Apostolate: Love in Living Deeds

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2024 Digital Issue #112)

by Joe Makley, OFS National JPIC Animator

San Felipe de Jesus Fraternity in Laredo, Texas, participating in a Catholic Charities food drive as a Lenten apostolate.

“If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?” (James 2: 15,16.)

It could also be said, if we see a river of people wandering without protection, all their savings stolen, preyed upon by criminals and officials alike, huddled against our national border, and we say to them, “peace and all good,” and do nothing to help them obtain food, shelter, and safety, what good is that?

Every Secular Franciscan wants to do more of course. We want our love to have an effect. The model of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) helps to remind us of the challenges and rewards of authentic love, which is made visible in actions of solidarity. Secular Franciscans get together collectively, in their fraternities and regions, and ask themselves, what are the needs in this community? And they form an organized effort to meet the need. A collective apostolate is not a requirement of every fraternity, but it’s helpful. The members each bring their gifts and in turn experience fraternity, connection, and community. Our efforts are maximized when we find ways to connect them with others.

In many areas of the USA, we can show solidarity with the marginalized and the destitute, including immigrants, by getting involved with Catholic Charities USA or one of its affiliates. This picture is of San Felipe de Jesus Fraternity in Laredo, Texas, participating in a Catholic Charities food drive as a Lenten apostolate. Thanks to Chris Kolb, JPIC animator for the Los Tres Compañeros Region, for sending it in.

Recently at the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Region’s annual retreat in Kennebunkport, Father Sam Fuller, OFM Cap, described the work of Capuchin Mobile Ministries, a street ministry in Boston. “Get out of the buildings,” he said. “Meet people on the streets. Don’t proselytize, don’t try to make them Christian, instead, let them lead the conversation, empty yourself in service to them.” Roberta, an OFS volunteer, added, “What happens is different than just sandwiches and coffee. It’s all about the spiritual gifts.”

Another benefit of a regular apostolate is a sense of unity. Father Sam brought our attention to Pope Francis’ encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, and how he used the story of the Good Samaritan in a long passage that emphasized the unity of love and service. These are beautiful examples of love in action.

There is much work to be done on the public policy front, to help change unjust conditions. Our US Bishops Office has straightforward positions on public issues. They encourage advocacy and provide assistance that is important to know about and share. But direct service to the poor is not controversial. Some folks still try to make it so. Remember, “God is love and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” (1 Jn 4:16). My mother taught our family to sing that as a spiritual. I’ve got it in my brain stem, way down deep. If we are troubled when someone sows discord by demonizing immigrants or other groups, we can remember that passage. As we give ourselves in service together, we will truly abide in love. We will be one in God’s mercy and feel ourselves lifted up on those eagles’ wings.

Apostolate: Love in Living Deeds

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FORMATION FRIDAY – Frequently Asked Question #3 – August 16, 2024

Please share with your local fraternity (en español abajo) Korean translation is attached in a separate PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions answered by our General Constitutions (GC): For the next several weeks we will take a look at some questions given in the 2010 edition of the Handbook for Servant Leadership. The same questions often arise on our councils and in our fraternities. Becoming familiar with the Constitutions is very helpful in addressing issues that arise in fraternities at all levels. For the complete, latest translation of the entire document, visit: https://ciofs.info/library/official-documents/ or https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/the-general-constitutions-of-the-secular-franciscan-order-2000/

+ Who is responsible for formation and entrance into the Order? [GC Article 37]

1. Rule 23. Membership in the Order is attained through a time of initiation, a time of formation, and the Profession of the Rule.

2. The journey of formation, which should develop throughout life, begins with entrance into the fraternity. Mindful that the Holy Spirit is the principal agent of formation and always attentive to collaboration with Him, those responsible for formation are: the candidate, the entire Fraternity, the Council with the Minister, the Teacher of Formation (formator), and the Spiritual Assistant.

3. The brothers and sisters are responsible for their own formation, developing in an ever more perfect way the vocation received from the Lord. The Fraternity is called to help the brothers and sisters on this journey by means of a warm welcome, prayer, and example.

4. The National and Regional Councils, by common agreement, are expected to develop and adopt means of formation, adapted to the local situations and offered as a help to those responsible for formation in the individual Fraternities.

 

After reading Article 37, please discuss the following with your fraternity members.

+What do you remember about your time of initial formation?

–If you are now an aspirant or a candidate, share the highlights of your formation with the professed members.

–If you are a professed member, how does the present initial formation program compare with what you experienced?

+Explain why the Holy Spirit is the principal agent of formation.

+What are some ways that we can be responsible for our own formation? Give examples of how the members of your fraternity help to “form” you?

+Has your fraternity/region reached out to the regional or national formation teams for assistance? National and regional formation teams are happy to give help, talks, and general encouragement.

 

+ What are the conditions, process, and responsibilities for entrance into the Order? [GC Article 39]

1. Rule 23. The request for admission to the Order is presented by the aspiring member to the Minister of a local or personal Fraternity by a formal act, in writing if possible.

2. Conditions for admission are: to profess the Catholic faith, to live in communion with the Church, to be of good moral standing, and to show clear signs of a vocation.

3. The Council of the Fraternity decides collegially on the request, gives a formal answer to the aspiring member, and communicates this to the Fraternity.

4. The rite of admission is performed according to the Ritual27. The act is to be registered and preserved in the records of the Fraternity.

 

After reading article 39, please discuss the following questions:

+Why is #2 above so important for those who wish to be admitted to the Order (and also for professed members)?

+Read the Rite of Admission in the Ritual (also available on pages 7-11 of the PDF at this link: https://ciofs.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/EN-OFS-Ritual-s.pdf )

–What stands out to you about the commitment we make when we are admitted to the Order?

 

Formación 16 agosto, 2024 (Compartir con su fraternidad local.) Preguntas frecuentes #3

 

Preguntas Frecuentes Respondidas por nuestras Constituciones Generales (CG): Durante las próximas semanas echaremos un vistazo a algunas preguntas dadas en la edición 2010 del Manual para el Liderazgo de Servicio. Las mismas preguntas surgen a menudo en nuestros consejos y en nuestras fraternidades. Familiarizarse con las Constituciones es muy útil para abordar los problemas que surgen en las fraternidades a todos los niveles. Para obtener la traducción completa y más reciente del documento completo, visite: https://ciofs.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ES-Constituciones-generales-OFS-s.pdf

 

+ ¿Quién es el responsable de la formación y el ingreso en la Orden? [CCGG Artículo 37]

1. Regla 23. La inserción en la Orden se realiza mediante un tiempo de iniciación, un tiempo de formación y la Profesión de la Regla.

2. Desde el ingreso en la Fraternidad se inicia el camino de formación, que debe desarrollarse durante toda la vida. Teniendo presente que el Espíritu Santo es el principal agente de la formación, y atentos siempre a colaborar con Él, los responsables de la formación son: el propio candidato, la Fraternidad entera, el Consejo con el Ministro, el Maestro de formación y el Asistente.

3. Los hermanos son responsables de su formación para acrecentar cada vez más la vocación recibida del Señor. La Fraternidad está llamada a ayudar a los hermanos en este camino con la acogida, la oración y el ejemplo.

4. Corresponde a los Consejos nacionales y regionales, de común acuerdo, la elaboración y adopción de medios de formación adecuados a las situaciones locales, como ayuda a los responsables de la formación de cada Fraternidad.

 

Después de leer el Artículo 37, por favor discuta lo siguiente con los miembros de su fraternidad.

+¿Qué recuerda usted de su época de formación inicial?

–Si ahora es un aspirante o un candidato, comparta los aspectos más destacados de su formación con los miembros profesos.

–Si usted es un miembro profeso, ¿cómo se compara el actual programa de formación inicial con lo que usted vivió? +Explique por qué el Espíritu Santo es el principal agente de formación.

+¿Cuáles son algunas maneras en que podemos ser responsables de nuestra propia formación? ¿Dé ejemplos de cómo los miembros de su fraternidad ayudan a “formarlo/la”?

+¿Su fraternidad/región se ha puesto en contacto con los equipos de formación regionales o nacionales para pedir ayuda? Los equipos nacionales y regionales de formación están dispuestos a dar ayuda, charlas y aliento general.

 

+ ¿Cuáles son las condiciones, el proceso y las responsabilidades para ingresar en la Orden? [CCGG Artículo 39]

1. Regla 23. La petición de admisión a la Orden es presentada por el aspirante al Ministro de una Fraternidad local o personal con un acto formal y, si puede ser, por escrito.

2. Las condiciones para la admisión son: profesar la fe católica, vivir en comunión con la Iglesia, tener una buena conducta moral, mostrar signos claros de vocación.

3. El Consejo de la Fraternidad decide colegialmente sobre la petición y da respuesta formal al aspirante y lo comunica a la Fraternidad.

4. El rito de admisión se desarrolla conforme al Ritual. El acto es registrado y conservado en el archivo de la Fraternidad.

 

Después de leer el artículo 39, sírvase analizar las siguientes preguntas:

+¿Por qué el #2 anterior es tan importante para aquellos que desean ser admitidos a la Orden (y también para los miembros profesos)?

+Leer el Rito de Admisión disponible en las páginas 7-11 del PDF en este enlace: https://ciofs.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ES-Ritual-OFS-s.pdf

–¿Qué le llama la atención del compromiso que asumimos cuando somos admitidos en la Orden?

 

 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Vice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USA
Listen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025

Reflecting on Mary, Our Mother and Model

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2024 Digital Issue #112)

By Layna Maher, OFS

National Formation Commission Chair

Mary holding baby Jesus & St. Francis praying to HimThink back to your profession and recall the words that you said as the Minister held your hands and you made your profession promise.

I, by the grace of God, renew my baptismal promises and consecrate myself to the service of his Kingdom. Therefore, in my secular state I promise to live all the days of my life the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Secular Franciscan Order by observing its rule of life. May the grace of the Holy Spirit, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and our holy father St. Francis, and the fraternal bonds of community always be my help, so that I may reach the goal of perfect Christian love.

Our OFS Rule provides guidance for how we are to live each day and act in every situation. Article 9 tells us how we are to appreciate and respect Mary, our mother and model in life.

The Virgin Mary, humble servant of the Lord, was open to His every word and call. She was embraced by Francis with indescribable love and declared the protectress and advocate of his family. The Secular Franciscans should express their ardent love for her by imitating her complete self-giving and by praying earnestly and confidently. OFS Rule Article 9

St. Francis’ love and devotion to the Blessed Mother is evident from the earliest days.

Thomas of Celano, the first to write a life of Saint Francis, describes how St. Francis rebuilt the church of Saint Mary of the Portiuncula in Chapter IX of the First Book.

“When the holy man of God saw it SO ruined, he was moved by piety because he had a warm devotion to the Mother of all good and he began to stay there continually.” (FA:ED vol.1, 201)

Saint Bonaventure shares with us that Saint Francis “…embraced the mother of the Lord Jesus with an inexpressible love since she made the Lord of Majesty a brother to us and, through her, we have obtained mercy.” (FA:ED vol. 2, 598)

We can turn to the early documents to read the words of St. Francis himself in his Salutation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Hail, O Lady,

Holy Queen,

Mary, holy Mother of God,

Who are the Virgin made Church,

chosen by the most Holy Father in heaven

whom he consecrated with His most holy

beloved Son

and with the Holy Spirit the Paraclete,

in whom there was and is

all fullness of grace and every good.

Hail His Palace!

Hail His Tabernacle!

Hail His Dwelling!

Hail His Robe!

Hail His Servant!

Hail His Mother!

And hail all You holy virtues

which are poured into the hearts of the faithful

through the grace and enlightenment of the

Holy Spirit,

that from being unbelievers,

You may make them faithful to God.

(FA:ED, vol. 1, 163)

Take time to ponder the words of this beautiful salutation and pray with gratitude for Mary, our mother and model, that gave us Jesus as our brother.

What qualities or attributes of Mary most move you? How do you imitate those qualities and attributes in your daily life? How are you saying yes?

Reflecting on Mary, Our Mother and Model

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher

Fr. Christopher invites us to consider the many kinds of hunger we experience, and how we might be “bread for others”:

“There are many kinds of hunger: . . . hunger for food and drink that offers physical sustenance; the hunger for justice and freedom; a hunger for friendship and recognition and personal dignity; a hunger for purpose in life, and for hope in the future.  And, there are many kinds of nourishment, and many ways of being bread or sustenance for others.”

Read the full text of Fr. Christopher’s homily here:

We are reprising Fr. Christopher’s homily from 2021 on today’s readings.

View and listen to Fr. Christopher’s homily here.

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher

Open post

Formation Friday August 9, 2024 Frequently Asked Questions #2

Please share with your local fraternity (en español abajo) Korean translation attached in a separate PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions answered by our General Constitutions (GC): For the next several weeks we will take a look at some questions given in the 2010 edition of the Handbook for Servant Leadership. The same questions often arise on our councils and in our fraternities. Becoming familiar with the Constitutions is very helpful in addressing issues that arise in fraternities at all levels. For the complete, latest translation of the entire document, visit: https://ciofs.info/library/official-documents/ or https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/the-general-constitutions-of-the-secular-franciscan-order-2000/

+ What is the purpose of fraternity? [GC Article 28]

1. The Fraternity of the OFS finds its origin in the inspiration of Saint Francis of Assisi…[See complete document]

2. Rule 20. “The OFS is divided into fraternities of various levels.” Its purpose is to promote, in an orderly form, union and mutual collaboration among the brothers and sisters and their active and communal presence in both the local and the universal Church. [See complete document]

3. [See complete document]

 

+ What responsibilities do members have to their fraternities? [GC Article 30]

1. The brothers and sisters are co-responsible for the life of the Fraternity to which they belong and for the OFS as the organic union of all Fraternities throughout the world.

2. The sense of co-responsibility of the members requires personal presence, witness, prayer, and active collaboration, in accordance with each one’s situation and possible obligations for the animation of the Fraternity.

3. Rule 25. In a family spirit, each brother and sister should make a contribution to the Fraternity fund, according to each one’s means, to provide the financial means needed for the life of the Fraternity and for its religious, apostolic, and charitable works. The brothers and sisters will also provide the means necessary for supporting the activities and the operations of the Fraternities at higher levels, both by their financial assistance and by their contributions in other areas as well.

 

+What kind of leadership is expected of the minister and councilors? [Articles 31 and 32]

Article 31

1. Rule 21. “On various levels, each Fraternity is animated and guided by a Council and Minister (or President).” [See complete document]

2. The office of Minister or Councilor is a fraternal service, a commitment to hold oneself available and responsible in relation to each brother and sister and to the Fraternity so that each one may realize his or her own vocation and each Fraternity may be a true community, ecclesial and Franciscan, actively present in the Church and in society.

3. The leaders of the OFS at every level must be perpetually professed, convinced of the validity of the Franciscan evangelical way of life, attentive to the life of the Church and of society with a broad and encompassing vision, open to dialogue, and ready to give and receive help and collaboration.

4. [See complete document.]

 

Article 32

1. The Ministers and Councilors should live and foster the spirit and reality of communion among the brothers and sisters, among the various fraternities, and between them and the Franciscan family. They should, above all, cherish peace and reconciliation in and around the fraternity.

2. Rule 21. The Ministers’ and Councilors’ task to lead is temporary. [See complete document.]

 

After having read the complete articles mentioned above, please comment on the following:

+How does your fraternity and its members “live up to” what is described in articles 28 and 30? What is most challenging?

+Describe the leadership in your fraternity. Do the Minister and Councilors exemplify articles 31 and 32? How?
+What would be the ideal servant leadership team for your fraternity?

Formación 9 agosto, 2024 (Compartir con su fraternidad local.) Preguntas frecuentes #2

 

Preguntas Frecuentes Respondidas por nuestras Constituciones Generales (CG): Durante las próximas semanas echaremos un vistazo a algunas preguntas dadas en la edición 2010 del Manual para el Liderazgo de Servicio. Las mismas preguntas surgen a menudo en nuestros consejos y en nuestras fraternidades. Familiarizarse con las Constituciones es muy útil para abordar los problemas que surgen en las fraternidades a todos los niveles. Para obtener la traducción completa y más reciente del documento completo, visite: https://ciofs.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ES-Constituciones-generales-OFS-s.pdf

 

+¿Cuál es el propósito de la fraternidad? [GGCC Artículo 28]

1. La Fraternidad de la OFS tiene su origen en la inspiración de San Francisco de Asís,… [Vea el documento completo]

2. Regla 20. “La OFS se divide en Fraternidades, de diversos niveles”, con el fin de promover de forma ordenada la unión y la colaboración mutua entre los hermanos y su presencia activa y comunitaria, tanto en la Iglesia particular como en la Iglesia universal. [Vea el documento completo]

3. Vea el documento completo

 

+ ¿Qué responsabilidades tienen los miembros para con sus fraternidades? [GGCC Artículo 30]

1. Los hermanos son corresponsables de la vida de la Fraternidad a la que pertenecen y de la OFS como unión orgánica de todas las Fraternidades extendidas por el mundo.

2. El sentido de corresponsabilidad de los miembros exige la presencia personal, el testimonio, la oración, la colaboración activa, según las posibilidades de cada uno y los eventuales compromisos para la animación de la Fraternidad.

3. Regla 25. Con espíritu de familia, cada hermano deposite en la caja de la Fraternidad una aportación, según sus posibilidades, con el fin de facilitar los recursos financieros necesarios para la vida de la Fraternidad y para sus obras de culto, apostolado y caridad. Los hermanos, además, proveerán al financiamiento de las actividades y de las obras de las Fraternidades de nivel superior con otras aportaciones económicas.

 

¿Qué tipo de liderazgo se espera del ministro y del consejero? [Artículos 30 y 31]

Art. 31

1. Regla 21. “En los diferentes niveles, cada Fraternidad es animada y guiada por un Consejo y un Ministro (o Presidente)”. [Vea el documento completo.].

2. El oficio de Ministro o de Consejero es un servicio fraterno, un compromiso de disponibilidad y responsabilidad respecto a los hermanos y a la Fraternidad, para que cada uno se realice en su vocación y cada Fraternidad sea una verdadera comunidad eclesial franciscana, activamente presente en la Iglesia y en la sociedad.

3. Los Responsables de la OFS de cada nivel sean hermanos profesos perpetuos, convencidos de la validez de la vida evangélica franciscana, atentos, con visión amplia y generosa, a la vida de la Iglesia y de la sociedad, abiertos al diálogo, dispuestos a dar y recibir ayuda y colaboración.

4. [Vea el documento completo.]

 

Art. 32

1. Los Ministros y Consejeros vivan y promuevan el espíritu y la comunión entre los hermanos, entre las diversas Fraternidades y entre éstas y la Familia Franciscana. Procuren, por encima de todo, la paz y la reconciliación en el ámbito de la Fraternidad.

2. Regla 21. El oficio de guía de los Ministros y Consejeros es temporal. [Vea el documento completo.]

 

Después de haber leído los artículos completos mencionados anteriormente, comente lo siguiente:
+¿Cómo su fraternidad y sus miembros “cumplen” lo que se describe en los artículos 28 y 30? ¿Qué es lo más difícil? +Describa el liderazgo de su fraternidad. ¿El Ministro y los Consejeros ejemplifican los artículos 31 y 32? ¿Cómo?
+¿Cuál sería el equipo de liderazgo de servicio ideal para su fraternidad?

 

 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Vice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USA
Listen – Discern – Go Forth National Theme 2022-2025
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