By Donna Hollis, OFS
National Executive Committee Councilor
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.
Nice. I agree. Now to do it…