THE The local fraternity of Secular in your area is the: SECULAR

They meet at: FRANCISCAN

ORDER

Over 800 years ago in , They meet on:

Italy, a man named Francis prayed in front of the San Damiano Icon in the small San Damiano Church. He was told by They meet from: God to “Rebuild My Church”.

Francis chose the life of Christ as his guide, and people began following him embracing the Gospel values of poverty, joy, Is God calling you to simplicity, gratitude, peace and walk in the footsteps LOVE. Come and See! of Francis

Are you being called to rebuild the of Assisi? Church of toady? There are approximately 15,000 nourishment needed to live as a members of the Secular Franciscan Christian in the world. Order in the United States. At present the Secular Franciscan Order is governed If you are interested, you must be a by its own Rule of Life as well as general practicing in good standing with Church Law. the Church, be willing to accept that belonging to the Secular Franciscan Franciscan spirituality is going from Order means a life-long commitment to Gospel to life and life to Gospel. the Franciscan way of life, and be at least 17 years of age. The Secular Franciscan Order enables the Franciscan charism to be lived out by There are 3 stages of Initial Formation: married and single members of the , a) Orientation, 3-6 months (exploring and by diocesan clergy---bishops, priests the Secular Franciscan Order through and . discernment); b) Inquiry, 6-9 months (looking at the process of becoming a The Secular Franciscan Order is just that, member of the Order); and c) an Order within the and Candidacy, 18 months to 3 years Please feel free to contact the not an organization or club. (journeying with the fraternity to find person listed below. Your local out if God is calling you to live the fraternity of Secular Franciscans Secular Franciscans strive to live the Franciscan way of life). [Times may be will be happy to provide you with Gospel in the manner of Saint Francis by extended, but not shortened.] more information, or you can call spreading the Gospel by word and example in their homes, at work and in Formation does not end with Initial us at 1-800-FRANCIS, or access their parishes. Formation, but continues as On-Going www.nafra-sfo.org Formation for the rest of your life. Secular Franciscans are members of a local fraternity, a living and active If you are searching for a way to renew Christian community. The fraternity is your Baptismal commitment, to deepen the privileged place for developing their your relationship with the Lord, and give sense of Church, their Franciscan witness to the Kingdom of God, the Lord vocation and ministry. may be inviting you to consider a vocation as a Secular Franciscan. Monthly fraternity meetings with their We are members of the Queen of common prayer, formation, and May the Lord give you Peace! Peace Region and can be accessed fellowship provide the spiritual Pax et bonum! at www.queenofpeaceregion.org