The word “encounter” is a buzz word lately, and rightly so. Don’t we all crave community? The presence of others? A real and honest connection between ourselves and the world? We can’t build relationships from a distance.
"We try so hard to steer clear of anything that smacks of pain and suffering, although we are a nation in pain with tremendous suffering. We are brokenhearted. But the Psalmist tells us that God is close to the broken-hearted," Carolyn said in her JPIC award speech.
A new National Executive Council was elected to a three-year term on Saturday, September 13, at the annual Chapter meeting at the Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville, MD.
We adore you, Lord Jesus Christ, here, and in all Your churches throughout the world, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Our relationship with the International Fraternity, CIOFS, begins with all of us being brothers and sisters of Secular Franciscans around the world. I recall former National Minster, Tom Bello, OFS, telling us that we are members of four fraternities: the local, Regional, National and International Fraternities. We are connected to all Franciscans around the world.
The State of the Order address delivered by national minister Jane DeRose-Bamman delivered at Chapter outlines the past, present and future of the Order.
Praising God and welcoming the Holy Spirit into their midst is how Fr. Gary Johnson, OFM Conv., encouraged Secular Franciscan leaders to begin the 2025 Chapter at Bon Secours Retreat Center this week.
Initial formation is the first step in a lifelong journey of learning, growing and discerning our vocations. ... Ongoing formation provides continuous opportunities for conversion and transformation as we strive to live our Rule. Good formation changes us and challenges us to question how we're doing on that journey. It gives us opportunities to reflect on our lives, the choices we make, the interactions that we have, and if we truly are living life to gospel and gospel to life. Formation supports us to continue growing in our vocation as we study the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare, the OFS Rule, and the gospels.
Prayer opens the way for the Holy Spirit to act in us, through God's gifts, leading us to the fullness of divine wisdom.
The Essential Documents of the Secular Franciscan Order (2005) is no longer in print. The Index in this document has been recently updated and has been added to the Home page on the OFS-USA website along with the OFS-USA Governing Documents that are contained within The Essential Documents of the Secular Franciscan Order.