Comparison of Formation Texts

Comparison of Formation Texts
Developed by St. Francis Region, California

Note: Because of the many formatted tables in this web page, it is nearly impossible to print. Here is a MS-Word "DOC file, which holds everything in this page, but is not formatted that well. Good luck with it! And, God bless! (Fred S., Webmaster)

Peace and all good to you, our brothers and sisters of Brothers and Sisters of St. Francis Region!

Today God has blessed us with many Formation Texts that are available to us as Secular Franciscans. We, on the Formation Commission of the Brothers and Sisters of St. Francis Region, have attempted to compare these texts in the hope that it will assist our local Formation Directors in the task of discerning which text(s) to use in their formation programs.

This packet contains the following materials:

"Checklist for Secular Franciscan Resource Materials"

by Anne Mulqueen, SFO, National Formation Commission member

"General Comments Regarding Choosing Formation Texts and Ordering Materials", by Christine Washington, SFO, Formation Director, Brothers and Sisters of St. Francis Region

Comparison of the following:

Initial Formation Texts:

• "Come and See",

by Fr. Lester Bach, OFM Cap. & Teresa V. Baker, SFO

• "Imitating the Life of Francis",

by Dorothy Henkes, SFO& Fr.Silas Baumann, OFM Cap

• "Catch Me A Rainbow Too",

by Fr. Lester Bach, OFM Cap

• "Fully Mature With The Fullness of Christ",

by Fr. Benet Fonck, OFM

Comparison of Texts Devoted to the Secular Franciscan Rule:

• "Gospel Living Every Day of our Lives: A Formation Guide to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order", by Teresa Baker, SFO

• "Called to Follow Christ: A Commentary on the Secular Franciscan Rule by the National Assistants Commentary Commission", by Benet Fonck, OFM

• "Called to Proclaim Christ: Short Reflections on the SFO Rule", by Benet Fonck, OFM

• "Called to Live the Dynamic Power of the Gospel: Commentary on the Rule of the SFO", by Philip Marquard, OFM

• "From Gospel to Life: The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order with Commentary" by Benet Fonck, OFM

Comparison of Ongoing Formation Texts:

• "St. Francis and the Foolishness of God", by Marie Dennis, Joseph Nangle, OFM, Cynthia Moe-Lobedo, Stuart Taylor

• "Through the Veil of Morning: An Inner Journey in the Pathways of Francis & Clare of Assisi", by Liam Francis Costello, OFM

• "Formation Digests", by NAFRA / USA

• "Called to Rebuild the Church: A Spiritual Commentary on the General Constitutions of the Secular Franciscan Order", by Fr. Lester Bach, OFM Cap

• "To Live As Francis Lived: A Guide for Secular Franciscans", by Leonard Foley, OFM, Jovian Wiegel, OFM, Pattie Normile, SFO

Comparison of Formation Reference Texts:

• Guidelines for Initial Formation in the Secular Franciscan Order of the United States", by the National Formation Commission of the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order

• "Elements of Formation: A Reflection On The Formation Process", by the Presidency of the International Council of the Secular Franciscan Order

The texts that we have reviewed are by no means exhaustive, especially regarding ongoing formation texts, but we hope that this is a start in the examination of some of the formation materials available.

We have presented in table format the material that is in each of these texts. Hopefully, by knowing what’s in the texts, our local formation directors can choose formation texts that are the best "fit" for each of their particular fraternities.

May our precious Lord bless each and every one of us as we attempt to do His will in seeing to the formation needs of our brothers and sisters in our Secular Franciscan Order.

Pax et bonum!

Formation Commission, Brothers and Sisters of St. Francis Region

August, 2002

CHECKLIST FOR SECULAR FRANCISCAN FORMATION RESOURCES

(As proposed by National Formation Commission member Anne Mulqueen, S.F.O., March 2001)

When a Formation Director or Formation Team needs to determine the extent to which a particular text is a good resource to use for Secular Franciscan formation, put it to the following test.

_ Check for YES

Does the resource evidence explicit and consistent reference to the Second Vatican Council, the 1978 Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order, the 1985 Ritual of the SFO, and the General Constitutions of the SFO?

Does the resource convey a clear statement of the nature of the Secular Franciscan vocation with emphasis on the permanent and secular aspects of this vocation?

Does the resource emphasize that our formation is never-ending process and that initial formation is simply the beginning of a Secular Franciscan's lifetime journey to God by following the example of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi?

Does the resource contain references to the following essential elements of each formation session: (1) The Gospel; (2) The SFO Rule; (3) Franciscan writings; (4) Church documents, especially Vatican II and subsequent documents on the role of the laity in the Church?

Does the resource provide opportunities to apply insights and knowledge acquired through the formation process so that, in truth, the lives of those in formation are transformed?

Does the resource contain clear examples of Secular Franciscan spirituality and apostolic involvement, especially with regard to the work of the apostolic commissions?

Does the resource emphasize that our vocation commits us to a life of living the Gospel in fraternity, to a communal way of life rather than a life of private piety lived in isolation from other Secular Franciscans?

Does the resource accentuate that in our daily lives, we live the essence of the Gospel by following Francis and Clare of Assisi (1) through a process of ongoing conversion; (2) in community; (3) as secular people; and (4) in life-giving union with all Franciscans?

Does the resource, if used for initial formation, fully explain the Rites and Ceremonies experienced during initial formation and does it emphasize the significance of these Rites and Ceremonies in the continuing journey of formation?

If you have checked "yes" for six or more questions, the resource can be considered good to excellent. If you have checked "yes" for less than six questions, in all likelihood the resource is not appropriate for primary use.

General Comments Regarding Choosing Formation Texts and Ordering Formation Materials

(Christine Washington, SFO, Formation Director Brothers and Sisters of St. Francis Region August 2002)

Formation Texts

Formation texts should fulfill a number of different purposes. Among them are the following:

We have to increase our awareness of & knowledge of our Secular Franciscan vocation. (Emphasized in Carole Gentile’s presentation "What Do We Do As Franciscans?" Quinquennial Congress, July 2002)

o Formation texts must help us in this process.

o This increase of awareness and knowledge is an important function of the formation text for both initial and ongoing formation.

Formation texts should also assist members of the Formation Team in the process of discernment.

o The Orientation Phase and Inquiry Phase of formation are critical in the discernment of a vocation. ("Come and See" by Teresa Baker, SFO and Fr. Lester Bach, OFM Cap, pgs 7-11)

o "The goal is for the local fraternity Council to come to a mature discernment of the candidate’s suitability for commitment to a Secular Franciscan way of life.", ("Handbook for Secular Franciscan Servant Leadership" edited by David D. & Therese A. Ream, SFO, pg 38.)

o The person in initial formation also needs to accurately discern if he or she has a vocation and the candidate needs to determine of the Secular Franciscan life is for himself or herself. ("Handbook for Secular Franciscan Servant Leadership" edited by David D. & Therese A. Ream, SFO, pg 39.)

It is our opinion that in any formation text the inclusion of Reflection Questions can help us both increase our knowledge of our vocation and assist us in the process of discernment of our vocation.

o Reflection Questions can give the Formation Director a clear focus regarding points that the author of the text wants to stress.

o Reflection Questions help us take information given and translate it to real life situations. This helps us "think on our feet" in our attempts to go from Gospel to Life and Life to the Gospel.

o Reflection Questions can assist members of the Formation Team in leading the formation group discussion / sharing sessions.

o Commentary minus Reflection Questions puts the onus on the Formation Director to develop his or her own questions.

§ Does the formation text include Reflection Questions?

Ordering Formation Materials

The National Formation Commission benefits from your orders from Barbo-Carlson Enterprises

A list of formation texts & materials available from Barbo-Carlson Enterprises can be found on the last page of Tau-USA (NAFRA Newsletter)

Although the ordering page for Barbo-Carlson Enterprises indicates a separate S&H charge for each book ordered, these charges are adjusted when you buy a number of books, even if they are single copies of different texts.

A catalogue for Franciscan Resources can be ordered from their address (found in the tables in this document)

Both Barbo-Carlson Enterprises and Francis and Clare Publications do not ask for materials to be pre-paid, but Franciscan Resources does. Franciscan Resources will only accept Mastercard or Visa.

Comparison of More Texts

Since this comparison is so limited in the number of books presented we would hope that more books could be added to it in the future. If you have a text that you would like to review according to the table presented here, please send the review to: Christine Washington, SFO, 116 Chapel Drive, Hueytown, AL 35023-1635, 205/491-9214, clunawash@aol.com

Comparison of Initial Formation Texts

Book and author
"Come and See"

by

Fr. Lester Bach, OFM Cap
Teresa V. Baker, SFO

"Imitating the Life of
Francis"

By

Dorothy Henkes, SFO
Fr. Silas Baumann, OFM Cap

"Catch Me A Rainbow Too"

by

Fr. Lester Bach, OFM Cap

"Fully Mature With The Fullness of Christ"

by

Fr. Benet Fonck, OFM

Intended Audience Orientation Phase
Inquiry Phase Orientation Phase
Inquiry Phase
Candidacy Phase
(May be used for on-going formation also)

Candidacy Phase Inquiry Phase

Candidacy Phase

Book Set Up 5 ½ " x 8 ½", spiral bound
111 pgs, aver chapt = 7 pgs
available on a CD
Orientation = 6 chapters
Inquiry = 6 chapters 8 ½" x 11", 3 hole punched
301 pgs, average chapt= 5 pg
Orientation = 4 sessions
Inquiry = 6 sessions
Candidacy = 24 sessions
(adapted to 1, 1 ½ , 2 yr )
5 ½ " x 8 ½", spiral bound
448 pgs, aver chapt = 16 pgs

Candidacy = 24 chapters
8 ½" x 11", 3 hole punched
450 pgs, aver chapt = 24 pgs
Inquiry = 6 chapters
(can be adapted to 12)
Candidacy = 12 chapters
(can be adapted to 24)

Price (as of 8/2002) /
Available from:
$13 {book $6.50} CD
copyright 2001

Barbo-Carlson Enterprises
Box 189, Lindsborg, KS 67456
785/227-2364, bevbarbo@informatics.net

(**NAFRA benefits from orders from Barbo-Carlson)

Franciscan Resources

PO Box 350, Rt 4
Menahga, MN 56464
800/772-6910

franres@wcta.net
$10 {3 hole punched without binder $12} 3 hole punched in binder
postage extra

copyright 2002

Francis and Clare Publications
c/o Ken Beattie, SFO
2951 West Bridge St.
Greenfield, WI 53221
414/727-8611

beatiesfo@aol.com
$16
copyright 1999

Barbo-Carlson Enterprises
Box 189, Lindsborg, KS 67456 785/227-2364,
bevbarbo@informatics.net

(**NAFRA benefits from orders from Barbo-Carlson)

Franciscan Resources
PO Box 350, Rt 4
Menahga, MN 56464
800/772-6910

franres@wcta.net
$16
copyright 1995 [Third Edition]

Franciscan Press

Franciscan Resources

PO Box 350, Rt 4

Menahga, MN 56464

Phone orders} 800/772-6910

Fax orders} 218/837-5447

Franres@wcta.net

Chapter Organization Chapter Organization • continued	• Chapter Focus • Questions for Dialogue • Chapter Assignments • Recommended Books ____"Come and See"_______	Orientation & Inquiry: • Opening Prayer • Chapter Outline • Chapter Focus as per outline • Closing Prayer Candidacy: • Opening Prayer • Chapter Outline • Chapter Focus as per outline "Imitating the Life of Francis"_ • Questions to be answered in a few words • Session Application to Life • Practice • Assignment	• Chapter Focus • SFO Rule with Commentary (relates to chapter focus) • Franciscan Focus • Questions (relate to all above) • Scripture Reading with reflection "Catch Me A Rainbow Too" (relates to chapter focus)	PHASE I: GROUP STUDY• Quotes from: • SFO Rule • Sacred Scripture • St. Francis of Assisi • St. Clare • Church Liturgy or Dogma • Text for Study • References for Further Study • Required Reading "Fully Mature With the Fullness of Christ" •SFO General Constitution • Recommended Reading •Vatican II Documents • Quotes from Francis Resour • Citat’s from addit refer • *Questions for Group Study* PHASE II: INDIVIDUAL STUDY PROGRAM PHASE III: ACTIVITY PHASE IV: LITURGICAL SERVICE
Extras	Helpful Hints: 18 pgs • Ways of Adult Learning • Personality Types & Formation • How to ask questions • SFO Formation Process: • Ea phase } Orient, Inquiry, Candidacy & Ongoing has: • explanation • phase time frame • suggested content • rite • bibliography • Signs a person may have a call to the SFO • Signs a person may not have a call to the SFO • Interview Guide For Prospective Members	• Forward •with websites •explains what subjects will be covered • Appendix 1: Address of Pope Pius XII 7/1/56 • Appendix 2: Address of Pope Paul VI 5/19/71 • Appendix 3: References • includes websites • Appendix 4: Alphabetical Topical Index • Appendix 5: General Constitutions of the Secular Franciscan Order (12/8/2000) Most of the material in the Candidacy Phase is taken verbatim from Foley & Weigel’s "The Third Order Vocation". • Rites of Welcome & Admission** are included • Specific passages from Vatican II Documents are also included	Bibliography: 4 pgs Index: • Scripture Quotes • St. Clare • St. Francis • SFO Rule • Omnibus of Sources • Little Flowers of St. Francis • Constitution on Div Const • Vatican II – USCC • Past Const. on the Church in the Modern World • Vatican II – USCC • Topical Index	Appendix 32 pgs "How to Use Fully Mature With the Fullness of Christ" Part I: General Principles of Formation • Definition & Goal of Formation • Teaching Methods • Resources • Physical Factors & Agents of Formation Part II: The Particulars of Fully Mature With the Fullness of Christ • Structure of this formation program • Structure of each session • Adaptability of Fully Mature …
Subjects Covered Subjects continued	Orientation: • Gospel focus • Elements of Secular Franciscan life • Symbols & History • Franciscan Values & Theology • Discernment ____"Come and See"_______ Inquiry: • Call to Holiness • Holy Spirit • Listening • History of Francis & Clare • Rule, Constitutions etc • Gospel Life	Orientation: • Anecdotes on St. Francis • Brief history of SFO • Franciscan symbols Inquiry: • SFO Formation • Franciscan Spirituality "Imitating the Life of Francis"_ • Rule • History of SFO Candidacy: • Gospel Life • Christ • Love, grace • BVM • Penance • Poverty, chastity, obedience • Prayer • Commissions	• Includes history & anecdotes of our order and founder St. Francis and St. Clare • Closely examines SFO Rule and history of the Rule • Describes the importance of Sacred Scripture "Catch Me A Rainbow Too" • Describes the importance of the promises of poverty, chastity, and obedience • Listening to and study of Sacred Scripture • Application of Sacred Scripture to our lives	Inquiry: • Our universal call to holiness • Holy Spirit’s role • Lives of St. Francis and St. Clare • History of Franciscan Order • Gospel Life "Fully Mature With the Fullness of Christ" Candidacy: • Community • Poverty, chastity and obedience • Evangelization • Prayer • Secular nature of our vocation • BVM
Use of Reflection Questions	• Reflection Questions are included in all sessions except the first Orientation session (an interview) • Easily used for group sharing	• Only 1 reflection question is included in the Orientation Phase (first session) • The Inquiry Phase has no reflection questions • The Candidacy Phase has reflection questions for each chapter that can be easily used for group discussion	• Reflection Questions are included in every chapter • They are addressed to the individual but can easily be used for group sharing and discussions	• Reflection Questions for Group Discussion are included in every chapter for both the Inquiry and Candidacy Phases of Formation
Writing Style	• Enthusiastic, personal • Forthright and clear • read easily • appeal to those of varied educational backgrounds	• Simple, direct • Forthright and clear • read easily with a basic style • appeal to those of varied educational backgrounds	• Enthusiastic, personal • Forthright and clear • read easily • appeal to those of varied educational backgrounds	• Enthusiastic • Forthright and clear • Scholarly approach • readability is on a moderate level
Use of References	• Variety of Recommended Reading from Franciscan Resources	• Sacred Scripture • Franciscan Sources embedded into the text. • 1 biography as assignment: "Journey & Dream" by Murray Bodo, OFM • Rule & Vatican II Documents are inserted into the text	Ample references to: • Rule & General Constitutions • Sacred Scripture • Franciscan & lay writings • Church documents • Extensive bibliography (not overwhelming)	Voluminous references to: • Rule & General Constitutions • Sacred Scripture • Franciscan & lay writings • Church documents • Vatican II Documents • Extensive bibliography
General Comments General Comments Continued	• Psychological/social components of our vocation are highlighted	• This very newly published formation text seems to make an effort to include almost everything that’s necessary right in the body of the text. • Its simple, direct style can appeal to those who would not do well with a more scholarly approach. • The Orientation and Inquiry Phases are very different in their presentation and material from both "Come and See" and "Fully Mature". • The Formation Director would have to develop own questions to help in discernment of a vocation in these crucial phases. • They very nicely indicate which chapters should be covered in adapting the material to a 12 month, 18 month or 24 month Candidacy program.	• Psychological/social components of our vocation are highlighted • The focus on reading and listening to Sacred Scripture is another topic not highlighted in other texts.	• The activities for discernment of vocation in Inquiry phase are excellent • Fr. Benet’s suggestions for adapting chapters to extend phase time frames: Period of Inquiry. This lasts at lease six months with the first six lessons of "Fully Mature"; if desired, this time of inquiry could be stretched to one year, following the same program as given below for Candidacy. Time of Candidacy. If two years of candidacy are envisioned, there would be two months devoted to each lesson or topic. Month 1 would include the time of reflection, the presentation of the theme by a member of the formation team (or the one so designated), and the sharing of other insights on that theme by the candidates from the other resources read. Month 2 would include the reflection again, plus the group sharing of answers to the questions, plus any insights or observations from the personal study and the activities. Before the beginning of the next session would be celebrated the liturgical service from the previous lesson.

Comparison of Texts Devoted to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order

Book and author	Gospel Living Every Day of our Lives A Formation Guide to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order by Teresa V. Baker, SFO	Called to Follow Christ A Commentary on the SF Rule by the National Assistant’s Commentary Commission By Benet A. Fonck, OFM	Called to Proclaim Christ Short Reflections on the SFO Rule by Benet A. Fonck, OFM	Called to Live the Dynamic Power of the Gospel Commentary on the Rule of the SFO by Philip Marquard, OFM
Intended Audience	Initial Formation Ongoing Formation	Ongoing Formation	Ongoing Formation	Ongoing Formation
Book Set Up	5 ½ " x 8 ½ ", 131 pgs. copy write 1994 Barbo-Carlson Enterprises	6" x 9", 139 pgs copy write 1997 Franciscan Press	6" x 9", 60 pgs copy write 1998 Franciscan Press	6" x 9", 103 pgs copy write 1998 Franciscan Press
Price (as of 8/2002) Available from:	$10 / Barbo-Carlson Enterprises (see above for address etc.) $10.75/ Franciscan Resources (see above for address etc.)	$15.95 / Franciscan Resources (see above for address etc.)	$12.95 / Franciscan Resources (see above for address etc.)	$13.95 / Franciscan Resources (see above for address etc.)
Chapter Organization	• Franciscan Focus • Reflection Questions • Rule • Integration & Decision Questions	• Text of the Rule • Reflection • Study Guide • Reflection Questions	• Text of each article of the Rule • Commentary	• Text of each article of the Rule • Commentary
Subjects Covered	• Guide for Formation Directors • Historical Background of SFO Rule • The SFO Rule	• The SFO Rule	• The SFO Rule	• The SFO Rule
Use of Reflection Questions	• Reflections Questions and Integration & Decision Questions in coverage of every article of the Rule • Two sets of Reflection Questions and Integration & Decision Questions } one set is for Initial Formation; another set is for Ongoing Formation	• Reflection Questions are included at the end of each section • Reflection Questions can be used for the individual or for group sharing.	• Does not have Reflection Questions	• Does not have Reflection Questions
Writing Style	• Forthright and clear • read easily • can appeal to those of varied educational backgrounds	• Forthright and clear • readability is on an easy to moderate level	• Personal • Forthright and clear • readability is on an easy to moderate level	• Personal • Forthright and clear • readability is on an easy to moderate level

Comparison of Ongoing Formation Texts

Book and author	St. Francis and the Foolishness of God by Marie Dennis, Joseph Nangle, OFM, Cynthia Moe-Lobedo, Stuart Taylor	Through the Veils of Morning An Inner Journey in the Pathways of Francis & Clare of Assisi by Liam Francis Costello, OFM	Formation Digests by NAFRA / USA	Called to Rebuild the Church A Spiritual Commentary on the General Constitutions of the SFO by Lester Bach, OFM Cap.
Intended Audience	Ongoing Formation • Social Justice focus	Ongoing Formation	Initial Formation Ongoing Formation	Ongoing Formation
Book Set Up	5" x 8", 181 pgs. copy write 1993 by authors	Copy write 2000 Veritas Publications	8 ½ " x 11", 9 sets of 4 pgs Copy write 2001 NAFRA/USA	6" X 9", 206 pgs Copy write 1997 Franciscan Press
Price (as of 8/2002) Available from:	$14 / Franciscan Resources (see above for address etc.)	$16.95 / ACTA Publications 4848 N. Clark Street Chicago, IL 60640	$5 /Complete set of 9 Barbo-Carlson Enterprises (see above for address etc.) *NAFRA benefits from orders	$16.95 / Franciscan Resources (see above for address etc.)
Subjects Covered	• Events in the life of St. Francis with social & theological reflections for today • Encounter with the poor • Francis & non-violence • Ongoing conversion • Community etc.	• Introduction to Franciscan Spirituality • Preliminaries for Understanding Franciscan: • Creation • Spirituality • Humility • Sisterhood & Brotherhood • Peace	• Francis of Assisi • Clare of Assisi • Franciscan Prayer • Franciscan View of Christ • Franciscan View of Mary • Peace and Justice • Care of Creation • Spirituality • Vision of Youth	• General Constitutions of the Secular Franciscan Order • ** not version published in 2000
Use of Reflection Questions	• Thought provoking reflection questions at the end of each section • Can be used easily for individual or group sharing	• Can be used easily for individual or group sharing	• Does not have Reflection Questions	• Does not have Reflection Questions
Writing Style	• Forthright and clear • read easily • can appeal to those of varied educational backgrounds	• read easily • can appeal to those of varied educational backgrounds • good for ongoing formation or weekend retreat	• Forthright and clear • read easily • can appeal to those of varied educational backgrounds	• Forthright and clear • readability is on an easy to moderate level
Use of References	• Sacred Scripture • First Order Rule • Lay Literature • Franciscan Literature	• Sacred Scripture • Franciscan Literature • Rule, Omnibus etc.	• Sacred Scripture • Franciscan Literature • SFO Rule • Church Documents	• Sacred Scripture • Documents of Vatican II • Franciscan Literature • Church Documents

Comparison of Reference Texts, Ongoing Formation Text & Text Devoted to the Rule

Book and author	Guidelines for Initial Formation in the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States by National Formation Commission of the National Fraternity of The Secular Franciscan Order	Elements of Formation: A Reflection On The Formation Process By Presidency of The International Council of The Secular Franciscan Order	To Live As Francis Lived A Guide for Secular Franciscans By Leonard Foley, OFM, Jovian Wiegel, OFM, Pattie Normile, SFO	From Gospel to Life The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order With Commentary By National Assistant’s Commission, Benet A. Fonck, OFM Coordinator
Intended Audience	Reference tool for Formation Team	Reference tool for Formation Team	Initial Formation Ongoing Formation	Initial Formation Ongoing Formation
Book Set Up	8 ½" x 11" , 83 pgs copy write 1986 NAFRA	8 ½" x 11" , 38 pgs copy write 1992 NAFRA	6" x 9", 232 pgs	3 ¾" x 8 ½", 32 pgs copywrite 1997 Franciscan Press
Price (as of 8/2002) Available from:	$5 / Barbo-Carlson Enterprises (see above for address etc.) $6 / Franciscan Resources (see above for address etc.)	$5 / Barbo-Carlson Enterprises (see above for address etc.) $6 / Franciscan Resources (see above for address etc.)	$10.95 / Franciscan Resources (see above for address etc.)	$1.25 / Franciscan Resources (see above for address etc.)
Subjects Covered	• Meaning & Characteristics of Formation • Agents of Formation • Phases of Formation • Content of Formation • Methodology of Formation • Aspects of Formation	• Franciscan Formation • Methods • Evaluation • Stages of Formation • Agents of Formation • Responsible parties of Formation	• The Foundation /11 sessions • Conversion / 11 sessions • Prayer / 8 sessions • The Apostolates/ 17 sessions • practical involvement • Structure/ 5 sessions •commitment to Gospel life in community	• Text of each article of the Rule • Commentary
Use of Reflection Questions	• Does not need or have Reflection Questions	• Does not need or have Reflection Questions	• 2+ end of each session plus Scripture Readings • Application to Daily Life	• Does not have Reflection Questions
Writing Style	• clear and direct	• clear and direct	• straightforward, easily read, universal appeal	• straightforward, easily read, universal appeal
Use of References	• SFO Rule • Ritual • Franciscan Sources • SFO Formation texts • Vatican II Documents • General Constitutions	• General Constitutions & Rule • International Statutes • Scripture • Vatican II Documents • Franciscan Documents • SFO Ritual • Franciscan Sources	• Rule / many articles + entire Rule in Appendix • Sacred Scripture – many • Resource list • Suppl books, audio & internet references, Fran Res Centers • Vatican II Documents	• Sacred Scripture • Vatican II Documents • Church Documents • Franciscan Sources • OFM Rule

Article 6 - Secular Franciscan Rule

"They have been made living members of the Church in Baptism; ...
Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments
of her mission among all people
Proclaiming Christ by their life and words."

Is God Calling You to the Secular Franciscan Order?

The process of becoming a professed Secular Franciscan is a journey that involves three separate stages and culminates in a lifelong commitment to live the gospel following the example of St. Francis of Assisi. This formation process unfolds in regularly scheduled formation sessions during which the home study material is thoroughly discussed.

The first stage, Orientation, provides time for dialogue and developing relationships in fraternity. During Orientation you will be introduced to the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare and share in Franciscan prayer life. You will be given general information about the Secular Franciscan Order. Orientation is a time to discern if the Spirit is calling you to a Secular Franciscan vocation. The period of Orientation is a minimum of three months.

The second stage, Inquiry, is the first formal period of initiation. It is a time of in-depth study of the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. During Inquiry you will learn about the Franciscan charism and Franciscan history. You will deepen your understanding of what it means to be secular and Franciscan, and you will continue to discern if the Spirit is calling you to the Secular Franciscan way of life. The period of Inquiry is a minimum of six months. If a vocation is discerned, the Inquirer is received into the Order.

The third stage, Candidacy, is the final formal period of initiation. It is a time of preparing for permanent commitment by immersion into fraternity life. Central to this stage of formation is Article 4 of The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order which states, “The rule and life of the Secular Franciscan is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following Saint Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people.” The period of Candidacy is a minimum of eighteen months and culminates in permanent commitment to the gospel life.

After profession of the Rule and permanent commitment to the gospel way of life, the newly professed member joins the rest of the fraternity in ongoing formation.

Source: NAFRA Mar. 2004