1. THE “FUN” MANUAL “FOR UP TO NOW”
Contents
Additional topics* for
Orientation
Inquiry
Candidacy
*Topics in addition to those listed in Guidelines for Initial Formation

2. ADDITIONAL TOPICS Orientation:
The Franciscan Movement & Franciscan Family
Elements of Ecclesiology & Theology of the Laity
The Creed

3. ADDITIONAL TOPICS Inquiry: Franciscan Movement II – Your Own Journey
What is Formation?
Vocation and Discernment
Charism of Founder & Mission in the Church
Nature of the Secular Franciscan Order
Our Identity as a Secular Franciscan
Scripture & Basic Christian Doctrine

4. ADDITIONAL TOPICS Candidacy: Our Rule (3 sessions) JPIC (2 sessions)
Penitence & Conversion
St. Francis & His Approach to Divinity (2 sessions)
Profession and the Secular Franciscan (2 sessions)
St. Clare of Assisi

5. Candidacy con’t.
Understanding Franciscan Theology Tradition & Spirituality (1-2 sessions)
Fraternity and Francis & Fraternity as a Fundamental Element
Francis and the Blessed Virgin Mary
History of the Order and its Rule
General Constitutions and Statutes

6. PURPOSE OF THE “NEW” FORMATION MATERIAL
Clarification of identity of the Order
Clarification of identity of each member
Awareness of being part of Franciscan Trilogy
Integrate into DNA of each member – secularity, unity, and autonomy
Get new understanding and awareness of our position in the Church and Franciscan family
Develop more uniform formation process in USA

7. REASONS FOR THE MANUAL To help revitalize our formation process
To provide training for the formators of the Order
Goals
– uniform international formation
-- well-defined essential elements of this formation
-- increase our own understanding of who we are called to be as Franciscans
-- enhance our sense of belonging and ownership of our Order

8. PUTTING THE PLAN INTO OPERATION
1ST given to National Formators
Our National Formation Director and team worked for 2+ years to prepare the Manual
National Workshop – “Forming the Formators” – May, 2011
Regional Workshops – to get the information out and start the use of the Manual

9. PLAN IN ST. FRANCIS REGION
1st Phase - workshop to be given in each district.
Explain the Manual
Show you how to use it
Deal with one section at a time
Manual is a “resource” – NOT a “formation book”
2nd Phase – To be given at Serra Retreat by Bob Fitzsimmons, OFS, and Fr. Richard Trezza, OFM

10. FIRST REQUIREMENT OF A BEGINNING “INQUIRER”
“But you, who do you say I am?”
Requires a personal answer.
Must establish a true personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 10

11. WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Taking and giving the form of Christ according to the project God has for each of us.
The project: His vocation for us.
Acquiring the sense of belonging to a world-wide Order.
Reinforcing vocation to fraternity 11

12. INITIAL FORMATION
First element: personal experience of Francis’ relationship with Jesus Christ, characterized by
-- radicality,
-- totality,
-- permanence 12

13. INITIAL FORMATION God is always the first who acts.
Formators should lead to an encounter where the Spirit brings the work to completion.
Help those being formed to withdraw from their selves. 13

14. Franciscan formation journey begins from the contemplation of the mystery of the Holy Trinity:
A reality of communion, and
Total gift of self,
And from the contemplation of the humility of the Incarnation of the Son of God who withheld nothing for Himself. 14

15. STARTING FORMATION One must be called.
The grace of obedience is 1st sign to verify the authenticity of the call – obedience in letting the Lord lead us .
We are God’s project. 15

16. THREE PILLARS OF FRANCISCAN FORMATION
1ST Pillar – the primacy of the encounter with Christ.
2nd Pillar – the absolutely central place of the Word of God and of Eucharist.
3rd & 4th Pillars – Preference for the poor and priority given to the brethren.
All REQUIRE frequent and prolonged periods of time to be with the Lord, to burn in the fire of love. 16

17. WHY THE TIME OF FORMATION?
To prepare us to make a lifetime commitment.
To begin in us a total transformation into a true servant of Jesus Christ.
To help us see our mission as set out in Matthew 18:18-20

18. MATT. 18:18-20
“Go therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all of the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.”