ofs: plain and simple carol lieser ofs summer workshop ltc 1

Carol Lieser OFS Summer Workshop LTC

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OFS:

Plain and Simple


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• The Rule of 1978 (The Pauline Rule)– Reinforces the nature of our “Order”– “Secular” Franciscan– We are Christ-Like and in the world– Return to the principles of the Founder (St. Francis)– The OFS – An Action oriented Order

• Is it “individual action” or “group action”?


3Starting out: new members?Stages to profession


4Starting out: Can you commit?

”Since you may be someone we haven’t met before, we need to know if you will be able to attend our monthly formation sessions and Fraternity gatherings. Our community gatherings keep us growing in the Franciscan spirit and strengthen our living of the Gospel. If you know that such gatherings would be impossible for you to attend, it may give us indications about the reality of your call to the OFS, at least at this time in your life. Or we may be able to direct you to another Fraternity with gatherings at a time more amenable to your schedule.”


5 Initial Interview

See Handout Impediments to becoming OFS? What are the signs of a vocation?

These issues should be discerned through interview during first visits phase


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Formation- Road to being professed Lester Bach: (2010)The Franciscan

Journey: Embracing the Franciscan Vison. Washington, DC: US Conferences of Catholic Bishops: USCCB Pub

Chapter 1-3 Orientation phase Chapter 4-9 Inquiry phase Chapter 10- 33 Candidacy phase


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Orientation Period A critical time to discover together: A time of serious and

prayerful discernment of the call to OFS Discover the visitors reasons for wanting to become a

Secular Franciscan Formation Team observes the whole person: physically,

spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and interpersonally. Requires good knowledge of catholic faith by the visitor Time: At least 3-4 and maybe 6 months. Determine how much time can be spent on one

person….

8 Panel Discussion: On orientation

Click icon to add picture

a brief discussion and opportunity for questions from attendees.



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Inquirer Stage- Ritual of the Secular Franciscan Order pp 9-10

Ceremony of introduction and Welcoming Simple ceremony performed before

fraternity members Expresses support of inquirer and

interest in their journey by members. Occurs within a regular fraternity

meeting. Symbols used: Rule of OFS National Statues

A wooden Tau may be presented (optional)

Six months, at least for this stage


10 Panel discussion of inquirer stage


Question and answer period from attendees


11 Candidates stage

Individual makes a request and states a will to experience the gospel life like St Francis.

The request is r/t a possible future profession commitment to live this way of life.

Rite of Admission Franciscan Ritual pp11-17 Occurs within a fraternity meeting; not within

a Eucharistic celebration (p 4 Ritual)

• Presentation of a Crucifix (ideally a San Damiano Cross), Candle, a Tau. A copy of the Gospels is often given .. This may vary!


12 Process

You may consider holding an interview with the future candidate and the council

Allows better view of the individual and gives the individual another opportunity to consider if this is a good path to pursue.


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Panel discussion of Candidate Phase of Formation

Questions and Answers: What would you like to know about this phase?


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Rite of Profession

The candidate writes a letter asking for acceptance. This is voted on by the fraternity’s council with aid of Spiritual Assistant. The vote is a closed ballot, anonymous vote.

Public and ecclesial act Performed at a Eucharistic celebration or at

appropriate celebration of Liturgy of the Word.

Expresses permanent commitment to Gospel Life


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Determining candidate’s acceptance

Council conducts an interview with the future professed individuals

Development of a protocol for this interview by Manuel Cortez, our regional Spiritual Assistant– see handout

Important to include fraternity members in discernment process prior to council interviews

Based on article 39-41 of Constitution for profession


16 Panel discusses profession What questions do you have?


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Commitment means: Renewal of one’s consecration and promises at Baptism

and Confirmation Dedication of self to God through his people with all

consequences flowing from this Living in union with God and holding firm to His plan of

salvation, A consecration that is to be lived in the world Incorporation into the OFS, which is a harmonious union of

all members who promise to live the gospel after the example of St Francis of Assisi

Remaining in a secular vocation either as laity or clergy Desire to live in the world and for the world


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Commitment is:

Desiring to live the gospel for the whole of one’s life

Collaborating in building a more fraternal world

Experiencing the joy of sharing the journey of gospel life with other members

Being incorporated into the local fraternity, which is an integral part of the church.

The journey continues throughout one’s life


19 More questions



20 Promises, not VOWS, of Obedience

1. Secular Franciscans do not make vows of obedience. This would be incompatible with a normal family life and our secular and lay work.

2. Secular Franciscans live the spirit of the evangelical counsel of obedience which is obedience to the Gospel, to the Church, to the Rule and to one’s conscience.

3. … I promise to live…the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by observing its rule of life.


21Discussion


VOWS are not made; PROMISES are made!


22Commitment process (Ritual pp 18-26) Received by the minister of the

fraternity in the name of the Church and Fraternity

Priest presides as a witness of the Church’s hierarchy and of the Franciscan family. A Franciscan priest is preferred.


23 Our mission as Secular Franciscans

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation.” -Mark 16:15

“……….going from gospel to life, and life to the gospel.”


24 Responsibilities for each member

• A Life-long commitment • Attends Fraternity meetings (gatherings) • Contributes to the common fund • Participates actively in Community • Participates in on-going formation • Willingly performs duties when asked • Votes and may be elected to office • Transfers Fraternities when moves


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“

”

“It’s a question of discipline,” the little prince told me. “When you’ve finished washing and dressing each morning, you must then tend the planet!”

Antoine de Saint Exupéry in “The Little Prince”

What is your responsibility to your secular vocation?


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Membership Category

Regularly attend

monthly fraternity meetings

Voting rights in the Fraternity

Fraternity common

fund contributes Fair Share to Region

A professed member of the

Secular Franciscan

Order

Visitor &/or Inquirer

Yes No No No

Candidate Yes No Yes NoActive Professed

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Excused Professed

Requires Action by Fraternity

Council

Yes Yes Yes


27 Fraternity Council Meetings Monthly Reports given by Minister Vice Minister Secretary Treasurer Formation Director Spiritual Assistant Other as appropriateAgenda, Minutes, Attendance RecordPlanning of activities for fraternity


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Monthly Fraternity Meetings •Initial Formation monthly •Prayer Service •On-Going Formation •Business Meeting -Ritual to open meeting -Minutes and Treasurers Report -Old Business -New Business - Reports (Formation & Apostolates) •Close with Ritual/Prayer/Blessing •Community Social Time


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Fraternity: Records/Information to Keep

Secretary/Treasurer reports


30Professed OFS Members:• Member information: address, phone, e-mail, nearest relative• Copy of Profession document• Copy of Transfer documents• Roster of all members – categories separated• Keep current – probably every 6 months

• Name tags for use at meetings/events• Photographic album (s)• Fraternity Banner• Library• Items with special significance to the Fraternity


31 System to Preserve Docs:• Canonical Establishment Document• SFO Rule, Constitutions & Statutes/Guides• Fraternity Guidelines• Meeting sign-in book (bound)• Activities Records (special events)• Fraternity Ledger (bound)• Regional/Spiritual Assistant Visitation Repts• Fraternity Elections – dates, results


32 Formation documents:• Separate file for each visitor/inquirer• Interview documents• Formation attendance-subjects covered• Copies of any records supplied by individual• Copy of profession document


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Correspondence & Minutes:• Letters & e-mails – phone calls• Province/Provincial Spiritual Assistant• National SFO (letters TAU USA)• lostrescompaneros.org • Local Spiritual Assistant• Other Fraternities• Other entities (Chancery, local parish, community groups, friaries, convents, etc)• Meeting Minutes (General and Council)• Prayer Services• Annual reports to the region


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Region--- Los Tres Companeros/The Three Companions

• Established in 1994• Council: Minister of each fraternity in Region• Exec Council:

•Minister, Josh Molidor •Vice minister, Pura Reyna, vice minister•Spiritual formation director, Carol Lieser•Secretary, Dolores Boswell•Treasurer, Chuck Lieser •Spiritual Assistant, Manuel Cortez

35 Portions and portion councilors •Angelo (North–Jorge Sosing, OFS)

•Alternate-Norma Patricia Carranza (Paty), OFS

•Leo (Central – Richard Mendiola, OFS)•Alternate– Ron Martinez OFS

•Rufino (South – Mary Vielma OFS•Alternate- Oralia Garza, OFS



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OFS Regions in the USA


37 The Franciscan TrilogyFirst, Second and Third Order

It is the first (and only) religious experience, preordained to apostolic life, born simultaneously and coordinated to involve all states of life.

1. A common Founder

2. Same Charism & Same Mission in different states of life, interdependent and complementary: all three for the marvelous operation

3. Independence and Unity: Vital interconnection


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The Nature of the OFS

The Franciscan nomenclature is inspired by this historical and juridical classification, with some small changes:

First Order – Religious and Clerics with Vows

Second Order – Consecrated nuns (Poor Clares)

Third Order – men and women, married or single, living in their families and working in the “world”; diocesan priests, deacons, TORs, clerics and religious


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Nature of the Relationship with Franciscan Religious and Assistance

In the context of the present church legislation, it is not the 1st Order and TOR that has received the “privilege” (Can 315) of jurisdiction over the OFS (altius moderamen) but it is the OFS that has received from the Apostolic See the privilege (can. 312 §3) of being under the jurisdiction of the 1st Order & TOR, to achieve its spiritual good.

The 1st Order and TOR must offer the service of spiritual assistance not because of a law instituted by St. Francis, nor by its own initiative, but for an explicit request by the Apostolic See.


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The unbreakable bond of the three orders

… In various ways and forms but in life-giving (comm)union with each other, they (the brothers and sisters of the three Orders) intend to make present the charism of their common Seraphic Father in the life and mission of the Church.

It follows that both the spiritual assistance and the altius moderamen must always be referred to vital reciprocity and viewed in the perspective of fraternity which binds indissolubly the three Orders of the Franciscan Family. From this comes the vocational necessity of a reciprocal spiritual dependence and of mutual assistance.


41 Food for thought

–Secular Franciscans are “not vowed religious”.

Describe what that really means to each of us as we make our way in the world.


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Explain what an “order” is

Group discussion


43 Discussion point

–Explain the “basic unit” of the OFS. –How does this basic unit relate to a “Region”

and how do Regions Relate to NaFra and to CIOFS?

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Immaculata - Arlington

St. Angela - San Angelo

San Damiano -Dallas

St. Francis of Assisi - Dallas

Señor Santo Niño - Dallas

Local Fraternities within our Region http://lostrescompañeros.org/

Padre Pio - Georgetown

St. Francis of Assisi -San Antonio

Sacred Heart -Austin

San Jose - San Antonio

St. Jose Obrero - Mc Allen

Sts. Francis & Clare- VictoriaSan

BonaventuraFW- emerging

St. Clare -Crowley

St. Paschal Baylon - Weslaco

San Antonio De Padua –Hebbronville

San Felipe De Jesus – Laredo


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Hierarchical structure

Local fraternities

Region of OFS

International FraternityCIOFS

National FraternityNaFra

Angelo Portion

Rufino Portion

Leo Portion

Los Tres Compañeros Region


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Authority

In the OFS, there is a Council and its Minister, and not the other way around. The Minister is obliged to do what the Council decides (the Minister is part of it and presides over it).

The election of a Minister does not confer on him/her the power to do what he/she wants, but only the power to serve the brothers and sisters, help them and love them (cfr GG.CC. 31.2).

Nature of authority in the Order must be understood always in the spirit of the two verbs used in our Rule and Constitutions: animate and guide – not command and prescribe.


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Authority in the OFS

The governing bodies of the OFS do also have authority. This specifically applies to:

- The admission and reception of Profession in nomine Ecclesiae

- The presidency of elective chapters of Fraternities of the lower levels.

- The fraternal visits, in which the visitor has the authority and the duty to suggest, and at times impose, measures when fraternity is not authentically lived or the Rule is clearly violated or, in general, when there are objectively severe problems.

- The possibility of suspending or removing from the Order.


48Other categories to be aware of

We will cover these in future workshops. Regional Guidelines Title 13; Canon 92-98

We are not covering these areas today Withdrawal from fraternity

Voluntary Involuntary

Lapsed Voluntary Involuntary


49 Discussion

–Define the relationship between the OFS and the First Order/TOR?

–Describe the “Nature of Authority” in the OFS.


50 Review

Profession incorporates the individual person in the entire Order as a whole and not only into a local Fraternity. Only in the awareness of our belonging to the entire Order, can we fulfill our vocation to fraternity and make present the charism of St. Francis, individually and as an Order, in the life and mission of the Church.


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Review

The rule of subsidiarity, is fundamental: local Fraternities are the mainstay of the Order: in them the brothers and sisters live. Fraternities have (they all should) a broad self-determination capacity and what they can legally do should be done without undue intrusions by the higher levels.

The regional and national governing councils are organs of connection and coordination, not of command. They are structures to serve, to guide and to animate, to establish bridges between fraternities


52 Discussion

Do you still have questions about the OFS?


53 Question to ponder

Do you understand what a commitment to Franciscan promises means? Discuss what this means to you.


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References/Resources

Bach, Lester (2010). The Franciscan Journey: Embracing the Franciscan Vision. Wash, DC: USCCB. Formation text for orientees, inquirers and candidates to the OFS.

CNSA (2011). Franciscan Family Connections: program for preparing people to serve as Spiritual Assistants to the SFO (Rev Ed.) Lindsborg,KS: Smokey Valley Printing.

Missionary Sisters of the Society of St Paul the Apostle in the State of NY. (1982). Francis and Clare: The complete works. Trans by Regis J Armstrong OFM, CAP and Ignatius C. Brady, OFM. NY: Paulist Press.


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References/Resources Ritual of the Secular Franciscan Order (1985). Cinti, OH:

St Anthony Messenger Press. Los Tres Compañeros - The Three Companions Region

lostrescompaneros.org The Tau --quarterly newsletter from NAFRA Essential Documents of the Secular Franciscan Order Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order - https://

www.nafra-sfo.org/sforule.html General Constitution of Secular Franciscans

www.nafra-sfo.org/GC2000.doc International Order of Secular Franciscans

http://www.ciofs.org/ Los Tres Compañeros Regional Guidelines.

http://lostrescompaneros.org/





https://www.nafra-sfo.org/sforule.html

http://www.nafra-sfo.org/GC2000.doc

http://www.ciofs.org/

http://www.ciofs.org/


56 More references

Bach, Lester (2014). Giving life to the words: a spiritual commentary on the Secular Franciscan constituions. Smoky Valley Printing.


57 Regional Guidelines

Copies now available in English and Spanish

lostrescompaneros.org


58 St Francis of AssisiPray for US!

ofs: plain and simple carol lieser ofs summer workshop ltc 1

Documents

rule of ofs national

franciscan journey

fraternity gatherings

order secular franciscan

franciscan vison

franciscan spirit

secular franciscan order

visitor time