Who Are Secular Franciscans?
The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) is a branch of the worldwide Franciscan Family. We are single and married. We work, worship, and play in the community where we live. An official Order within the Roman Catholic Church, the OFS was founded by St. Francis of Assisi almost 800 years ago.
Our purpose is to bring the gospel to life where we live and work. We look for practical ways to embrace the gospel and help others do likewise.
Secular Franciscans follow the OFS Rule (way of life), which requires us to spend time in fraternity with our Franciscan brothers and sisters. We gather at least monthly.
Our Rule mandates us to be involved in apostolic ministries and with youth and young adults. Some of us are religious education teachers; some work in the medical profession; some work with the poor and homeless; some work in soup kitchens or visit the elderly and sick, and some have prison ministries. As a fraternity, we take action on social and environmental justice issues.
Getting to know the Secular Franciscan Order better may be a way to determine if you have a vocation. You’ll have plenty of time to get to know us before you make any formal commitment (profession). The Order requires at least 9 months for orientation and inquiry. During that time, you’ll attend our monthly gatherings and have a few informal classes. Then, suppose you feel the call to continue. In that case, you will enter Candidacy and have another 18 to 36 months of formal discussion, education, and fraternal involvement before you make a permanent commitment at the time of profession.
Don’t say “no” before you say “yes.” Check us out on facebook.com/SecFranUSA or Twitter.com/SECFranUSA or visit us on the internet at secularfranciscansusa.org. To speak with someone about the Secular Franciscan Order and how you can meet the family, call us at 1-800-FRANCIS.
Chris Leone, OFS
Minister, Our Lady of the Angels Region
Secular Franciscan Order