Guidelines to Initial Formation

Chapter 3

Sections A, B & C

The Phases of Formation

Our Goal Today’s topic: “The Phases of

Formation”.

Today’s presentations will include suggestions and practical solutions to issues/problems that you may encounter.

Since our discussions will take us deeper into this topic than found in your text, I suggest that you put your books away so that you can follow along without feeling lost or confused.

Our “Guidelines” points out that there are three Phases of

Formation: The Inquiry Phase

The Candidacy Phase

The On-going Formation Phase===========================

In reality, our journey doesn’t begin with Inquiry… It starts with curiosity.

As we begin the journey, we experience “stages of development” that will

eventually lead us to the Franciscan Vocation.

Stages of Formation

Since it is important that we provide a good formation environment, we must begin with this topic before addressing the five Stages of Formation.

A. The Franciscan AtmosphereB. First Contacts

C. OrientationD. InquiryE. CandidacyF. Ongoing

Formation must be Authentic

Formation Process was developed to allow gradual maturity.

And what is the goal of formation?

•To effect CONVERSION !

To lead a candidate into a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus... in the tradition and spirituality of the Franciscan Family.

A. The Franciscan Atmosphere of

Formation .

A feeling of welcome and hospitality.

An experience of participation in prayer and joy.

The fraternity is a school of formation…

a COMPLETE & WELL-ROUNDED example of

Franciscan life

Formation Atmosphere ?

Who? – candidates & formation team

What? – use of appropriate materials, environment (flowers?)

Where? – any comfortable setting

When? – pick a time that works for all

How? – using the process found in “Guidelines for Initial Formation”(NAFRA Statutes: Article 19.5a)

The Family’s Formation

It is important to note that all Franciscan Orders are immersed in Formation –

Initial… and … On-Going.

The atmosphere for formation found in each Order is quite similar!

The Family Atmosphere

• Within the Franciscan Family:

• All branches share the same mission, charism and spirit

• The function of the various branches vary, but we each have the same legacy and dreams

• Each branch is equal to and compliments the other

The Franciscan Branches..

Gospel Way of

LifeThird Order

First Order

Second Order

The First Order

Three branches of the First Order:

Order of Friars Minor …. OFM

Order of Friars Minor, Conventual….. OFM Conv.

Order of Friars Minor, Capuchins….. OFM Cap.

..

Order Friars Minor

April 26, 1209

(Pope Innocent III)

OFM Conventuals

1250 *** 1517

OFM Spirituals/ Observants

1517

OFM Capuchins

1528

(Pope Leo X)

(Pope Clement VII)

The Second Order

Founded by St. Clare with St. Francis, this Order is known as:

The Poor Clares…..their initials are P.C.

* the Poor Clares experienced several splits during its history as

did the First Order. (i.e. the Colletines)

The Third Order Prior to Vatican II, our Order was known

as “The Third Order of St. Francis”.

Following that Council, all Orders were required to re-evaluate their Rules & supporting documents, and then to update their Rules to better reflect their founders intentions.

The term “Third Order of” was replaced with “Secular” for our Order and others (i.e. Servite) to better reflect who we are.

The Secular Franciscan Order

The “Third Order of St. Francis” experienced splits as did the other Franciscan Orders

As early as the 13th Century, some Third Order members decided to live in religious community. Various communities called themselves Third Order Regular.

In 1447, the TOR united and became an approved Order by Pope Nicholas V.

i.e. The Felician Sisters in the Pomona Valley, were founded in 1795 in Poland.

..

During the Reformation some members left the Church to join the Anglicans and other “re-formed” churches. The “Third Order” went with them and it still exists in those churches today.

i.e. Anglican:

“The Third Order Society of St. Francis”

Mainline Protestant Denominations: “Ecumenical Franciscan

Order”

Within the Secular Franciscan Community

The SFO spirituality, witness, ministry, and fraternity, all blend well and work together.

Each part of our lives is related to all the other parts; each depends on the others! (see I Cor. 12: 12)

All the parts unify us to make us one -- and strong -- like a cord of many fibers.

If we are to be examples of gospel life in the world, it must be seen in our style of living.

Don’t Forget! We are Part of the Wider Church!

Our actions are directed toward re-building the Church.

We exist because we bring witness to Christ and the Church.

We are called to blend our voices with that of the Church in Rome.

We are called to demonstrate gospel values to the world !

Some Characteristics of Franciscan Penitential Life

..

Fraternity

Life In the World

Simplicity

Service

Littleness

The Church

Joy

Peace

Welcoming/Sharing

P

Characteristic Elements of Franciscan Penitential Life

Our common life is found in fraternity and we are centered in Christ.

We find ourselves suspended vertically between “Life in the World” and “Life in the Church” -- we live in both realms.

Our lives are centered & balanced on the horizontal line stretched betweenservice and peace.

We live simply with a welcoming spirit.

We live a life of joy and littleness..

..

A. The Franciscan Atmosphere

Stage 1 B. First ContactsC. Orientation

D. Inquiry

E. Candidacy

F. Ongoing

A. First Contacts How did you discover the Franciscans? … through the parish bulletin? … through various parish ministries?

Some find us while looking for another meeting.

Some find us because the see our tau or Secular Franciscan jackets.

How they find us is not important because the Holy Spirit sent them.

But, remember… there is only ONE first impression!

First Contacts

We welcome visitors warmly, joyfully and fraternally, with prayer and

example… what they see is who we are.

St. Francis welcomed with joy!

“St. Francis rejoiced with verygreat joy over the coming

and conversion of so great a man…”(1 Celano 27)

Stages of Formation

..

Inquiry

Candidacy

Orientation

Seeking

Discerning

Becoming

Franciscan

Maturing as… Franciscan

ON-GOING

Owning our Vocation

WHOARE

YOU ?

(In or Out)

1st Contacts

First Contacts

When someone is curious about us,AND it seems reasonable to respond, we should follow Jesus’ lead by asking the question :

“What are you looking for?”(Jn. 1:38)

He then invited them to “Come and see.”

(Jn. 1:39)

First Contacts

Each person who comes to us brings their own special gifts – themselves, their faith life, and their life experiences.

Each person who comes to our fraternities will cause change in the fraternity… the dynamics of fraternity will change.

Remember: We influence aspiring members … and they influence us!

First Contacts

This is an important time.

This is a special time.

This is a time of “seeking” for an aspiring member.

AND… this is the time for the fraternity to meet the aspiring member.

First Contact may be more than one meeting. No rush.

First Contacts

The aspiring member is now beginning to ask:

“Is this what I am looking for? Is God calling me?”

This is the time for the Fraternity Council to:

develop a vocation in this person discern if a vocation exists.

First Contacts(For Our Purposes)

Chapter 3, Article 23 of our Rule speaks about a time of formation and initiation.

“Admission into the Order isgradually attained through atime of initiation, a period offormation of at least one yearand profession of the rule. Theentire community is engaged in this process of growth by

its own manner of living.”

Time of Formation & Initiation

Article 19 of our National Statutes specifies the minimum time (beyond the G.C.’s) required for Orientation & Inquiry.

Article 19 also specifies a minimum AND maximum time of formation in Candidacy.

Time of Formation & Initiation

“ Conditions for admission are:

to profess the Catholic faith

to live in communion with the Church

to be good moral standing

and to show clear signs of a vocation.” (GC. 39.2)

Time of Formation & Initiation

N.B.*** The readiness of an aspiring

member to be advanced into the next phase must always be considered.

• Minimum time requirements are only minimum times.

• There is no maximum time for anyone to remain in Orientation or Inquiry.

• One should not be advanced if he/she is not ready... wait !

Intermission: Questions

Is there more than one purpose of Formation? If so, what might they be?

Describe your fraternity’s atmosphere for formation. What would make it better?

What does it mean to live a gospel life? What requirements/conditions must be met

to become a Secular Franciscan? Why might have these been chosen?

As formation is meant to facilitate growth and new ideas, has the formation process in your fraternity stirred the members to grow in their understanding of the Catholic Faith and their vocation? Give examples.

.

A. The Franciscan AtmosphereB. First Contacts

Stage 2 C. OrientationD. Inquiry

E. Candidacy

F. Ongoing

Orientation: The Next Stage

After meeting with the Formation Team, the Fraternity Council will determine collegially if this aspiring member should enter into the next step -- Orientation.

Orientation Formation Content

The Life of St. Francis The branches of the family Overview of the Secular Franciscan

Order Overview of our documents Phases of Formation and expectations Brief review of Catholic Doctrine and

Christian Morals Gospel life

*** This list is basic and minimal.Add what is needed.

Orientation Formation Content ?

Will it be necessary to review the basic teachings of the Catholic Faith in light of Vatican II Christology and ecclesiology?

Will it be necessary to discuss the Vatican II Documents and Canon Law to understand our way of life.

This knowledge is basic to understand the purpose, meaning and structure of our Secular Franciscan life according to the Rule.

Now Is the Time

The aspiring member is to locate and gather their Baptismal, Confirmation, First Eucharist, Marriage Certificates and any other documents necessary to verify eligibility for entrance into the Order.

Is this person in a valid marriage in the eyes of the Church?

Has this person been divorced and remarried?

If so, does this person have a document of nullity?

Now Is the Time

Will this aspiring member be at least 21 years of age at the approximate time for his/her Profession if a vocation exists?

Has this person been a member of another Order?

•If so, why was the person released?•When? •Does he/she have a copy of release.

The Interview Within the first few months, the

aspiring member should be interviewed by a member of the Formation Team. Necessary information to be

gathered might include:•Family•Religious Formation•Sacramental Information•History of faith life•Arrest record? (be discrete !)•Contact person for References

OrientationThe Fraternity Council’s job now

is to determine if: The aspiring member can to enter into

mature, committed relationships. The aspiring member contributes

toward building and strengthening fraternity life.

The aspiring member has meaningful interaction with fraternity members.

Does the aspiring member have a vocation or is he/she looking to join a “club”.

Orientation

The Council must ask itself :

Does this person have a real desire to learn about the Secular Franciscan Order?

Is this person looking for:• a pious organization• an apostolic action• a social life?

Orientation

The Council must ask: Does this person have

responsibilities or restrictions that could keep him/her from following the Rule? (ex. Poor health, emotional or psychological problems., etc.)

Does this person have a basic understanding of the Catholic faith, and display a good mix of apostolic activity and prayer life?

Orientation

Is this person able and willing to actively participate in fraternity life?

Is this person able and willing to actively participate in In the formation program?

Does this person understand that the Secular Franciscan Order is a VOCATION!

Belonging to the SFO is a PERMANENT COMMITMENT ?

Authentic Formation

Before advancing the aspiring member to the next phase of formation, we must ask:

“Is this person ready for a deeper level of formation?”

“Is this person ready for a deeper experience of conversion?”

These questions do not apply only to those in Initial Formation!

What if this Person does not Belong?

Does the prospective member has a potential problem that can keep him/her from living the SFO rule?

Or… does the person not fit intoFraternity life orlife in the order?

*** Perhaps the SFO is the wrong Order for this person.

Handle With Care !!!

Do not wait until 2 weeks before Profession!

This matter must be handled delicately! This matter must be handled immediately! This matter must be handled tactfully! It must be handled with great charity! It must be handled pastorally!

We do not to want destroy this persons desire to answer God’s call or his/her faith.

Suggest options – don’t just send him/her away!

Intermission… Questions Should an aspiring member be told the

minimum times in formation? Why? What does it mean that the council

should meet collegially? Why should the Vatican II documents

and Catholic teachings be discussed ? During an interview we ask many

questions. How should we conduct that conversation? Explain.

During an interview we are not just looking for answers to the questions, but clues about the person’s values and life style. What qualities do you expect to see in an aspiring member?