidst the serenity of cactus, bougainvillea, hummingbirds and blue quail, Secular Franciscan leaders tuned into the voice of the Holy Spirit and embarked on the work of the Order.

    Formation focused on servant leadership, including emotional intelligence skills for leaders and conflict resolution. Daily Mass was celebrated by the CNSA friars who attended as well as John Dolan, bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix.

    Each day before meetings, Vickie Klick, OFS, chair of the Centenary Task Force, led members in prayer with meditations on the Stigmata that St. Francis received 800 years ago. All of those materials are available for members to access on the Centenary Web Page.

    During the business meetings, members of the National Fraternity Council approved national guidelines for each of the following topics:

    • Virtual Participation in Meetings/Gatherings
    • Fraternal Records Retention
    • Determining Stipends
    • Franciscan Code of Conduct
    • Councils in Conflict
    • Suspension or Dismissal of a Member or Removal from Office

    All of the guidelines can be accessed on the

    National Guidelines Web Page.

    The Conference of National Spiritual Assistants (CNSA) consists of four friars – one from each friar obedience: Fr. Jerome Wolbert – Order of Friars Minor (OFM), Fr. John DeLaRiva – Capuchin (OFM Cap.), Fr. Marek Stybor – Conventual (OFM Conv.), and Fr. Christopher Panagoplos – Third Order Regular (TOR). They assist the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States and are responsible for guiding all the spiritual assistants of the OFS in the U.S. At Chapter, Fr. Marek became the President-in-Turn of the CNSA on the National Executive Council and will serve a two-year term.

    In addition, Corinne Lorenzet, OFS, from Blessed Solanus Casey Region, became the new administrative assistant to the CNSA, succeeding Miriam Kennedy, OFS.

    The following reports were made:

    Chapter of Elections – In preparation for the National Executive Council elections to be held on September 13, 2025, National Minister Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, requested submission of names for the nominating committee by November 1, 2024. A slate of nominees should be prepared by July 13, 2025. Servant leadership workshops will be planned in anticipation of the election.

    Ecumenical Committee – Members will meet in Colorado March 21-22, 2025, to participate in a retreat with the Joint Committee on Franciscan Unity. Videos from the last retreat are on our national website, on the Ecumenical / Interfaith Committee webpage under “Resources.”

    Formation Commission – Chairperson Layna Maher, OFS, reported that nine chapters of the Aspirants’ (formerly Inquirers) handbook called Let Us Begin is being piloted. The second formation book is underway and titled For This You Were Called. Reflections and action items are included in the chapters.

    Franciscan Youth/Young Adults – Chairperson Kathleen Molaro, OFS, said fraternities are encouraged to identify “Who and where are our youth?” “What age would you prefer to work with?” and “How much time do you have to devote to this area of fraternity life?” Answers to these questions will direct the FY/YA programs in local fraternities. She emphasized that the youth have a desire to be a part of the Church in the same way as adults by growing spiritually, serving the community, enjoying fellowship, discovering their vocation and learning peaceful, Franciscan ways to relate to others.

    Treasurer’s Report at Chapter

    A 2025 General Fund budget and the budget for the upcoming 2026 Quinquennial were passed at Chapter. In addition, the financial statements for the eight months ending August 31, 2024, were reviewed and accepted.

    2025 General Fund Budget

    The budget for the 2025 General Fund was presented and discussed in detail. After some thoughtful dialogue, three small additions were made, and the revised budget was approved. It represents $352,664 in total expenditures. The projected net loss of $57,164 will be taken from savings if needed.

    The budgeted fair share of $215,000 is based on the reported membership in the 2024 Region annual reports, calculated at $22 per member. A fair share increase of $5 was approved at the 2023 Chapter.

    Budgeted Income:

    • Fair Share: $215,000
    • Formation Book Sales: $59,500
    • Interest and Miscellaneous income: $21,000
    • Total Budgeted Income: $295,500

    Budgeted Expenditures:

    • CIOFS Fair Share: $45,000
    • 2025 Chapter: $63,210
    • TAU-USA: $40,000
    • NEC, 3 Commissions, 14 Committees, CNSA: $132,454
    • Formation Book Printing: $52,000
    • JPIC Award, Liability Insurance, Other: $20,000
    • Total Budgeted Expenditures: $352,664

    Budgeted Net Loss:

    • Net Loss: $(57,164)

    If you have any questions or need clarification, please reach out to Claudia via email at: ofsusatreasurer@gmail.com

     The opportunity to meet Franciscans from throughout the country and learn about the efforts of the National Executive Council were among the advantages first-time attendees at Chapter were able to experience.

    Wayne Armstrong, OFS :  “I’m impressed by the leadership and all of the work that national has to do,” said Wayne Armstrong, OFS, vice minister of Our Lady of the Rockies Region. Wayne appreciated the emphasis on servant leadership as well as the spirituality of the week. “It makes me want to be more involved,” he said.

    Charlie Neumann, OFS :  “Chapter has been very fraternal. Wherever you go, people greet you, and everyone is very welcoming,” said Charlie Neuman, OFS, councilor of the La Verna Region. He was pleased with the location as well as the balance between work, spirituality and fellowship at Chapter. “We think first from our heart, and then we cross our T’s,” Charlie said.

    Linda Monitello, OFS:  “All the work that national does behind the scenes is unbelievable,” Linda Monitello, OFS, secretary of the St. Maximillan Kolbe Region, said. “Everyone needs to come to a Chapter at least once. It is so comfortable here,” she said.  She intends to return to her region and encourage others to become involved in the national work of the Secular Franciscans. “Committees would be a good place to start,” she said.

    Chapter attendees prayed and remembered 300 Secular Franciscans, friars, brothers and sisters who met Sister Death in the past year. Each one was called by name by regional ministers during the Rite of Remembrance led by council member Donna Hollis, OFS.

    The TAU-USA Fall 2024 Issue 113 is on the way by snail mail to Professed active members.  It has many wonderful photos of the Chapter.  You can also down load the entire magazine from our website.

        A few SNAP SHOTS at the Chapter

  • OFS-USA National Chapter 2023

    OFS-USA National Chapter 2023

    (This article originally appeared in the Fall 2023 TAU-USA Issue #110)

    by Sharon Winzeler, OFS

    Visitors and NEC. Front row:_Cherryle Fruge, OFS._Second row (left to right: Fr. Carlos Gines Campos Julve, TOR; Mary Frances Charsky, OFS; Kathleen Molaro, OFS; and Dina Shabalina, OFS.  Third row (left to right): Susan Ronan, OFS; Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS; Diane Menditto, OFS; Claudia Kauzlarich, OFS; Layna Maher, OFS._Back row (left to right): Fr. John DeLaRiva, OFM Cap.; Donna Hollis, OFS; and Joshua Molidor, OFS.

    Seventy Secular Franciscans, friars and visitors met at the General Chapter in St. Louis amidst a record-setting heat wave Aug. 22-27. One day the mercury soared to 104 degrees, breaking a record of 101 degrees set in 1943.

    This was a visitation year, and Secular Franciscans were honored by the presence of fraternal visitor Dina Shabalina, OFS, from Ukraine, and pastoral visitor Fr. Carlos Gines Campos Julve, TOR, of Peru. Visitations are held every six years at the national level. This year’s event was at the Pallottine Renewal Center. Secular Franciscans recognized the celebration of Ukraine’s Independence Day on August 24 by singing the national anthem and providing a generous check to Dina for the Secular Franciscans in Ukraine.

    Dina and Fr. Carlos spent the week talking in groups and individually with members of the National Executive Council, regional ministers and spiritual assistants.

    “My hometown is thousands of miles away from this place, but this week I couldn’t feel the distance. I felt like I am at home,” Dina said.

    “I appreciate very much that you were honest with us. You shared not just your joys and achievements but also your challenges,” she said.

    She praised the NEC and the regional ministers for their work.

    “The higher you are, the more burden of service you take upon your shoulders,” Dina said.

    She praised the efforts that the Secular Franciscans were making to reach out to youth.

    “I appreciate that you are looking for ways to find the young people. The young people need you. Don’t be afraid to show them who you are,” she said.

    Dina was fluent in English. Fr. Carlos had an interpreter, but he delivered his closing remarks in English.

    “This moment is by the grace of God. I discovered the Franciscan fraternity years ago. It helped my vocation as a friar grow,” he said.

    Fr. Carlos said he saw true fraternity among those gathered and encouraged them to seek God’s grace and spiritual support in guiding the Order.

    “Let’s not only use our logic and wisdom but also our faith in the grace of God because this is his work,” he said.

    The chapter concluded with the recitation of the Hail Mary in many of the languages represented at the chapter English, French, Spanish, Polish, and Ukranian.

    The week also included meetings, Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis on his feast day, budget adoption, the Minister’s State of the Order Address, the JPIC award, and an activity demonstration by the Centenary Committee.

  • National Executive Council Elected Saturday at End of Five-Day Chapter

    National Executive Council Elected Saturday at End of Five-Day Chapter

    Fr. Kevin Queally, TOR, looks on as Silvia (Sissi) Diana, also on the left, leads prayers for the newly elected council.  National Executive Council members are right to left: Minister Jane DeRose-Bamman; Vice-minister Diane Menditto; Secretary, Susan Ronan; Treasurer, Claudia Kauzlarich; and Councilors Cherryle Fruge, Joshua Molidor and Donna Hollis.  Mary Frances Charsky, OFS, pictured below at left, was elected international councilor.
    Mary-Frances Charsky, OFS

    The new National Executive Council was elected Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Chapter meeting in Detroit.  Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, was elected minister, and Diane Menditto, OFS, was elected vice-minister.

    Susan Ronan, OFS, was elected secretary while Claudia Kauzlarich, OFS, was re-elected treasurer.  Mary Frances Charsky, OFS, pictured  was elected international councilor

    Cherryle Fruge, OFS, was elected as councilor while Josh Molidor, OFS, and Donna Hollis, OFS, were re-elected as councilors.

    All terms are for three years and begin immediately.

  • Listen, Discern, and Go Forth, national minister urges in national State of the Order Address delivered at Chapter

    Listen, Discern, and Go Forth, national minister urges in national State of the Order Address delivered at Chapter

    Jan Parker, OFS

    Franciscan discernment starts with listening, and National Minister Jan Parker, OFS, called upon fraternity members to do just that in her State of the Order address delivered at the National Chapter meeting on Oct. 11-15 in Detroit.

    Jan said contention within local and regional fraternity groups has taken up time and energy from the National Executive Council that could have been spent on projects and priorities.

    “We are not modeling fraternity, we’re not embracing each other in reconciliation, we’re not bringing the Gospel to life.  Rather than being salt and light, we are mimicking society,” she said.

    Jan urged Franciscans to Listen, Discern and Go Forth as a way of addressing issues that are pervasive among fraternities.  She noted that the process begins with listening to each other because it becomes an encounter with God and others that directs our discernment.

    “We strongly recommend this process of Franciscan discernment as a starting point for each of us as we seek God’s will for our own lives, and also as we discern where our National Fraternity is being called in the next three years,”  Jan said.

    “We need conversion.  Like Francis, we must be tireless in pursuit of holy newness. Like Francis, we must constantly hope to begin again,” she said.

    Listen to the State of the Order in its entirety on the 2022 Chapter page of the https://secularfranciscansusa.org/ website.

  • The Latest from National Chapter

    The Latest from National Chapter

    Woman at microphone
    Louise Sandberg, OFS

    Louise Sandberg, OFS, was announced Wednesday as the 2022  recipient of the National Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Award presented at the Secular Franciscan Order’s National Chapter held Oct. 11-15 in Detroit.

    Look for a story and a video of her inspiring acceptance talk soon on the website.

    In other news, the time and place of the 2023 NAFRA Chapter were announced Wednesday.

    Christine Blood, OFS, minister of the St. Clare Region, said that it would be Aug. 23-27 at the Pallottine Renewal Center in St. Louis, MO.

    This year’s Chapter continues at the Sheraton Hotel in Detroit with meetings and renewal.  The election of a new National Executive Council on Saturday will conclude the week.

  • National Chapter Opens with Mass Celebrated by Bishop Battersby

    National Chapter Opens with Mass Celebrated by Bishop Battersby

    Bishop talking from pulpit
    Bishop Gerard Battersby

    Bishop Gerard W. Battersby opened the National Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order with Mass that included a homily that reminded listeners of the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.

    The Christ who animated Peter and the other apostles is the same one who animates us, Bishop Battersby said.

    “The first historical proof of the risen Lord was when the apostles encountered Him after the resurrection­.  Before they witnessed the resurrection, it was hard for the apostles to remember His promise. especially after Jesus’s savage death.  Can you imagine how they must have savored the wonder and explosion of joy that changed everything for everyone?  The disciples became transformed men and women,” Bishop Battersby said.

    “The North Star guiding our lives is the fact that he is risen. That is the life-giving transformation because we are risen with Him, and we come to know him as the Lord of all creation.”

    This changes everything for us as it did for the apostles and Francis,” he said.

    “The Father’s plan is for us to become like Jesus.  Do not be afraid.  You have eternity to work it out,“ he said.  “We must always press into the Resurrection.”

    Franciscans are meeting at the Sheraton Hotel at Metro Airport in Detroit on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

    The national group will continue to meet to discuss business, worship, share fellowship, and tour the Blessed Solanus Casey Center.  National Chapter concludes Saturday evening after an election of officers to three-year terms on the National Executive Council.

  • Friars Challenge, Help Bring Prayer Alive at Chapter – Highlights of National Chapter

    Friars Challenge, Help Bring Prayer Alive at Chapter – Highlights of National Chapter

    (This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2022 Issue #105)

    Pictures of Fr. Jerome, Fr. Christopher, Fr. ChrisThe Conference of National Spiritual Assistants enlivened the National Chapter by focusing on being part of an order, on prayer and contemplation, and on the Liturgy of the Hours.

    As an Order, Respect Different Opinions

    “It’s important that we recognize that we are committed to an order, and we should try to be in harmony with the church… and with each other,” Fr. Jerome Wolbert, OFM, said. But, sometimes, he said, it’s difficult. Sometimes, even across the church, there may be disagreement.

    He suggested that sometimes we take something that is true and blow it out of proportion, out of context and reinterpret it, moving people away from the truth. Sometimes, we may not hear the scholarly reply. It’s “important to be grounded to know where the church is – in scripture and to understand it in the light of Christ, to pay attention to church and its magisterium.” Respect it.

    As an order, we should “be respectful of other people with a different point of view.” For him, he said he likes to “keep things open and on the table – It’s a dimension of being part of an order.” He recommended having a “broad collection of people and hear a lot of opinions. It’s helpful to sort things out that way.”

    “There are a lot of things that we have to keep in our hearts and we can’t say

    anything,” but, “we can take them to our spiritual directors. I hope that anyone who is in a position of authority, has a spiritual director.”

    Being a part of an order can be difficult, especially if you are in the role of leadership, he said. We must not abandon but rather be “vigilant and persistent about coming ever closer to being coordinated with the rest of the church and among ourselves as an order.”

    He added, “To be willing to be directed and to give up something you love out of the sense of harmony of the church is a dimension of leadership…” It’s challenging to keep some things in our hearts, but “we must face this challenge because we are part of an order.”

    Prayer & Contemplation: The Bedrock

    “Prayer and contemplation are the bedrock of our engagement with the divine,” began Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, TOR. Prayer is about giving thanks, asking for intercessions, making petitions and adoring God. These are the four types of prayer, he said.

    “The Liturgy is the summit with all forms of prayer included,” he noted. Quoting Sister Delio, he said “prayer is where we speak what we know and what we don’t know.” He added Bonaventure’s thoughts: “If we want to ascend to God, we must descend into our own humanity… In prayer, God bends down to embrace us.”

    “God speaks to us,” he added, and we should be “listening and engaging with him…Where God is, he gives us the strength and speaks to us in the goodness of creation…We’re the ones who put the veil in front of our faces.”

    Through prayer and contemplation, we can understand who we are. “It brings all into perspective,” he said, adding that St. Clare’s method of “contemplation begins with the mirror of the Crucified Christ; seeing oneself in daily prayer before the Cross; to accept God in the Crucified is to accept God in our own lives, to accept who we are; the more we contemplate Christ, the more we come to resemble Christ.”

    He advised: “Find God in the midst of all that is humanity. Listen to him in creation and in fraternity. Keep your mouths shut and ears open to see how God wants the world to be.”

    He closed by saying that Contemplation makes us “aware of God who is always here.”

    Liturgy of the Hours: Church’s Gift

    Fr. Chris Shorrock, OFM Conv. asked the questions: Can Liturgy of the Hours become a prayer for every person? Can it bring new energy? Can we learn from it?

    Using the Timothy M. Gallagher, OMV, book, Praying the Liturgy of the Hours – A Personal Journey, as his reference, he said that “spiritual life consists of ordinary experience with its daily joys and struggles, daily efforts to pray, and daily striving to love God and others.”

    “When ordinary spiritual experience is expressed in words, new paths open in our lives of faith.”

    Liturgy of the Hours, he said, is a “rich source of (that) spiritual growth.” The Psalms in the Hours “cry to God in times of affliction,” and “express hope and a deep longing for God.”

    Quoting St. Ambrose, he said:

    “A psalm is ‘a cry of happiness.’ A psalm soothes the temper, distracts from care, lightens the burden of sorrow. It is a source of security at night, a lesson of wisdom by day. It is a shield when we are afraid, a celebration of holiness, a vision of serenity, a promise of peace and harmony.”

    The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, is, he concluded, “the Church’s greatest gift for all members of the church.”

  • CNSA and NEC Respond to Questions and Provide Updates – Highlights of National Chapter

    CNSA and NEC Respond to Questions and Provide Updates – Highlights of National Chapter

    (This article originally appeared in the Spring 2022 Issue of TAU-USA #105)

    Q&A - GO imageThe Saturday afternoon session with the Spiritual Assistants and the National Executive Council (NEC) tackled questions that attendees submitted.

    About spiritual assistants:

    Discernment is recommended for those OFS interested in becoming spiritual assistants. The CNSA website offers some direction. More than one interview is necessary. We need to get more familiar with the person and learn about his/her background.

    About formation and enrichment for spiritual assistants:

    The quality of formation of the spiritual assistant is critical. Mentors should be provided for beginning spiritual assistants. The NAFRA website offers guidelines on how to establish a Spiritual Assistant program. There will be some enrichment at the Q. But also, when the national assistants meet, they often invite local spiritual assistants to join them.

    Responsibilities of secular spiritual assistants:

    Secular spiritual assistants should not be assigned to serve in their own fraternities. When a Friar Province considers this, we should discourage them. If secular spiritual assistants are assigned to their own fraternity, they must know in advance that they give up their vote when they become a spiritual assistant. The role of the spiritual assistant is to “bridge the divide between the friars and OFS.”

    Communication with friars:

    Sometimes, the friars do not answer e-mails. If they don’t respond one way, try another way. Don’t presume that e-mails are read and remembered. Be persistent and creative. If you know someone in the province, ask for help or ask the national spiritual assistant of the same obedience.

    Canonical establishment document:

    Information is available in the revised Spiritual Assistant Handbook which is available digitally on the website.

    Establishment of other Third Order Groups:

    Encourage members to inform the regional ministers of when other groups are reaching out in their region. Some groups appear to selectively defend Catholic teaching, refuse to dialogue, and may be cult-like in how they engage with the world. However, any friar province may establish other Third Order groups. It is important that we stand firm in what we believe. Recent breakaway groups profess the Leonine Rule. We abrogated that rule. Our profession was made under the Pauline Rule. Let us remember what we professed to and allow ourselves to be challenged by it. Be aware. Educate. Communicate. Be prepared.

    Same-sex legal unions:

    We follow church teaching even when it is difficult or inconvenient. Therefore, unions outside of those blessed by the church are not compatible with membership in the OFS (for example, same-sex unions). Harmony with the Church is important. The CNSA and NEC can help guide the process of dialogue for the fraternity’s leadership to shepherd the member in such a situation to discern which commitment they will choose to follow; a printed guide is being developed.

    Revision of Ritual:

    The Council has finally been able to negotiate the purchase of the copyright of the Ritual. This will allow the National Fraternity to begin both the updating of the English version and then the translation into Spanish and other languages. Work has just begun, spearheaded by the CNSA, and we are asking members for anything they may want considered for inclusion.

    Duns Scotus:

    Modifications were made to the wording of some of the amendments in the Duns Scotus Formation Fund Principles and Procedures document. Nominations should be submitted to the NEC for new members of the board. Any fraternity or fraternity member seeking funding for special formation programs can go on-line to secularfranciscansusa.org under the tab, “Resources: Guidelines, Forms, and Other Resources.”

    National Statutes:

    A revision of the National Statues is being considered. The ministers were asked to send suggestions and give direction to the Executive Council.

  • Formation Team Reveals Ritual as a Treasure, Highlights of the National Chapter

    Formation Team Reveals Ritual as a Treasure, Highlights of the National Chapter

    (This article originally appeared in the Spring 2022 TAU-USA Issue #105)

    Picture of Ritual Covers The National Formation Team unpacked the Ritual of the Secular Franciscan Order and revealed a treasure for the life of Franciscans. Written by the International Franciscan Liturgical Commission led by Benet A. Fonck, OFM, it was officially approved in English in 1985.

    Formation Chair Diane Menditto, OFS, began the program with an historical overview of the Ritual. The Tertiary’s Companion, for example, was used prior to 1955. “(I)n 1966, in light of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of Vatican II, the Commissaries General of the Franciscan Order urged the entire Franciscan world to engage in an overhaul of the rule, constitutions, and ritual of the Third Order.”

    Following that recommendation, the New Ritual for Public Functions was compiled in 1973 by Benet A. Fonck, OFM and his associates. Father Benet, also spearheaded, the most recent version of the ritual in 1985. This version provides background information, liturgical guidelines, and prayers used at important events.

    In the forward to the Ritual (p. vi), Diane noted, “we are urged to enrich our local celebrations with signs, symbols, gestures, music, and whatever practices are appropriate to enhance the spirit of prayer of the worshipping community.”

    The Ritual: Pure Gold

    Anne Mulqueen, OFS, spiritual assistant for the Formation Team, described the Ritual as “pure gold.”

    “Two very important ‘golden threads’ found in the Ritual are our Secular Franciscan identity and heritage and an understanding that fraternity is a place where we belong.”

    Through a quick overview of the Rite of Admission, she brought into focus the fact that the candidates are called “to live more intensely and faithfully their Baptismal promises; to follow Christ; to follow the example of St. Francis; to serve others; to live as a secular person; and all for the glory of God.”

    Add to that the sense of belonging: “The fraternity promises to support the candidates on their journey. The fraternity also expects the candidates to enrich the fraternity… That’s what it means to belong! Mutual love and support.”

    The Rite of Profession, she noted, “contains the most significant lifechanging statement. They are making a permanent commitment to the gospel life…It is life altering and there will be no turning back.”

    Anne added that symbolic gifts are very important, conveying meaning that has an effect deeper than words can express. “Music, gesture, images, gifts all enhance prayer because they engage the senses as well as the intellect.”

    The Ritual suggests the following gifts: at the ceremony of welcoming, a biography of St. Francis and St. Clare; at the rite of admission, the Tau and a copy of the Rule; at profession, a copy of the Holy Gospels. She adds, “The Gospel is much more than a symbol. It is to be internalized because to profess the Gospel, one must know the Gospel.”

    She offered some points to remember:

    • Rituals should be celebrated publicly in fraternity.
    • Advance preparation and focused intention are vital.
    • Everyone is expected to be a participant.
    • When we gather, we are in the presence of GOD.
    • Include your spiritual assistant in the planning.

    The Ritual as a Formation Source

    Layna Maher, OFS, and Justin Carisio, OFS, formation team members, explored how the Ritual can be used as a formation source. Layna began by emphasizing that “initial formation should anticipate and illuminate the Ritual.” She added that “rites strengthen our union with God.” Each rite has specifi c elements, she said; they include questioning the candidate, witnesses, the wording, the acceptance by the candidate and the symbols.

    “Each rite is instructive and affirming of the vocation and life of the Secular Franciscan.”

    For formation directors, she reminded that “the Rite of Profession incorporates into the ritual key themes to be explored and learned during initial formation.” These include: living the gospel following St. Francis, fidelity to the Church, maintaining the spirit of service, the importance of the Rule, the renewal of Baptism and Confirmation promises, that our mission is to rebuild the church, the centrality of life in fraternity, and the permanence of the commitment.

    Justin then took the attendees through the rite of profession, acknowledging the beauty of the words and the intensity of their meaning. He emphasized that the candidates should be made aware of these words, the reality of their meaning and the commitment they are making long before they profess them as they stand publicly before the fraternity and the witnesses of the church.

    Fraternal/Pastoral Visitations

    Francine Gikow, OFS, and Mary Stronach, OFS, both members of the Formation Team, discussed the prayers for the Fraternal and Pastoral Visitation.

    Francine addressed the fact that Article 92 of the Constitutions states the purpose of the visitation, which is to be a booster shot for those professed; to assure fidelity to the charism and rule; to help fraternity life in assisting in “issues” within the fraternal dynamics; to reinforce the unity of the Order, reminding everyone that each one of us lives in four fraternities – local, regional, national and international; to ensure that we are part of the Franciscan family and the Church, and to ensure that we reach out to the Friars, Poor Clares, and other branches of the Franciscan family.

    She explained that within the prayers of the visitations, there is a ‘flow.’ “Sometimes they are reminders of our purpose, other times they are petitions or goals.” She added that we should “SAVOR the actual words of the prayers.” She highlighted the prayers and allowed the participants to embrace the message and tone of the words.

    Mary then completed the program by reviewing the closing part of the Fraternal and Pastoral Visitation during which time the visitors have a fraternal dialogue with the fraternity members, offering observations, comments and recommendations for the fraternity, or, as the General Constitutions Article 93 say, “fraternal correction.”

    She asked the participants to listen to the words of the closing prayer, during which time, “in fraternal love,” the fraternity visitor lift s the fraternity in prayer and reminds the fraternity to remain faithful to the Rule. Th e fraternal visitor instructs the fraternity to “be at peace, warn the idlers, give courage, care for the weak, be patient, do not take revenge, wishing the best for the brothers and sisters and for the community, be happy at all times, pray constantly, give thanks, and then, as a final reminder that we are Brother and Sisters of Penance, to prepare for the last days.”

    She concluded with Francis’ blessing to Brother Leo: “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, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”