WHAT IS A SPIRITUAL ASSISTANT THE FRANCISCAN VISION

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WHAT IS A SPIRITUAL ASSISTANT ? THE FRANCISCAN VISION

WHAT IS A SPIRITUAL ASSISTANT ? THE FRANCISCAN VISION

A focus on Jesus n Mary’s self-giving n Faithfulness to our duties n Accepting

A focus on Jesus n Mary’s self-giving n Faithfulness to our duties n Accepting all people n

n n Becoming Builders Becoming Promoters Esteeming work Promoting family and married life

n n Becoming Builders Becoming Promoters Esteeming work Promoting family and married life

Respecting God’s creation n Being ready to serve n Understanding our financial support n

Respecting God’s creation n Being ready to serve n Understanding our financial support n

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPIRITUAL ASSISTANTS AND THE FRATERNITY • In the 20 th century, OFSs

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPIRITUAL ASSISTANTS AND THE FRATERNITY • In the 20 th century, OFSs came to rely on friar spiritual assistants for everything. • Fraternities become “devotional societies. ”

What A Spiritual Assistant Is Not • • • Not a “director” Not the

What A Spiritual Assistant Is Not • • • Not a “director” Not the “leader” Not in charge of all spiritual teaching Not the secretary or treasurer Not an “ know it all” spiritual assistant

 • Pius XII, a tertiary, started the program of renewal of the Third

• Pius XII, a tertiary, started the program of renewal of the Third Order as it was called then. • Work that begun in the 1940 s eventually resulted in our Rule of 1978.

 • What is the Secular Franciscan Order? Autonomous One Order United Secular •

• What is the Secular Franciscan Order? Autonomous One Order United Secular • Not an appendage to First Order/T. O. R

 • Councils are to ask for a “suitable and well-prepared” person as a

• Councils are to ask for a “suitable and well-prepared” person as a spiritual assistant • Requires someone who knows the history of the OFS. • Requires constant interaction with the fraternity council. • Keeps the “VISION” always in mind.

 • Peacemaker • Mediator • Model of Gospel life

• Peacemaker • Mediator • Model of Gospel life

 • A member of the fraternity council • Has a vote in all

• A member of the fraternity council • Has a vote in all things but financial questions and elections • Has input on all fraternity issues • Is a part of the formation team

ASSISTING IN FORMATION

ASSISTING IN FORMATION

Helps the council and formation team remember that formation must be: Active Communal Ecclesial

Helps the council and formation team remember that formation must be: Active Communal Ecclesial Seculal Joyful Open-ended Centered on Jesus Christ and His Gospel In a spirit of simplicity & humility INTERACTIVE EXPERIENTIAL EVANGELICAL

EXPECTATIONS OF A OFS COUNCIL

EXPECTATIONS OF A OFS COUNCIL

SUMMARY Spiritual Assistant at any level should foster communion with the Church, bear witness

SUMMARY Spiritual Assistant at any level should foster communion with the Church, bear witness to Franciscan spirituality, cooperate and collaborate in formation, and help nourish the Christian life of the community. THE END