Secular Franciscans
Men and women, ordinary people and clergy, who desire to bring the spirit of Christ into the world, have united themselves to our community. They unite themselves in local, regional, or technologically connected fraternities in order to strengthn and encouarge one another, pray together and work together to extend the kingdom of Christ by works or love and evangelization. Each fraternity is served by a spiritual assistant, a consecrated friar or Sister, who assists the local community by promoting authentic Franciscan spirituality and life, working with initial and ongoing formation, and by their love and prayers.
Each Secular Franciscan undertakes to live his or her life according to Biblical teachings, as understood by the primitive, undivided church, and to live the life of prayer and sacramental participation considered normative to Anglican spirituality. Additionally, Secualr Franciscans covenant themselves to fellowship together in a community of love, prayer and service with the Sisters, Friars and other Secular Franciscans.
Each Secular Franciscan is prepared for full membership in the community by a two year formation program, followed by a public committment to these ideals of pure love, catholic faith and selfless, sacrificial service (promises of purity, fidelity and simplicity).
It is the special mission of the Secular Franciscan branch of the order to evangelize and love the people in their families, workplaces and communities. This is why they are called Secular Franciscans, because they are to be witnesses or what ordinary (non-monastic) Christian life is meant to be and to evangelize and spread the spirit of Christ, which is love, in secular environments.
Companions
Companions are another branch of the order. Companions are persons who wish to be involved in the fellowship or good works of the order, but they do not necessarily share our faith or commitment to prayer disciplines.
To learn more abou these options for affiliation with the community, contact Brother Thomas, OFM at (724) 208-4824 or brother_tom_rafter@yahoo.com.
National Fellowship
Although most Franciscan life takes place in the local fellowship, each year all branches of the order are invited to gather for a weekend of fellowship, spiritual renewal, learning and networking for mission.
Regional Secular Franciscan Ministers
Fr. John Cruikshank (Diocese of Pittsburgh)
Fr. John Slavin (Diocese of Ft. Worth/Arkansas)
Fr. Wayne McNamara (Ohio)
Fr. Ernest Buchanan (Diocese of Caledonia, British Columbia, Canada)
Sr. Sarah, OSF (Northern Indiana)
Fr. David Straw, SFO (Southern Indiana)
Kady Harris, SFO (St. Louis)
CURRENT FELLOWSHIPS
St. Louis Metro Fellowship (Christ Anglican Church, O’Fallon, IL)
Dayton Fellowship (Christ the King Anglican Church, Dayton, OH)
Evansville Fellowship (Trinity Anglican Church, Evansville, OH)
NW Arkansas Fellowship (St. Gabriel’s Anglican Church, Springdale, OH)
Pittsburgh Fellowship (St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Uniontown, PA)
St. Clare National Fellowship for Diaspora (Contact Sr. Sarah)
Secular Franciscans
1022 Courtney Dr., Apt. B
Dayton, OH 45431
(724) 208-4824 or brother_tom_rafter@yahoo.com
