initial formation presenter claire breen, sfo. agents of formation holy spirit candidate
TRANSCRIPT
INITIAL FORMATION
PRESENTER
CLAIRE BREEN, SFO
AGENTS OF FORMATION
• HOLY SPIRIT
• Candidate
QUALITIES OF THE CANDIADATE
STRONG DESIRE FOR CONVERSION AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH
ONE WHO HAS ASPIRIT OF HOPE AND OPTIIMISM
SPIRIT OF RENEWAL AND A DESIRE FOR GROWTH
A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR AND THE ABILITY TO GET ALONG WITH OTHERS
A DEDICATION TO THE CHURCH AND CHRIST WHICH IS BOTH PERSONAL AND ECCLESIAL
THE DESIRE TO STUDY THE SPIRIT OF FRANCISCANS
EXPECTATIONS OF THE CANDIDATE
Willingness to take an active part in dialogue and study in the formation process and in the life of the fraternity
Willingness to share their talents,charism and gifts
Willingness as well as the ability of being an active agent of their own formation and spiritual growth
THE LOCAL FRATERNITYConstitution Art. 37.3
The local fraternity is called to help the brothers and sisters in their journey by means of a warm welcome, prayer and example.
Rule: Article 23The entire community is engaged in the
process of growth by its own manner of living
THE FRATERNITY COUNCIL
The Fraternity Council must engage in the continuous process of evaluation of the Formation program, improving and strengthens it as needed.
The Council should make sure that those who are involved in the Ministry of Formation are well prepared and should provide the necessary training.
The Council should be very knowledgeable regarding each Candidate.
The Fraternity Council has the duty of implementing the Rule, Constitution and statues regarding Admission, Profession of the candidate and the dismissal of those who show signs that they may not have a vocation
FORMATION DIRECTOR/FORMATION
TEAMQualities of the Formation Director/team
One who gives testimony to Franciscan values
One who is a facilitator of spiritual growth
A person who is well grounded spiritually and psychologically
One who can interpret the signs of the times
HIGHER LEVELS OF FRATERNITY
RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides guidelines for the Formation programs
Recommend resources to be used
Evaluate process of Formation
Be aware of the needs of the Fraternities and are able to assist through workshops, consultation etc.
THE SPONSOR
THE SPIRITUAL ASSISTANTAssist the fraternities by
Homilies
Conferences , Retreats
Witness in sharing their own Franciscan life
SPIRITUAL ASSISTANT
Member of the Formation Team
Resource Person
Educator of the Formation Team
Evaluator of the Formation Programs
PHASES OF FORMATION
ORIENTATION
INQUIRY
CANDIDACY
ORIENTATION
Importance
Suggested Content
Length of Time
ORIENTATIONSuggested Content
Reading the life of Francis , Clare and other Saints
Introduction of the Rule and Constitutions
Scripture-we are Gospel people
Different Branches of the Franciscan Family
Knowing the person
What should we know about the individual?
Understanding of the Catholic Faith
Received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Matrimony
If Divorced and remarried –Decree of Nullity
LENGTH OF TIME
Minimum of 3-4 months. Can be longer , but not less
Ceremony of introduction and welcoming Ritual.
INQUIRY
Objective of Inquiry
Discernment
Suggested content
Length of time
Objective of Inquiry
To provide the knowledge and experience necessary to discern whether the Person manifest positive signs of possible having a vocation to the Secular Franciscan way of life
DISCERNMENT
Three basic questions
What is a vocation and how am I called?
What is Gospel life and how am I called to live it?
What is a Vocation to the Secular Franciscan Order and am I called?
SIGNS OF A VOCATION
It is important during these two phases , orientation and inquiry , that both the person and the fraternity discern if this individual demonstrate signs that he or she may or may not be called to this life.
If it is felt that the person shows signs that they probably do not belong it is best to deal with the situation early. This should be done very lovingly.
SUGGESTED CONTENT
More in depth study of the life of Francis and Clare.
Scripture-Practicality of the Gospel Life
History of the SFO
SUGGESTED CONTENT
Rule and Constitution
Introductions to Apostolic CommissionsArticles 15-19
Introduction to the Liturgy of the Hours
LENGTH OF TIME
Minimum of six months, may be more , not less
CANDIDACY
This period of Formation is the most important and begins with the Rite of Admission to the Secular Franciscan Order
OBJECTIVES OF CANDIDACY
To provide knowledge and experience necessary for the Candidate to decide whether or not to make a permanent commitment to the Secular Franciscan Order.
Fraternity Council to discern candidate demonstrates positive signs of a vocation
SUGGESTED CONTENT
Study of the Rule
Constitutions
Franciscan spirituality
Readings regarding our Franciscan way of Life
LENGTH OF TIME
Not less than 18 months
Candidate should understand the commitment that he/she is about to make.
Prior to Profession it is recommended that the Candidate make at least a weekend retreat.
NEVER BE IN A HURRY TO PROFESS A PERSON