FRANCISCANS OF THE RISEN CHRIST

“Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.” (St. Francis of Assisi, 1182–1226)

In the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, there are three orders of Franciscans— cloistered monks and nuns, and “householders” who follow a Franciscan rule of life while still raising families and working in the world. The friars are “first order” Franciscans; the sisters are “second order” Franciscans; and lay groups—which can include clergy—are considered “third order” Franciscans.

In 2017, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, four members of St. John’s Church, along with our Rector, formed an intentionally third-order Franciscan spiritual community that we discerned would be called “Franciscans of the Risen Christ,” because of our strong faith that our Lord Jesus Christ is risen and alive.

A good part of last year we spent learning about the life and ministry of Saint Francis and Saint Clare (founder of the Poor Clares, Franciscan nuns), and prayerfully discerning a simple “rule of life” based on three Gospel passages that were important to Francis.

We gather monthly for worship, prayer, a shared simple meal, study and discussion. For the past few months, we’ve been reading through a biography of St. Francis, and discussing his “Admonitions” to the friars to discern how these might be helpful for our discipleship.

Historically Franciscans have been involved in helping the poor, needy, and outcast. We’ve been searching for an outreach ministry that would be appropriate. Recently, we learned of a “gleaning project,” in which volunteers, with the permission of local farmers, glean the usable leftovers from crop harvests, and donate these to local food banks. We are in the process of getting this ministry established in the Honey Brook area, which is underserved.

Anyone interested in the Franciscan life—or who has questions about it—is welcome to attend our gatherings, and if you are interested in the gleaning project, you need not be a Franciscan to assist us.

Blessing of the Animals—Each year in the first week of October, St. John’s holds a Blessing of the Animals service in our parking lot in commemoration of the Feast of St. Francis that is on October 4. This is a wonderful outreach to the community, and both pets and people receive treats!