SFO NEWS
THE SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER 
IN THE UNITED STATES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 22, 2005

GEOGRAPHIC MEETINGS PRODUCE DOZENS OF SUGGESTIONS 
FOR LOCAL AND REGIONAL FRATERNITIES
	
MUNDELEIN, ILL.,  Sept. 22 -- Some 80 regional ministers and others of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States met in geographic sessions and then in Open Forum at the National Gathering held in Mundelein, Ill. Their purpose was to discuss regional and national issues and, whenever possible, to suggest plans of action.

Their meetings and the open forum produced a variety of ideas to help resolve or improve situations. Among them are:

ISSUE: Concern over the rising average age of SFO members
RESPONSE: Recruiting

a. Improve visibility of the SFO in the region and locally by attending Diocesan Youth Rallies, Ministry Fairs, and even State Fairs. Booths should offer opportunities to sign up to get more information. According to a regional minister, the rallies and fairs are extremely well attended and are a productive venue for the SFO.

b. Emphasis was also placed on making personal invitations to the order.

c. Publicity in local publications and diocesan newspapers. 

d. Hold professions during regularly scheduled Mass.

e. Approach people in mid-life who are looking for greater spirituality.

f. Approach young families and provide a venue for bringing the children to fraternity gatherings.

g. Establish a website. Several regions commented that because of the website they received several inquirers.

ISSUE: The quality of fraternity life
RESPONSES: 

a. Build community by frequent communication with local ministers.

b. Provide workshops for local fraternities. Model fraternity meetings for new ministers.

c. Establish a process of self-evaluation at the annual chapter -- discussing what is the mission of each local fraternity, and asking if what the fraternity is doing responds to the mission. Review what works and what doesn't.

d. Have fraternities gather together for professions.

e. Provide regional retreats for on-going formation and for candidates.

f. Establish a section of the national website to include what regions are doing with commissions, each sharing ideas that have worked.

ISSUE: Finances
RESPONSE: Bequests

Invite a CPA to talk to fraternities about wills and bequests. Establish the fact that the SFO is part of the family and could be remembered in one's will.

ISSUE: Declining number of friars and other religious to serve as Spiritual Assistants
RESPONSE: Promote the Life-Giving Union course to recruit Spiritual Assistants from among SFO members.

Issue: Greater communication needed among regions
Response: 

a. Share newsletters.

b. Communicate by e-mail or establish an e-list.

Issue: Presence in dioceses
Response:

a. Communicate with bishop through letter, newsletters (make certain that newsletters provide key information -- location of fraternity, contact information).

b. Have candidates write a letter to the bishop offering assistance in the diocese.

c. Ask bishop to write a brief message for the regional or local SFO newsletter.

d. Make contact with other associations.

e. Send birthday and anniversary greetings to the local bishop.

f. Ask to be placed in diocesan directories.

g. Coordinate with local parish to celebrate special mass for secular orders.

Issue: SFOs wearing the brown robe as a habit rather than the Tau cross
Response:

a. Better formation and education concerning the "habit". The Tau is the habit of the Secular Franciscan living in the world. Seculars are not religious. Should a secular request it, it is still acceptable to be buried in the robe; however, the Tau should be worn in public and to gatherings.

Issue: SFO groups in prisons
Response: Bringing the spirituality of Francis to prisoners should be promoted. If a prisoner has a true vocation and desire, he/she can pursue it once he/she leaves prison.

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