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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”