Candidacy Formation January 27, 2019 Padre Pio Fraternity – November 18, 2018

Opening Prayer O God, send forth your Holy Spirit Into my heart that I may perceive, Into my mind that I may remember, And into my soul that I may meditate. Inspire me to speak with piety, Holiness, tenderness, and mercy. Teach, guide, and direct My thoughts and senses From beginning to end. May your grace ever help and correct me, And may I be strengthened now With wisdom from on high, For the sake of your infinite mercy. Amen St. Anthony of Padua Padre Pio Fraternity – January 27, 2019

II. Open questions related to last meeting discussions. III. SFO Rule I. Opening Prayer II. Open questions related to last meeting discussions. III. SFO Rule Article 6 They have been made living members of the Church by being buried and raised with Christ in baptism; they have been united more intimately with the Church by profession. Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments of her mission among all people, proclaiming Christ by their life and words. Called like Saint Francis to rebuild the Church and inspired by his example, let them devote themselves energetically to living in full communion with the pope, bishops, and priests, fostering an open and trusting dialog of apostolic effectiveness and creativity. Padre Pio Fraternity – November 18, 2018

IV. Constitution Article 17 – Active Presence In The Church And In The World 1. Rule 6 Called to work together in building up the Church as the sacrament of salvation for all and, through their baptism and profession, made "witnesses and instruments of her mission," Secular Franciscans proclaim Christ by their life and words. Their preferred apostolate is personal witness17 in the environment in which they live and service for building up the Kingdom of God within the situations of this world. 2. The preparation of the brothers and sisters for spreading the Gospel message "in the ordinary circumstances of the world"18 and for collaborating in the catechesis within the ecclesial communities should be promoted in the fraternities. 3. Those who are called to carry out the mission of catechists, presiders of ecclesial communities, or other ministries, as well as the sacred ministers, should make the love of Francis for the Word of God their own, as well as his faith in those who announce it, and the great fervor with which he received the mission of preaching penance from the Pope. Padre Pio Fraternity – January 27, 2019

IV. Constitution - Continued Article 17 4. Participation in the service of sanctification, which the Church exercises through the liturgy, prayer, and works of penance and charity, is put into practice by the brothers and sisters above all in their own family, then in the fraternity and, finally, through their active presence in the local Church and in society. VI. The Franciscan Journey Chapter 14 Padre Pio Fraternity – January 27, 2019

VII. Reflection Questions 1. Consider how you would find ways to dialogue with the following people (what YOU would do, not what you would expect of others): Traditionalists or Progressives Bishops or other hierarchical figures A pastor who functions poorly or well Legislators/heads of corporations/supervisors People who agree/disagree with you, even among family members Criminals Immigrants People whose theology differs from yours Stubborn and arrogant people People at work or people who question your passionate support of some issues. Padre Pio Fraternity – January 27, 2019

VII. Reflection Questions - Continues Young people – Older people People who have hurt you in some way Add others as you wish 2. How do you show loyalty to the Church, the People of God? Does it always look the same? If not, why does it change? 3. What qualities do Franciscans develop in order to open the door to good conversations/dialogue? 4. What insights about the Franciscan spirit did you learn in this chapter as you move toward profession in the SFO? 5. What is the connection between baptism and profession? 6. At present, how do you proclaim Christ by your life and words? 7. Scripture reflection. Isaiah 55: 1 – 11. What insights does this text offer you? How does this text relate to our call to be gospel people? Padre Pio Fraternity – January 27, 2019

VIII. FUN Manual Understanding Franciscan Theology Tradition and Spirituality Padre Pio Fraternity – January 27, 2019

enlighten the darkness of my heart your holy and true command, Closing Prayer Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me true faith certain hope, and perfect charity, sense and knowledge, Lord, that I may carry out your holy and true command, Amen Prayer Before the Crucifix St. Francis of Assisi Padre Pio Fraternity – January 27, 2019