Formation

Secular Franciscans are members of a local fraternity, a living and active Christian community. The fraternity is a privileged place for developing their sense of Church, their Franciscan vocation and ministry.

Monthly fraternity gatherings with their common prayer, on-going formation, and fellowship provide the spiritual nourishment that helps us to grow and live as a Christian in the world today.

The Secular Franciscan Order is just that, an Order within the Catholic Church; the Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis or OFS. It is governed by its own Rule of Life as well as general Church Law.

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There are three stages of Initial Formation:

• Orientation – 6 months of exploring the OFS through discernment.

• Inquiry – 6 months of more in-depth dialogue and discernment.

• Candidacy - Through the Rite of Admission, the Inquirer enters the Secular Franciscan Order as a candidate for a period of at least 18 months prior to the Rite of Profession.

   

Formation does not end with Initial Formation, but continues as On-Going Formation for the rest of our lives.

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If you are searching for a way to renew your baptismal commitment, to deepen your relationship with the Lord and give witness to the Kingdom of God here on earth, the Holy Spirit may be inviting you to consider a vocation as a Secular Franciscan.

Becoming a member of the OFS means a life-long commitment to the Franciscan way of life.

The Franciscan Family of Greensboro Fraternity would welcome your inquiry.

franciscansofgreensboro@gmail.com

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