Mentoring

By Donna Hollis, OFS
National Executive Committee Councilor

Donna Hollis profile image

|                   Donna Hollis, OFS

Professed members of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) are responsible for the welfare and growth of our prospective members and have a role as mentor in multiple circumstances.

Following Jesus’ lead, he spent three years discipling the people who followed him. What he gave them was not so much his words, but his example and his energy, his time and his touch; creating relationships.  We need to model that in fraternity.

‘…The Fraternity is called to help the brothers and sisters on this journey by means of a warm welcome, prayer and example.’ (OFS General Constitutions (GC) Article 37.3)

From the first time a person attends a Fraternity meeting, we should walk together as Fraternity on this journey, hand in hand, guiding and teaching through our daily example.

‘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 will 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.’  (GC Article 31.2)

We are called to be witnesses and instruments of the Gospel extending ourselves to those who are interested in following in the footsteps of St. Francis.

I suggest that a mentor be assigned from Orientation through Inquiry to help guide and answer questions as they discern. This sets the stage for making them feel welcome and assists them in navigating new aspects such as the Liturgy of the Hours.

At Candidacy, the Mentor becomes even more involved in the Candidate’s life as example and teacher.  It is a time of getting to know the person and engaging them in activities beyond the local Fraternity.

We continue our mentoring to those who will be called to leadership.  Outgoing leaders should be available to walk with the new council; sharing with them lessons learned and what is expected of them in this office.

A true mentor guides people into their problems and through them.  A wise mentor leads someone to their own center and to the center but by circuitous paths. Trust your intuitions.  May God grant us the grace to serve as strong mentors.

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/11/01/mentoring/

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher

Today’s Gospel makes clear that sight is more important than glory, that understanding is more desired than power. Like James and John, we are attracted to power because power makes things happen, to get things done. Before we ask Jesus for the power to do things, we first ask for the gift of sight.

Father’s Homily – video

Father’s Homily – text

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/10/26/the-gospel-through-a-franciscan-lens-30th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-fr-christopher/

Open post

Formation Friday – Frequently Asked Questions #10 – October 25, 2024

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): This week, and for several more, we continue to spotlight the questions given in the 2010 edition of the Handbook for Servant Leadership. Becoming familiar with the Constitutions is very helpful in addressing these questions and others 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 are the general guidelines and purpose for pastoral and fraternal visits? [GC Article 92]

 

Constitutions Article 92: The Fraternal and Pastoral Visits

Article 92

1. Refers to Rule Art. 26. The purpose of both the pastoral and fraternal visits is to revive the evangelical Franciscan spirit, to assurefor fidelity to the charism and to the Rule, to offer help to fraternity life, to reinforce the bond of the unity of the Order, and to promote its most effective integration into the Franciscan family and the Church.

Paragraphs 2 and 3 speak of the request to the higher level of fraternity for a visitation and the request by a council member for an emergency visitation under special circumstances.

 

+After reading the above article [92]:

–Discuss with a partner or with your fraternity your experience with visitations of your local fraternity.

–If your fraternity has not experienced a visitation from the higher level recently, ask your Minister why this has not happened.

 

Article 93 (Summary)—Fraternal and Pastoral visits Read the entire article here: https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/the-general-constitutions-of-the-secular-franciscan-order-2000/

 

1. The visitor verifies the evangelical and apostolic vitality; observance of the Rule and Constitutions; relationship with the Order and the Church.

2. The visitor will contact council prior to the visit to determine expectations; at the visit will examine the register and records and the previous visitation report; the visitor will share a report with the fraternity visited and will share that report with the council of the higher level which has delegated him/her to do the visit.

3. The visitor will meet with the entire fraternity; with those in formation; and those with special issues.

4. If it benefits the service of the Fraternity, the two visitors, secular and religious, may make the visit at the same time, agreeing beforehand on the program, in a way most consistent with the mission of each of them.

5. The fraternal and pastoral visits, carried out by the immediately higher level, do not prevent the visited Fraternity from having the right to appeal to the Council or to the Conference of Spiritual Assistants of a higher level.

 

+After reading the summary of Article 93 above and the complete article at the link provided, discuss:

–How can the visitor determine if the Rule and Constitutions are being followed?

–Why is the relationship with the Order and the Church so important to the life of a fraternity?

–Discuss why it is so important that everyone see the report that the visitors will write.

–At visitations, do you recall that the visitors met with the entire fraternity? What was the discussion?

–Why would they want to meet with those in initial formation?

 

Our next part of this series will look specifically at the tasks carried out by the fraternal and pastoral visitors. [Articles 94 and 95]

+++++++++++++

Formación 25 de octubre, 2024 Preguntas frecuentes #10 (Por favor compartir con su fraternidad local.)

 

Preguntas Frecuentes Respondidas por nuestras Constituciones Generales (CG): Esta semana, y por varias más, volvemos a las 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

 

+ ¿Cuáles son las líneas guías generales y el objetivo de las visitas pastorales y fraternas? [CCGG Artículo 92]

 

Constituciones Artículo 92: Las visitas fraternas y pastorales

Artículo 92

1. Se refiere a la Regla Art. 26. La finalidad de las Visitas, sea fraterna que pastoral, es reavivar el espíritu evangélico franciscano, asegurar la fidelidad al carisma y a la Regla, ofrecer ayuda a la vida de fraternidad, consolidar el vínculo de unidad de la Orden y promover su más eficaz inserción en la Familia Franciscana y en la Iglesia.

Los párrafos 2 y 3 hablan de la solicitud al nivel superior de la fraternidad para una visita y la solicitud de un miembro del consejo para una visita de emergencia en circunstancias especiales.

 

+Después de leer el artículo anterior [92]:

–Discuta con un compañero o con su fraternidad su experiencia con las visitas de su fraternidad local.

–Si su fraternidad no ha experimentado una visita desde el nivel superior recientemente, pregunte a su Ministro por qué esto no ha sucedido.

 

Artículo 93 (Resumen)– Las visitas fraternas y pastorales–Lea el artículo completo aquí: https://ciofs.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ES-Constituciones-generales-OFS-s.pdf

 

1. El Visitador verifica la vitalidad evangélica y apostólica; la observancia de la Regla y de las Constituciones; relación con la Orden y la Iglesia.

2. El Visitador se pondrá en contacto con el ayuntamiento antes de la visita para determinar las expectativas; En la visita se examinará el registro y los registros y el informe de visitas anteriores; El visitador compartirá un informe con la fraternidad visitada y compartirá ese informe con el Consejo del nivel superior que lo haya delegado para realizar la visita.

3. El Visitador se encontrará con toda la fraternidad; con los que están en formación; y los que tienen problemas especiales.

4. Los dos Visitadores, seglar y religioso, pueden, si conviene al servicio de la Fraternidad, efectuar simultáneamente las Visitas, concordando previamente el programa de la manera más armónica a la misión de cada uno.

5. Las Visitas fraterna y pastoral, efectuadas por el nivel inmediatamente superior, no impiden que la Fraternidad Visitada mantenga el derecho a recurrir al Consejo o a la Conferencia de los Asistentes espirituales del nivel más alto.

+Después de leer el resumen del artículo 93 anterior y el artículo completo en el enlace proporcionado, discuta:

¿Cómo puede el Visitador determinar si se están siguiendo la Regla y las Constituciones?

–¿Por qué es tan importante la relación con la Orden y la Iglesia para la vida de una fraternidad?

–Discuta por qué es tan importante que todos vean el informe que los Visitadores escribirán.

–En las visitas, ¿recuerda Ud. que los Visitadores se reunieron con toda la fraternidad? ¿En qué consistió la discusión?

–¿Por qué querrían reunirse con los que están en formación inicial?

 

La próxima parte de esta serie se enfocará específicamente en las tareas llevadas a cabo por los visitadores fraternos y pastorales. [Artículos 94 y 95]

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

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher

“Jesus is surrendering His future entirely into the hands of the Father in whose power and generosity Jesus places complete trust.  We who wish to follow and imitate Him by our Franciscan profession must accompany Him in this trust as well.”

Father’s Homily – video

Father’s Homily – text

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2024/10/19/the-gospel-through-a-franciscan-lens-29th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-fr-christopher/

Open post

FORMATION FRIDAY – Frequently Asked Questions #9 – October 18.2024

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

Frequently Asked Questions answered by our General Constitutions (GC): This week, and for several more, we continue to spotlight the questions given in the 2010 edition of the Handbook for Servant Leadership. Becoming familiar with the Constitutions is very helpful in addressing these questions and others 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 are the provisions for voluntary temporary withdrawal or suspension? [GC Article 57]

Constitutions Article 57: Voluntary withdrawal or suspension

1. In the case of voluntary withdrawal or of suspension from the Fraternity, the Secular Franciscan may ask to be readmitted by submitting an appropriate written request to the Minister.

2. After examining the reasons offered by the person involved, the Council evaluates whether the causes which led to the withdrawal or suspension can be considered resolved. If the conclusion is affirmative, the Council readmits him or her and the decision is recorded in the proceedings of the Fraternity.

 

+After reading the above article [57]:

–Discuss with a partner or with your fraternity what reasons a member might offer for wanting to return to the fraternity after a TEMPORARY (VOLUNTARY) WITHDRAWAL.

–Discuss why the Council should discuss and evaluate whether the person should return to fraternity life.

–Discuss what reasons a person might offer for wanting to return after SUSPENSION from the fraternity. [How might these reasons be different from those given for returning from temporary (voluntary) withdrawal?]

–Discuss what the Council might be looking for to make a decision regarding readmission of a member after suspension from fraternity life.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND that both the member and the Council need to be open to the action of the Holy Spirit. These can be very challenging discussions. Discussing the circumstances before they ever occur can prepare everyone for what may be needed in the future.

 

Definitive Provisions (It is necessary to read the entire article 58 here: https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020_Dec-updated-Translation_OFS-General-Constitutions-s1469.pdf )

 

Article 58 (highlights)

In 58.1 The member wants to withdraw definitively from the Order. Take note of the important steps:

–Inform Minister in writing; dialogue with the Minister and Spiritual Assistant; confirm in writing to the Council; Council acts and informs the member in writing; withdrawal is recorded in the register and database. (Keep in mind that “definitive provisions” are irrevocable.)

+What are some reasons why a member might decide to withdraw permanently from the Order?

+What kind of discernment should take place before this decision is made?

 

58.2 Dismissal from the Order (This portion of the article should be read carefully and prayerfully.)

It is to be noted that for dismissal, the reasons must be: “grave reasons, that are external, imputable and juridically proven.” [Endnote xix defines “external” as “external to the Order.”]

+According to Article 58.2, under what circumstances might a member be dismissed from the Order?

 

Please spend some time with the remainder of Article 58.3 and.4. If further clarification is needed, please contact your Region for assistance.

++++++++++++++++++++++

ormación 18 de octubre, 2024 (Compartir con su fraternidad local.) Preguntas frecuentes #9

Preguntas Frecuentes Respondidas por nuestras Constituciones Generales (CCGG): Esta semana, y por varias más, volvemos a las 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

 

+ ¿Cuáles son las disposiciones para el retiro o suspensión temporal voluntaria? [Artículo 57 de las CCGG]

 

Constituciones Artículo 57: Abandono voluntario o suspensión

1. El franciscano seglar, en caso de abandono voluntario o de suspensión de la Fraternidad, puede pedir la readmisión dirigiendo una solicitud adecuada, por escrito, al Ministro.

2. El Consejo, examinadas las razones expuestas por el interesado, sopesa si pueden considerarse superados los motivos que habían determinado el abandono o la suspensión y, en caso afirmativo, lo readmite, anotando la decisión en las actas de la Fraternidad.

 

Después de leer el artículo anterior [57]

–Discuta con un compañero o con su fraternidad qué razones podría ofrecer un miembro para querer regresar a la fraternidad después de un RETIRO TEMPORAL (VOLUNTARIO).

–Discutir por qué el Consejo debe discutir y evaluar si la persona debe volver a la vida de fraternidad.

–Discuta qué razones podría ofrecer una persona para querer regresar después de la SUSPENSIÓN de la fraternidad. [¿En qué podrían diferir estas razones de las que se dan para regresar de un retiro temporal (voluntario)?]

–Discutir lo que el Consejo podría estar buscando para tomar una decisión con respecto a la readmisión de un miembro después de la suspensión de la vida de fraternidad.

POR FAVOR, TENGA EN CUENTA que tanto el miembro como el Consejo deben estar abiertos a la acción del Espíritu Santo. Estas pueden ser discusiones muy desafiantes. Analizar las circunstancias antes de que ocurran puede preparar a todos para lo que pueda ser necesario en el futuro.

 

Procedimientos definitivos (Es necesario leer todo el artículo 58 aquí:) https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020_Constituciones-generales-OFS-s2296_Sp.pdf

 

Artículo 58 (destacados)

 

En 58.1 El miembro desea retirarse definitivamente de la Orden. Tome nota de los pasos importantes:

–Informar al Ministro por escrito; dialogar con el Ministro y el Asistente Espiritual; confirmar por escrito al Consejo; El Consejo actúa e informa al miembro por escrito; El retiro se registra en el registro y en la base de datos. (Tenga en cuenta que las “disposiciones definitivas” son irrevocables).

+¿Cuáles son algunas de las razones por las que un miembro podría decidir retirarse permanentemente de la Orden?

+¿Qué tipo de discernimiento debe tener lugar antes de tomar esta decisión?

 

58.2 Desestimación de la Orden (Esta parte del artículo debe leerse detenidamente y con oración).

Cabe destacar que para el despido, las causas deben ser: “causas graves, que sean externas, imputables y jurídicamente probadas”. [Nota xix define “externo” como “externo a la Orden”.]

+Según el artículo 58.2, ¿en qué circunstancias se puede desvincular a un miembro de la Orden?

 

Sírvanse dedicar algún tiempo al resto de los párrafos 3 y 4 del artículo 58. Si necesita más aclaraciones, póngase en contacto con su región para obtener ayuda.f

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