(This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 Issue of TAU-USA #108)
NATIONAL MINISTER’S MESSAGE
by Jane DeRose-Bamman OFS
Have you heard the adage: “If everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority?”[1]
Of course, we don’t profess to live one article of the Rule at a time. But like the liturgical seasons, or the feast days, it does help to focus on one facet to deepen our understanding of it. We focus on one aspect while still applying the other aspects of our faith and Rule each day.
At many elective chapters, the National Fraternity Council sets priorities for the new National Executive Council (NEC). In October 2022, the National Fraternity Council (NEC members, 30 Regional Ministers and Conference of National Spiritual Assistants) voted on the priorities for the next three years: Vocations, Communications and Relationships.
A few hours after we set the priorities, I was elected OFS-USA National Minister. Seeing that I had the pleasure of serving the OFS- USA on the Vocations Committee for several years, I found the priorities to be very fitting. This article focuses on Vocations. Future articles will address Communications and Relationships.
During my tenure on the Vocations Committee, I worked with many others to come up with tools and ideas for sharing our love for our vocation and how to get the word out about the Order. (See the national website for the Vocations Tool Kit, brochures, Vocation Prayer cards, Testimonials, Elevator Speeches.)
Many of us are lifelong Catholics. What was your reaction when
you first heard about the Secular Franciscan Order? Did you respond: “I wonder why I never heard of it before?” The same thing happened to me as a young adult living in Chicago. This reaction should be the exception.
Article 45 of the OFS General Constitutions charges us individually and as councils to promote vocations.
Are you convinced of the validity of the Franciscan way of life? If so, your enthusiasm should be contagious. I challenge each member of OFS-USA to meditate on why we became Secular Franciscans in the first place. Then, give serious thought to why the Order is special in our lives. Once we have thought and prayed about our own commitment, we will be ready to talk about our vocation to others. We will be ready to “spread the word” and the joy of following Jesus in the footsteps of St. Francis.[2] Who knows how many hearts we will touch?
[1] I can’t really find who penned that saying…. but I know our sister, Mary Bittner, OFS, (former National Vice Minister), has shared it many times in the last few years during NEC meetings or OFS-USA National Fraternity Chapters.
[2] Article 6 of OFS Rule: “…Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments of her mission among all people, proclaiming Christ by their life and words…”
Nice! The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) is in need of new energy that our Catholic young folks have. The Catholic Church itself keeps losing its young; why is this?
Some say the young do not trust hierarchical structures, instead of conforming to a known path, they seek their own path, somewhat free of untrusted structures.
OFS could blend its “Come and See” to include “continuously and personally inviting by “go and find/make” initiatives ; perhaps to be found in National’s Vocation Toolkit? Not everyone is born with a vocation within their vocation; no, it must be “listened to” and “learned,” then it can be “discerned.” Witness and example help.
Hopefully, this does not fly in the face of “We have never done it quite like that.”
I wear my Tau Cross daily and answer the curious questions it generates.
It breaks my heart the statutes have the age requirement set at the age it does for profession I don’t believe that age was the intent of the constitution. We need young people professed as SFO.
Praying patiently.
Dear Sue Ann,
I highly commend you for wearing your Tau Cross every day. I pray that more Secular Franciscans take on this responsibility. Apparently, many Secular Franciscans are not aware that they are expected to wear “a sign (or symbol/insignia) of membership in the Order (General Constitution article 43 & National Statutes article 16 para. 4 – “external sign is TAU”).
While I agree we, as an Order, would benefit from more younger people, I disagree that we should lower the age of profession here in the USA. General Constitutions article 43 states that the minimum age for permanent profession is 18 years (that is world-side standard); it also gives each Nation the right to set a later age in their Statues. The USA has chosen a minimum age of 21 for permanent profession – Initial Formation may start sooner. Permanent profession is meant to be a LIFE-LONG COMMITMENT and, personally, I don’t think most 21-year-oldAmericans are prepared to make such a commitment.
In our country many 21-year-olds are still “getting an education” and that environment doesn’t allow them much time to evaluate & discern about making a LIFE-LONG COMMITMENT to any one person or religious group. Yes, our young people would greatly benefit from participating in a faith-oriented group and that’s why we have Youth/Young Adult groups and encourage our professed members to consider walking with young people in these groups.
Respectfully,
Terri Leone, OFS