1. INITIAL FORMATION PRESENTER CLAIRE BREEN, SFO

2. AGENTS OF FORMATION HOLY SPIRIT Candidate

3. 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

4. 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

5. THE LOCAL FRATERNITY Constitution 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 23 The entire community is engaged in the process of growth by its own manner of living

6. 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

7. FORMATION DIRECTOR/FORMATION TEAM Qualities 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

8. 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.

9. THE SPONSOR

10. THE SPIRITUAL ASSISTANT Assist the fraternities by Homilies Conferences, Retreats Witness in sharing their own Franciscan life

11. SPIRITUAL ASSISTANT Member of the Formation Team Resource Person Educator of the Formation Team Evaluator of the Formation Programs

12. PHASES OF FORMATION ORIENTATION INQUIRY CANDIDACY

13. ORIENTATION Importance Suggested Content Length of Time

14. ORIENTATION Suggested 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

15. 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

16. LENGTH OF TIME Minimum of 3-4 months. Can be longer, but not less Ceremony of introduction and welcoming Ritual.

17. INQUIRY Objective of Inquiry Discernment Suggested content Length of time

18. 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

19. 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?

20. 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.

21. SUGGESTED CONTENT More in depth study of the life of Francis and Clare. Scripture-Practicality of the Gospel Life History of the SFO

22. SUGGESTED CONTENT Rule and Constitution Introductions to Apostolic Commissions Articles 15-19 Introduction to the Liturgy of the Hours

23. LENGTH OF TIME Minimum of six months, may be more, not less

24. CANDIDACY This period of Formation is the most important and begins with the Rite of Admission to the Secular Franciscan Order

25. 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

26. SUGGESTED CONTENT Study of the Rule Constitutions Franciscan spirituality Readings regarding our Franciscan way of Life

27. 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