INITIAL FORMATION

PRESENTER

CLAIRE BREEN, SFO

AGENTS OF FORMATION

• HOLY SPIRIT

• Candidate

QUALITIES OF THE CANDIADATE

STRONG DESIRE FOR CONVERSION AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

ONE WHO HAS ASPIRIT OF HOPE AND OPTIIMISM

SPIRIT OF RENEWAL AND A DESIRE FOR GROWTH

A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR AND THE ABILITY TO GET ALONG WITH OTHERS

A DEDICATION TO THE CHURCH AND CHRIST WHICH IS BOTH PERSONAL AND ECCLESIAL

THE DESIRE TO STUDY THE SPIRIT OF FRANCISCANS

EXPECTATIONS OF THE CANDIDATE

Willingness to take an active part in dialogue and study in the formation process and in the life of the fraternity

Willingness to share their talents,charism and gifts

Willingness as well as the ability of being an active agent of their own formation and spiritual growth

THE LOCAL FRATERNITYConstitution Art. 37.3

The local fraternity is called to help the brothers and sisters in their journey by means of a warm welcome, prayer and example.

Rule: Article 23The entire community is engaged in the

process of growth by its own manner of living

THE FRATERNITY COUNCIL

The Fraternity Council must engage in the continuous process of evaluation of the Formation program, improving and strengthens it as needed.

The Council should make sure that those who are involved in the Ministry of Formation are well prepared and should provide the necessary training.

The Council should be very knowledgeable regarding each Candidate.

The Fraternity Council has the duty of implementing the Rule, Constitution and statues regarding Admission, Profession of the candidate and the dismissal of those who show signs that they may not have a vocation

FORMATION DIRECTOR/FORMATION

TEAMQualities of the Formation Director/team

One who gives testimony to Franciscan values

One who is a facilitator of spiritual growth

A person who is well grounded spiritually and psychologically

One who can interpret the signs of the times

HIGHER LEVELS OF FRATERNITY

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides guidelines for the Formation programs

Recommend resources to be used

Evaluate process of Formation

Be aware of the needs of the Fraternities and are able to assist through workshops, consultation etc.

THE SPONSOR

THE SPIRITUAL ASSISTANTAssist the fraternities by

Homilies

Conferences , Retreats

Witness in sharing their own Franciscan life

SPIRITUAL ASSISTANT

Member of the Formation Team

Resource Person

Educator of the Formation Team

Evaluator of the Formation Programs

PHASES OF FORMATION

ORIENTATION

INQUIRY

CANDIDACY

ORIENTATION

Importance

Suggested Content

Length of Time

ORIENTATIONSuggested Content

Reading the life of Francis , Clare and other Saints

Introduction of the Rule and Constitutions

Scripture-we are Gospel people

Different Branches of the Franciscan Family

Knowing the person

What should we know about the individual?

Understanding of the Catholic Faith

Received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Matrimony

If Divorced and remarried –Decree of Nullity

LENGTH OF TIME

Minimum of 3-4 months. Can be longer , but not less

Ceremony of introduction and welcoming Ritual.

INQUIRY

Objective of Inquiry

Discernment

Suggested content

Length of time

Objective of Inquiry

To provide the knowledge and experience necessary to discern whether the Person manifest positive signs of possible having a vocation to the Secular Franciscan way of life

DISCERNMENT

Three basic questions

What is a vocation and how am I called?

What is Gospel life and how am I called to live it?

What is a Vocation to the Secular Franciscan Order and am I called?

SIGNS OF A VOCATION

It is important during these two phases , orientation and inquiry , that both the person and the fraternity discern if this individual demonstrate signs that he or she may or may not be called to this life.

If it is felt that the person shows signs that they probably do not belong it is best to deal with the situation early. This should be done very lovingly.

SUGGESTED CONTENT

More in depth study of the life of Francis and Clare.

Scripture-Practicality of the Gospel Life

History of the SFO

SUGGESTED CONTENT

Rule and Constitution

Introductions to Apostolic CommissionsArticles 15-19

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Hours

LENGTH OF TIME

Minimum of six months, may be more , not less

CANDIDACY

This period of Formation is the most important and begins with the Rite of Admission to the Secular Franciscan Order

OBJECTIVES OF CANDIDACY

To provide knowledge and experience necessary for the Candidate to decide whether or not to make a permanent commitment to the Secular Franciscan Order.

Fraternity Council to discern candidate demonstrates positive signs of a vocation

SUGGESTED CONTENT

Study of the Rule

Constitutions

Franciscan spirituality

Readings regarding our Franciscan way of Life

LENGTH OF TIME

Not less than 18 months

Candidate should understand the commitment that he/she is about to make.

Prior to Profession it is recommended that the Candidate make at least a weekend retreat.

NEVER BE IN A HURRY TO PROFESS A PERSON