Pace e Bene, all

(I posted this on the list-serve a moment or two ago, but this really seems like the more appropriate place to put it. I've seen, though, that there's a lot more action over there than over here. That said, though:)

As I begin taking my first tentative steps exploring what the pull I feel is I want to get to know you all more. I know that there's a gathering coming up in Boston in just a couple of weeks, and while that's actually my neck of the woods it's a terribly weekend for mi familia -- a LOT going on at home -- so I may not be able to make it at all. ('Though I'm going to try!)

So I'm wondering if any of you would feel like telling some of your stories here. Who's been a member of the Order the longest? Who's the most recent to profess? Who has a great story of struggling with their involvement? Who's always "just known?" What is the most meaningful this about being part of the Order? What about it is the biggest challenge?

I look forward to hearing your stories. (While I'm writing my own spiritual autobiography!)

Erik Walker Wikstrom

I, too, would like to ditto the abov. Relationships are hard work and seems to me harder in electronic media. Also, I would like to know what is the next step in the OEF besides just being a member of this site? Blessings to all.

Erik Good questions. I can only get to the retreat on Friday...Have work Saturday and Sunday Hope you can stop by for a few hours.. And we should connect. Greg

As far as the wonderful questions go: briefly, I've been a novice for a couple of years now, about halfway completed with the formation chapters, enjoying those and the formation/discernment process a great deal.

I was for years and years lucky enough to be a neighbor and friend to the Brothers at an Anglican/Episcopal Franciscan friary, so was, in a way, being "formed" for most of my adult life without being conscious of it. It wasn't until I moved away from that community and began trying to go to regular church that I felt myself distinctly called into a deeper commitment to a Franciscan life (and really only in that distance from community could begin to name my spirituality as essentially Franciscan.) I consider formation a time in which I'm beginning to articulate my own theology - so listening and praying carefully to better understand myself - and also studying Franciscan traditions so that I can better put my finger on what Francis and Clare and subsequent Franciscans taught (ie; what does it mean when I say my spirituality is Franciscan?)

I don't know how many will eagerly say they've struggled with their involvement, but some formations have gone faster than others, some folks sit with the Inquiry process a long time, some speed right on through. There is an incredible level of welcome here, an understanding I've found from the group that each formation - and indeed how each person expresses their profession - is unique and that there is no right way, not even a "norm" to guide us. It isn't a hierarchy with some folks being more in than others. Rather the default assumption seems to be that we are individually and collectively Spirit-led and we're all muddling and praying our way along as best we can.

So I welcome you all to muddle alongside, as little or as long as you feel called. I look forward to seeing those of you coming to Boston next weekend!

Thanks, Alison, for responding and welcoming our two new friends! As she said, we are not all as diligent as we should be on this web site. Those who are actively communicating usually do so on the e-list. That said, this is definitely a better place for discussions.
I'm Christine, better known in the Order as Sister Chris. I've been a professed member since 2002, and am the editor of our newsletter, "Fiddlesticks." I hope you have both found the listing Alison mentioned, and have been in touch with Shoshanah. She will advise you on the next steps in determining whether you wish to join us. I look forward to receiving your introductory paragraphs for "Fiddlesticks." Please be sure to include contact info and let me know if you wish to receive the newsletter via snail mail or e-mail. The newsletter comes out quarterly, and back issues are available on request.
As you have both mentioned, electronic communication is difficult, and is one of the challenges this group faces. We are able to keep a strong sense of community through regional gatherings and our annual Chapter/Convocation in June. I hope you are both able to connect with OEF folks in your area.
Welcome!

Hi folks! Henry - I'm glad you noted the difficulty of electronic relationships! It's certainly theoretically faster than snail mail, but as you all may have noticed, we're not the most technologically hooked-in group on the web. I think that comes from the fact that we aren't, as a rule, "on the web" and many if not most of us aren't at desks lots, which is maybe a really good thing.

Anyway the next step question is easy - there's a Vocations tab over on the left panel there somewhere, it's got some things to reflect on, a Membership Requirements page and then there's a Contact Us tab which gets you to an email window for Inquiries. If you've done all that and haven't heard back from somebody, holler and we'll try to get you connected.