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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?