The following short refections help introduce particularly Franciscan and Catholic approaches to the decision-making process each of us undergoes in an election season. Given their brevity, these pieces are not intended to address the complexity of the issues, but rather to provide broad parameters for use in our discernment of “what is ours to do.”

Bringing a Preferential Option for the Poor to the Elections

Franciscans are not “party animals” (Part 1)

Franciscans are not “party animals” (Part 2) 

A Catholic View on Taxes

(The above docs were taken from  the Justice and Peace resource page on the website of the Franciscan Friars Holy Name Province.)

Also, please see the following message from the NATIONAL FRATERNITY of the SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER in the UNITED STATES:
All of Creation, Especially Human Life, Has Dignity and Value

Here is the link to Forming Consciences For Faithful Citizenship, A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States, which provides a framework for Catholics in the United States.

Is God Calling You to the Secular Franciscan Order?

“They have been made living members of the Church in Baptism; …
Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments
of her mission among all people
Proclaiming Christ by their life and words.”

The process of becoming a professed Secular Franciscan is a journey that involves three separate stages and culminates in a lifelong commitment to live the gospel following the example of St. Francis of Assisi. This formation process unfolds in regularly scheduled formation sessions during which the home study material is thoroughly discussed.

The first stage, Orientation, provides time for dialogue and developing relationships in fraternity. During Orientation you will be introduced to the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare and share in Franciscan prayer life. You will be given general information about the Secular Franciscan Order. Orientation is a time to discern if the Spirit is calling you to a Secular Franciscan vocation. The period of Orientation is a minimum of three months.

The second stage, Inquiry, is the first formal period of initiation. It is a time of in-depth study of the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. During Inquiry you will learn about the Franciscan charism and Franciscan history. You will deepen your understanding of what it means to be secular and Franciscan, and you will continue to discern if the Spirit is calling you to the Secular Franciscan way of life. The period of Inquiry is a minimum of six months. If a vocation is discerned, the Inquirer is received into the Order.

The third stage, Candidacy, is the final formal period of initiation. It is a time of preparing for permanent commitment by immersion into fraternity life. Central to this stage of formation is Article 4 of The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order which states, “The rule and life of the Secular Franciscan is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following Saint Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people.” The period of Candidacy is a minimum of eighteen months and culminates in permanent commitment to the gospel life.

After profession of the Rule and permanent commitment to the gospel way of life, the newly professed member joins the rest of the fraternity in ongoing formation.

Not a Catholic?

To become a Secular Franciscan, you must be an actively practicing Catholic (of any of the rites in union with Rome). If you are Anglican/Episcopalian, please visit the Third Order Society of St. Francis. If you are a member of another Christian denomination or simply prefer an ecumenical Franciscan community, please visit the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans.