Secular Franciscans
ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
FRATERNITY
WHAT IS THE SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER?
The secular franciscan order is an institution within the church, consisting of men and women – married and single – who live and work in the world.
We follow a way of life that is faithful to the original rule
written by st. francis of assisi adapted to today’s circumstances.
The rule and life of the secular franciscan is this: “to observe the
gospel of our lord jesus christ.”
We are a fraternity of over 650,000 members world-wide.
As members of our order you will find direction, inspiration, encouragement and support to reach your spiritual goals.
WHY BECOME A SECULAR FRANCISCAN?
Do you have a call to holiness?
Do you want to...
enrich your spiritual life?
become a better catholic?
draw nearer to god?
become more christ-like?
enchance your prayer life?
bring peace, joy and hope to others?
WHERE?
ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH
PARISH CENTER
161 NORTH DEAN ST.
SPARTANBURG, SC 29302
WHEN?
10:00 AM TO 12:00 PM NOON
4TH SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH
WHO?
JOANNE BABIN, OFS
FORMATION DIRECTOR
864-585-5099
CAROL DRUM, OFS
MINISTER
864-706-0094
HOW DO I BECOME A SECULAR FRANCISCAN?
“The process of becoming a professed Secular Franciscan is a journey that involves three separate stages and culminates in a lifelong commitment to live the gospel following the example of St. Francis of Assisi.
ORIENTATION This is a time to discern if the Spirit is calling you to a vocation. The period of Orientation is a minimum of three months. During Orientation you will be introduced to the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare and share in the Franciscan prayer life.
INQUIRY This is the first formal period of initiation. It is a time of in-depth study of the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. You will learn about the Franciscan charism and Franciscan history. You will deepen your understanding of what it means to be secular and Franciscan, and you will continue to discern if the Spirit is calling you to the Secular Franciscan way of life. The period of inquiry is a minimum of six months. If a vocation is discerned, the Inquirer is received into the Order.
CANDIDACY This is the final formal period of initiation. It is a time of preparing for permanent commitment by immersion into fraternity life. Central to this stage of formation is Article 4 of The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order which states, ‘The rule and life of the Secular Franciscan is this: to observe the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ by following Saint Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people.’ The period of Candidacy is a minimum of eighteen months and culminates in permanent commitment to the gospel life.
PROFESSION The Secular Franciscan Profession has the dignity of a solemn and religious commitment. It gives the grace to help one live out the promise of Baptism and the gospel life.
After profession of the Rule and permanent commitment to the gospel way of life, the newly professed member joins the rest of the fraternity in ongoing formation.”