The OFS Rule: OFS Instrument of Conversion (Week Five)Formation Friday is the work product of the National Formation Commission of the Secular Franciscan Order-USA. Please keep all citations and references intact. (This statement should be included with any posts in emails, on websites, or on social media.)For the 6 Fridays of Lent, we will read and meditate on our Rule. Each week, we ask that you read a portion of the Rule at this link: OFS RULE (You can download the PDF to your computer or tablet.)The reflections and questions that follow will focus on how our Rule asks us to live, the role that conversion and penance play in our lives, and our mission as members of the Church of Christ. The topics below will guide you as you write in your journal or discuss with your fraternity, a small group, or a prayer partner. We hope that this series will aid you in strengthening your vocation and provide opportunities for daily conversion.Week Five: Please read Articles 16-19 of our Rule (Chapter 2: The Way of Life, Page 10 of the PDF above.) [This section is also attached.]Chapter Two is the longest section of the Rule because it talks about our way of life, how we are to pray; how we are to we are to strive for daily conversion; how we are to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis in showing that the gospel can be lived. This is our Franciscan spiritual roadmap as we follow in the footsteps of St. Francis. Article 16 reminds us that work is a gift; Article 17 speaks of the Franciscan spirit we bring to marriage, family, children; Article 18 reminds us of our commitment to care for creation; Article 19 highlights our role as peacemakers. (Please read and think about these 5 articles before moving on to the questions.)+Key Learnings: What are the four most important points (in your opinion) that you discovered as you read Articles 16-19?+Living the OFS Rule: What about these articles presents a challenge for you to live out? Why?+Conversion: The Holy Spirit speaks to each of us in a very personal way. As you read Articles 16-19, please explain how they touched and changed you and brought you closer to God.+Discernment: What can you put into practice right away?+Key Takeaways: Please list three key takeaways to living as a Franciscan that this portion of the Rule will help you to achieve.+Challenge Yourself: Choose one of the takeaways as your personal spiritual challenge for this week and resolve to carry it out.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Formation Friday 1 de abril de 2022 ( En inglés abajo )Por favor comparta con su fraternidad localLa Regla OFS: Instrumento de Conversión OFS (Semana Cinco)Formation Friday es el producto del trabajo de la Comisión Nacional de Formación de la Orden Franciscana Seglar-EE.UU. Mantenga todas las citas y referencias intactas. (Esta declaración debe incluirse con cualquier publicación en correos electrónicos, sitios web o redes sociales).Para los 6 viernes de Cuaresma, leeremos y meditaremos nuestra Regla. Cada semana, le pedimos que lea una parte de la Regla en este enlace:REGLA OFS EN ESPAÑOL(Puede descargar el PDF a su computadora o tableta).Las reflexiones y preguntas que siguen se centrarán en cómo nuestra Regla nos pide que vivamos, el papel que la conversión y la penitencia juegan en nuestras vidas y nuestra misión como miembros de la Iglesia de Cristo. Los temas a continuación lo guiarán mientras escribe en su diario o discute con su fraternidad, un grupo pequeño o un compañero de oración. Esperamos que esta serie les ayude a fortalecer su vocación y les brinde oportunidades para la conversión diaria.Semana cinco: lea los artículos 16 a 19 de nuestra Regla ( Capítulo 2: El estilo de vida, página 10 del PDF anterior). [Esta sección también se adjunta].El capítulo dos es el apartado más largo de la Regla porque habla de nuestro modo de vida, de cómo debemos orar; cómo debemos luchar por la conversión diaria; cómo debemos seguir los pasos de San Francisco para mostrar que el evangelio se puede vivir. Esta es nuestra hoja de ruta espiritual franciscana mientras seguimos los pasos de San Francisco. El artículo 16 nos recuerda que el trabajo es un don; el artículo 17 habla del espíritu franciscano que llevamos al matrimonio, a la familia, a los hijos; Artículo 18 nos recuerda nuestro compromiso con el cuidado de la creación; artículo 19 destaca nuestro papel como pacificadores. (Lea y piense en estos 5 artículos antes de pasar a las preguntas).+Aprendizajes clave : ¿Cuáles son los cuatro puntos más importantes (en su opinión) que descubrió al leer los artículos 16-19 ?+Viviendo la Regla OFS : ¿Qué pasa con estos artículos presenta un desafío para que usted pueda vivirlo? ¿Por qué?+Conversión: El Espíritu Santo nos habla a cada uno de nosotros de una manera muy personal. Mientras lee los artículos 16-19, explique cómo lo tocaron y cambiaron y lo acercaron a Dios.+Discernimiento: ¿Qué puede poner en práctica de inmediato?+Puntos clave: Enumere tres puntos clave para vivir como franciscano que esta parte de la Regla le ayudará a lograr.+ Desafíese a sí mismo: elija uno de los puntos como su desafío espiritual personal para esta semana y decida llevarlo a cabo.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Diane F. Menditto, OFSChair, National Formation Commission
Formation Director, Our Lady of the Angels Region
Formation Director, St. Francis Fraternity, Hackensack, NJ
National Minister’s Mesage: Great Things Can Happen
(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring Issue #105)
By Jan Parker, OFS
National Minister
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National Minister Jan Parker, OFS, at the last Q.
For a long time, I didn’t know what a Quinquennial was. I don’t think anyone in my fraternity knew what it was either. None of us had ever attended a Q. We had heard about one, but it seemed so distant from us. Who was it for? What was it about? We didn’t know, and sadly, didn’t ask.
That has changed. Now with three Quinquennials behind me, I want to do my best to tell you about the Q, and invite you to be part of it.
The Quinquennial Congress (its official name, or “Q” for short) is a once-every-five-year gathering of the entire National Fraternity, mandated in our OFS- USA statutes. It’s not a retreat and it’s different from any other conference or workshop. In fact, it’s an experience of fraternity unlike any other. This year it is Aug. 3-7 in Phoenix, AZ. A special Quinquennial tab at the top of the Secular Franciscan homepage will tell you how to register.
When I think of a Q, what comes to mind is the pure joy of being part of something so much larger than I had ever imagined. I can still feel the joy, love, and excitement that fills the room – a very large room holding hundreds of Franciscans! We come together at a Q to share something very important, and when you experience fraternity on this scale, it transforms you.
Despite the numbers, there is an immediate connection with each person there, a real sense of heart-to-heart understanding. This connection is deepened through conversations that take place at meals and at Little Fraternity gatherings (8-10 persons, randomly grouped, who meet each day.) Being a part of a Little Fraternity has been a highlight of every Quinquennial I’ve attended. I’d like to share with you two “Little Fraternity stories” that I’ll never forget.
In 2007, a young woman in my Little Fraternity shared the story of how her mother had died when she was born. Later in her life she heard details of her birth―the joy of new life, tainted by terrible sadness. She learned, too, of the extraordinary care shown by the hospital staff. As she told her story, another member of the little fraternity started asking some very particular questions, such as, when was this, and at what hospital? It’s almost unbelievable, but it turned out that this second woman was one of the nurses who cared for young woman’s mother. She had actually held this young woman as an infant. The rest of us watched as this amazing reunion took place. Talk about a special bond!
The second story is how friendships formed at a Quinquennial can have a lasting impact. Donna Hollis and Cathy Roszhart were both members of my Little Fraternity at the 2012 Q. Donna was the facilitator of our group, and I was struck by her compassion and gentle guidance. Cathy’s joy and enthusiasm made an equal impression on me. The three of us really connected. Over the next few years, we would see each other only rarely at various Franciscan events. Now, ten years after we first met, God has brought us together in a surprising way! The three of us are members of the Quinquennial Core Committee helping to organize the 2022 Jubilee Q. We never dreamed that those seeds of friendship, planted in our Little Fraternity, would bear fruit in a wonderful collaborative service to our national OFS family.
You never know how a Quinquennial experience may enrich your Franciscan journey. Speak to anyone who has attended a Q, and they will tell you―they returned renewed, and changed. What touched their hearts? Perhaps it was hearing how a fellow Franciscan’s trust in God helped them through a difficult time, or something a presenter or homilist said that challenged them. It could be that a conversation with an OFS from halfway around the world widened their vision. Very often it is simply the joy of fraternal communion on a previously unimaginable scale and a deeper realization of Christ’s presence.
I know that not everyone reading this will be able to attend this year’s Q, but for many this may well be an opportunity of a lifetime. Whether you are a friend of the Order, new to the Order, an inquirer, or a Spiritual Assistant, the Q is for you. Everyone is welcome, and you do not have to be a Franciscan to attend. Please, prayerfully ask yourself if God is calling you to the Q. I know, with all we’ve been through with this pandemic, there may be concerns about such a large gathering, but let’s keep looking forward with faith and hope. Great things happen when God calls Franciscans together. I hope to see you there!
https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2022/03/28/national-ministers-mesage-great-things-can-happen/
FORMATION FRIDAY – THE OFS Rule – Instrument of Conversion (Week Four) – March 25, 2022
The OFS Rule: OFS Instrument of Conversion (Week Four)
Formation Friday is the work product of the National Formation Commission of the Secular Franciscan Order-USA. Please keep all citations and references intact. (This statement should be included with any posts in emails, on websites, or on social media.)For the 6 Fridays of Lent, we will read and meditate on our Rule. Each week, we ask that you read a portion of the Rule at this link: OFS RULE (You can download the PDF to your computer or tablet.)The reflections and questions that follow will focus on how our Rule asks us to live, the role that conversion and penance play in our lives, and our mission as members of the Church of Christ. The topics below will guide you as you write in your journal or discuss with your fraternity, a small group, or a prayer partner. We hope that this series will aid you in strengthening your vocation and provide opportunities for daily conversion.Week Four: Please read Articles 11-15 of our Rule (Chapter 2: The Way of Life, Page 10 of the PDF above.) [This section is also attached.]Chapter Two is the longest section of the Rule because it talks about our way of life, how we are to pray; how we are to we are to strive for daily conversion; how we are to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis in showing that the gospel can be lived. This is our Franciscan spiritual roadmap as we follow in the footsteps of St. Francis. Article 11 asks us to examine our relationship with possessions and power; Article 12 asks us to take a look at what is holding us back as we strive to love God; Article 13 focuses our thoughts on our relationships with others; Article 14 asks us to consider what it takes to build a more “fraternal and evangelical world;” Article 15 begins the series of articles on how we evangelize and how we witness to Jesus. It calls us to examine our concern with justice and just causes. (Please read and think about these 5 articles before moving on to the questions.)+Key Learnings: What are the four most important points (in your opinion) that you discovered as you read Articles 11-15?+Living the OFS Rule: What about these articles presents a challenge for you to live out? Why?+Conversion: The Holy Spirit speaks to each of us in a very personal way. As you read Articles 11-15, please explain how they touched and changed you and brought you closer to God.+Discernment: What can you put into practice right away?+Key Takeaways: Please list three key takeaways to living as a Franciscan that this portion of the Rule will help you to achieve.+Challenge Yourself: Choose one of the takeaways as your personal spiritual challenge for this week and resolve to carry it out.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Formation Friday 25 de marzo de 2022Por favor comparta con su fraternidad localLa Regla OFS: Instrumento de Conversión OFS (Semana Cuatro)Formation Friday es el producto del trabajo de la Comisión Nacional de Formación de la Orden Franciscana Seglar-EE.UU. Mantenga todas las citas y referencias intactas. (Esta declaración debe incluirse con cualquier publicación en correos electrónicos, sitios web o redes sociales).Para los 6 viernes de Cuaresma, leeremos y meditaremos en nuestra Regla. Cada semana, le pedimos que lea una parte de la Regla en este enlace:
REGLA OFS (Puede descargar el PDF a su computadora o tableta).Las reflexiones y preguntas que siguen se centrarán en cómo nuestra Regla nos pide que vivamos, el papel que la conversión y la penitencia juegan en nuestras vidas y nuestra misión como miembros de la Iglesia de Cristo. Los temas a continuación lo guiarán mientras escribe en su diario o discute con su fraternidad, un grupo pequeño o un compañero de oración. Esperamos que esta serie les ayude a fortalecer su vocación y les brinde oportunidades para la conversión diaria.Cuarta semana: lea los artículos 11 a 15 de nuestra Regla ( Capítulo 2: El estilo de vida, página 10 del PDF anterior). [Esta sección también se adjunta].El capítulo dos es el apartado más largo de la Regla porque habla de nuestro modo de vida, de cómo debemos orar; cómo debemos luchar por la conversión diaria; cómo debemos seguir los pasos de San Francisco para mostrar que el evangelio se puede vivir. Esta es nuestra hoja de ruta espiritual franciscana mientras seguimos los pasos de San Francisco. El artículo 11 nos pide que examinemos nuestra relación con las posesiones y el poder; El artículo 12 nos pide que echemos un vistazo a lo que nos detiene en nuestro esfuerzo por amar a Dios; El artículo 13 enfoca nuestros pensamientos en nuestras relaciones con los demás; El artículo 14 nos pide que consideremos qué se necesita para construir un “mundo más fraterno y evangélico;” El artículo 15 comienza la serie de artículos sobre cómo evangelizamos y cómo damos testimonio de Jesús. Nos llama a examinar nuestra preocupación por la justicia y las causas justas. (Lea y piense en estos 5 artículos antes de pasar a las preguntas).+Aprendizajes clave : ¿Cuáles son los cuatro puntos más importantes (en su opinión) que descubrió al leer los artículos 11-15 ?+Viviendo la Regla OFS : ¿Qué es lo que le presenta un desafío para que usted pueda vivir estos artículos? ¿Por qué?+Conversión: El Espíritu Santo nos habla a cada uno de nosotros de una manera muy personal. Mientras lee los artículos 11-15, explique cómo lo tocaron y cambiaron y lo acercaron a Dios.+Discernimiento: ¿Qué puede poner en práctica de inmediato?+Puntos clave: Enumere tres puntos clave para vivir como franciscano que esta parte de la Regla le ayudará a lograr.+ Desafíese a sí mismo: elija uno de los puntos como su desafío espiritual personal para esta semana y decida llevarlo a cabo.Diane F. Menditto, OFSChair, National Formation Commission
Formation Director, Our Lady of the Angels Region
Formation Director, St. Francis Fraternity, Hackensack, NJ
Pope Francis calls bishops to join him in consecrating Ukraine and Russia to Blessed Mother on Feast of the Annunciation
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Blessed Mother and ChildImage from pxfuel.com/free to use
Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday, March 25, according to the Holy See Press.
The consecration will begin at 5 p.m. (local time) in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said in a statement: “The same act, on the same day, will be performed in Fatima by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, papal almoner,” who is being sent there by the Pope.
Pope Francis has asked the bishops of the world to join him in the consecration on the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. A list of dioceses participating is available at this Catholic News Agency webpage.
Pope Francis also prayed for the end of the war in Ukraine at his most recent General Audience and asks that we join him in the end to this violence.
In the Catholic Church, consecration means setting aside for a holy purpose.
The Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship defines consecration to Mary as an overt recognition of the “singular role of Mary in the Mystery of Christ and of the Church, of the universal and exemplary importance of her witness to the Gospel, of trust in her intercession, and of the efficacy of her patronage,” according to the Catholic News Agency.
For more information on the history of the consecration of Russia to Mary, visit the Catholic News Agency website.
For information on how Franciscans are helping ease the suffering in Ukraine, visit this website.
https://secularfranciscansusa.org/2022/03/22/pope-francis-calls-bishops-to-join-him-in-consecrating-ukraine-and-russia-to-blessed-mother-on-feast-of-the-annunciation/
FORMATION FRIDAY – The OFS Rule: OFS Instrument of Conversion (Week Three) – March 18, 2022
Please share with your local fraternity
The OFS Rule: OFS Instrument of Conversion (Week Three) Please download the attachments that you need.Formation Friday is the work product of the National Formation Commission of the Secular Franciscan Order-USA. Please keep all citations and references intact. (This statement should be included with any posts in emails, on websites, or on social media.)
For the 6 Fridays of Lent, we will read and meditate on our Rule. Each week, we ask that you read a portion of the Rule at this link: OFS RULE (You can download the PDF to your computer or tablet.)
The reflections and questions that follow will focus on how our Rule asks us to live, the role that conversion and penance play in our lives, and our mission as members of the Church of Christ. The topics below will guide you as you write in your journal or discuss with your fraternity, a small group, or a prayer partner. We hope that this series will aid you in strengthening your vocation and provide opportunities for daily conversion.
Week Two: Please read Articles 6-10 of our Rule (Chapter 2: The Way of Life, Page 9 of the PDF above.) [This section is also attached.]
Chapter Two is the longest section of the Rule because it talks about our way of life, how we are to pray; how we are to we are to strive for daily conversion; how we are to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis in showing that the gospel can be lived. This is our Franciscan spiritual roadmap as we follow in the footsteps of St. Francis. Article 6 asks us to open ourselves to the Holy Spirit through our loyalty to the Church; Article 7 focuses on our lives as “brothers and sisters of penance;” Article 8 is the stresses how we pray; Article 9 calls us to focus on the beautiful example of the Blessed Mother who protects our Order; and Article 10 begins the series of articles that direct us on how we are to live as we set out on the road walking with Christ. (Please read and think about these 5 articles before moving on to the questions.)
+Key Learnings: What are the four most important points (in your opinion) that you discovered as you read Articles 6-10?
+Living the OFS Rule: What about these articles presents a challenge for you to live out? Why?
+Conversion: The Holy Spirit speaks to each of us in a very personal way. As you read Articles 6-10, please explain how they touched and changed you and brought you closer to God.
+Discernment: What can you put into practice right away?
+Key Takeaways: Please list three key takeaways to living as a Franciscan that this portion of the Rule will help you to achieve.
+Challenge Yourself: Choose one of the takeaways as your personal spiritual challenge for this week and resolve to carry it out.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Por favor comparta con su fraternidad local
La Regla OFS: Instrumento de Conversión OFS (Semana Tres)El Viernes de Formación es el producto del trabajo de la Comisión Nacional de Formación de la Orden Franciscana Seglar-EE.UU. Mantenga todas las citas y referencias intactas. (Esta declaración debe incluirse con cualquier publicación en correos electrónicos, sitios web o redes sociales).
Para los 6 viernes de Cuaresma, leeremos y meditaremos nuestra Regla. Cada semana, le pedimos que lea una parte de la Regla en este enlace: REGLA OFS (Puede descargar el PDF a su computadora o tableta).
Las reflexiones y preguntas que siguen se centrarán en cómo nuestra Regla nos pide que vivamos, el papel que la conversión y la penitencia juegan en nuestras vidas y nuestra misión como miembros de la Iglesia de Cristo. Los temas a continuación lo guiarán mientras escribe en su diario o discute con su fraternidad, un grupo pequeño o un compañero de oración. Esperamos que esta serie les ayude a fortalecer su vocación y les brinde oportunidades para la conversión diaria.
Segunda semana: lea los artículos 6 a 10 de nuestra Regla ( Capítulo 2: El estilo de vida, página 9 del PDF anterior). [Esta sección también se adjunta].
El capítulo dos es el apartado más largo de la Regla porque habla de nuestro modo de vida, de cómo debemos orar; cómo debemos luchar por la conversión diaria; cómo debemos seguir los pasos de San Francisco para mostrar que el evangelio se puede vivir. Esta es nuestra hoja de ruta espiritual franciscana mientras seguimos los pasos de San Francisco. el artículo 6 nos pide que nos abramos al Espíritu Santo a través de nuestra fidelidad a la Iglesia; el artículo 7 se centra en nuestra vida como “hermanos y hermanas de penitencia;” El artículo 8 es el énfasis en cómo oramos; El artículo 9 nos llama a centrarnos en el hermoso ejemplo de la Santísima Madre que protege nuestra Orden; y el artículo 10 inicia la serie de artículos que nos orientan sobre cómo debemos vivir al ponernos en camino, caminando con Cristo. (Lea y piense en estos 5 artículos antes de pasar a las preguntas).
+Aprendizajes clave: ¿Cuáles son los cuatro puntos más importantes (en su opinión) que descubrió al leer los artículos 6-10 ?
+Viviendo la Regla OFS : ¿Qué pasa con estos artículos presenta un desafío para que usted pueda vivir? ¿Por qué?
+Conversión: El Espíritu Santo nos habla a cada uno de nosotros de una manera muy personal. Mientras lee los artículos 6-10, explique cómo lo tocaron y cambiaron y lo acercaron a Dios.
+Discernimiento: ¿Qué puede poner en práctica de inmediato?
+Puntos clave: Enumere tres puntos clave para vivir como franciscano que esta parte de la Regla le ayudará a lograr.
+ Desafíese a si mismo: elige uno de los puntos como su desafío espiritual personal para esta semana y decida llevarlo a cabo.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Diane F. Menditto, OFSChair, National Formation Commission
Formation Director, Our Lady of the Angels Region
Formation Director, St. Francis Fraternity, Hackensack, NJ
