Secular Franciscan Order

What is the Secular Francican Order? It is a new way of real growth in the
Christian life by really knowing and and really enfleshing the Gospels in
ordinary daily life.
The Fransican movement for lay people was founded bt St. Francis of Assisi.
Earlier, it came to be known as the Third Order of St. Francis; it is now called
the Secular Franciscan Order. It has survived time and it has grown and flourished.
It will continue to do so because it is built on the timelessness of Christ in
the Gospels, the keystone, the solid foundation. Because of this, it too is
timeless, yet up-to-date.

It is for everyday Christian Catholic people who have a spark of desire to
possess light where there is darkness.

One may hope that through Franciscan instruction in and the practice of the
Gospel way of life, he or she may burn with the love of God, oneself, others and
nature... and to be reconciled with as Francis was. To serve more completely in
everyday life out of love as Francis did.

One need not be "holy" or close to beatification to enter such a course of
instruction. But one must at least have the desire to know and to serve God and
others more fully. Each must be ready and willing to make some sacrifice of time and
effort to attend periodic, informal meetings for instruction and to spend some
time in study, prayer, and reflection.

Franciscans learn how to grow to be one with Jesus out of love...to grow in
becomimg a servant with Jesus through penance and the joy of self-sacrifice...
to grow in being one with Jesus through the peace and joy of reconciliation and
renewal. The Peace Prayer of St. Francis states in part, "..it is in giving that we
receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are
born to eternal life."

Membership requirements are realistic and practical. "I am the light of the
world", says the Lord, "the one who follows me will have the light of life"(John 8:12)
Francis reflected this light brilliantly. So do other Franciscans when they draw closer to the source of the fire. Your
local community fo Franciscans (the Secular Franciscan Fraternity) will be happy to
provide you with further enlightenment. Call Joe or Marguerite Ehrmann for more information.