Thursday July 24 2008 12:47:47 CDT
This is an electronic version of the brochure sent to all
inquirers as part of the standard 'package' on initial receipt of
a letter expressing interest in the Order. Together with
The Way of St. Francis,
it provides the basic information needed to prepare for entering
the postulancy of the OEF.
The Order of Ecumenical Franciscans
Early in his ministry Francis of Assisi recognized the need
to include within his movement of reform and renewal people
from all walks of life. The work of following Christ in simplicity,
love and joy, which is the vocation of all Christians, could not
be restricted to the traditional religious life of the Friars Minor
or the Little Sisters of Poor Clare. This was true for Francis'
day and remains true of our time.
The Order of Ecumenical Franciscans is a branch on the tree of the
Franciscan renewal movement. People from all walks of life and a variety of theological perspectives find themselves drawn to the core of Christian faith and a lifestyle infused with the Spirit of Christ, as exemplified by the Little Poor Man of Assisi. When a person senses this call to live a more disciplined life in the Spirit and to focus on the simplicity Christ holds forth, then perhaps the fellowship of this little Order is what they may need for their journey with God.
Our purpose is to grow in the love and knowledge of God. We commit to this in a community that supports us with a Rule that guides and instructs us. In the process of getting to know the other members and, God willing, choosing to join with us, the meaning of community becomes clear. Our vow as lifelong, professed members states in part:
"...give myself to our Lord Jesus Christ to serve him for the rest of my life in company with my brothers and sisters in the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans, seeking to spread the knowledge and love of Christ, to promote the ideal of brotherhood
and sisterhood, and to live joyfully a life of simplicity and
humble service after the example of Saint Francis."
What is the Rule?
The Order of Ecumenical Franciscans is governed by a set of Principles established through time, inspired by the Rule of 1221 which Francis
wrote down for the guidance of the Brothers and Sisters of Penance (the original Third Order). Within that set of Principles each member of the Order establishes their own Personal Rule of Life which includes the following points:
- Worship: displine
regarding daily devotions, liturgy of the Church,
Eucharist, Scripture reading.
- Prayer: meditation,
contemplation, solitude, retreats, fasting and related
disciplines.
- Penitence: acts of daily
conversion, self-inventory, acts of reconciliation.
- Work: occupations and
avocations, study, duties, expressions of faith as labor.
- Lifestyle: how one
understands and lives out simplicity, peace-making,
alms-giving.
- Mission: charity, justice,
peace, equality, respect for neighbor and earth,
outreach.
- Obedience: living in a
right sense of humility, being accountable, submission to
various persons or authorities, "listening" to
God.
- Community: relating to
family, Church, the Order and more.
The development of one's personal Rule is a major aspect of the stages of formation and relating within the Order.
The Formation Process
The formation process consists of:
- A postulancy of no less than six months, and
- A novitiate of no less
than two years.
During this period, monthly
reports on the making and keeping of the Rule are sent to a
formation counselor in the Order. This also is a time for
becoming acquainted with our far-flung community and how we
relate to one another in the love of Christ. Letters of support
will be asked of your Spiritual Director and other significant
persons in your life. At the end of the novitiate, the person in
formation may ask to be elected to Profession by the community of
professed members. One must have attended at least one annual
Chapter meeting prior to making this request. At profession you
make a simple vow with intention to keep it for life. This vow is
renewed annually.
All who choose this community must
be in a relationship for spiritual direction, relating to a
person outside their family who is usually a religiously trained
person gifted of God to be a unique soul-friend to others, a
person with whom you can discuss the matters of your own faith
development as a Franciscan.
We also host an Associate level of
relating to the Order with a less rigorous commitment to the
formation process. Please enquire to the Assistant Director of
Formation Counseling for more details.
The Mission of the
Order of Ecumenical Franciscans
"Celebrating God's presence
and grace in everything, following the Poor Christ of the gospels
in lives of mutual care and accountability in harmony with the
faith and practice of the whole Franciscan family, we are the
Order of Ecumenical Franciscans. We seek to grow in the love and
knowledge of God and to serve Jesus Christ in faithfulness to the
spirit and example of Saint Francis of Assisi."
If you would like to continue a
discussion about becoming a member of this Order we invite you to
follow the inquiry process outlined on this web site.
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