THE “FUN” MANUAL
“FOR UP TO NOW”
Contents
Additional topics* for
Orientation
Inquiry
Candidacy
*Topics in addition to those listed in Guidelines for
Initial Formation
ADDITIONAL TOPICS

Orientation:
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The Franciscan Movement & Franciscan
Family
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Elements of Ecclesiology & Theology of
the Laity
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The Creed
ADDITIONAL TOPICS
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Inquiry:
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Franciscan Movement II – Your Own Journey
What is Formation?
Vocation and Discernment
Charism of Founder & Mission in the Church
Nature of the Secular Franciscan Order
Our Identity as a Secular Franciscan
Scripture & Basic Christian Doctrine
ADDITIONAL TOPICS
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Candidacy:
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Our Rule (3 sessions)
JPIC (2 sessions)
Penitence & Conversion
St. Francis & His Approach to Divinity (2
sessions)
Profession and the Secular Franciscan (2
sessions)
St. Clare of Assisi
Candidacy con’t.
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Understanding Franciscan Theology Tradition
& Spirituality (1-2 sessions)
Fraternity and Francis & Fraternity as a
Fundamental Element
Francis and the Blessed Virgin Mary
History of the Order and its Rule
General Constitutions and Statutes
PURPOSE OF THE “NEW”
FORMATION MATERIAL
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Clarification of identity of the Order
Clarification of identity of each member
Awareness of being part of Franciscan Trilogy
Integrate into DNA of each member – secularity,
unity, and autonomy
Get new understanding and awareness of our
position in the Church and Franciscan family
Develop more uniform formation process in USA
REASONS FOR THE MANUAL

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To help revitalize our formation process
To provide training for the formators of the Order
 Goals
 – uniform international formation
 -- well-defined essential elements of this
formation
 -- increase our own understanding of who
we are called to be as Franciscans
 -- enhance our sense of belonging and
ownership of our Order
PUTTING THE PLAN INTO
OPERATION
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1ST given to National Formators
Our National Formation Director and team
worked for 2+ years to prepare the Manual
National Workshop – “Forming the
Formators” – May, 2011
Regional Workshops – to get the
information out and start the use of the
Manual
PLAN IN ST. FRANCIS REGION
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1st Phase - workshop to be given in each
district.
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Explain the Manual
Show you how to use it
Deal with one section at a time
Manual is a “resource” – NOT a “formation
book”
2nd Phase – To be given at Serra Retreat by
Bob Fitzsimmons, OFS, and Fr. Richard
Trezza, OFM
FIRST REQUIREMENT OF A
BEGINNING “INQUIRER”
 “But you, who do you say I am?”
 Requires a personal answer.
 Must establish a true personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.
10
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
 Taking and giving the form of Christ
according to the project God has for
each of us.
 The project: His vocation for us.
 Acquiring the sense of belonging to a
world-wide Order.
 Reinforcing vocation to fraternity
11
INITIAL FORMATION
 First element: personal
experience of Francis’
relationship with Jesus Christ,
characterized by
 -- radicality,
 -- totality,
 -- permanence
12
INITIAL FORMATION
 God is always the first who acts.
 Formators should lead to an
encounter where the Spirit brings the
work to completion.
 Help those being formed to withdraw
from their selves.
13
 Franciscan formation journey begins
from the contemplation of the mystery
of the Holy Trinity:
 A reality of communion, and
 Total gift of self,
 And from the contemplation of the
humility of the Incarnation of the Son
of God who withheld nothing for
Himself.
14
STARTING FORMATION
 One must be called.
 The grace of obedience is 1st sign
to verify the authenticity of the
call – obedience in letting the
Lord lead us .
 We are God’s project.
15
THREE PILLARS OF
FRANCISCAN FORMATION
 1ST Pillar – the primacy of the encounter with
Christ.
 2nd Pillar – the absolutely central place of the
Word of God and of Eucharist.
 3rd & 4th Pillars – Preference for the poor and
priority given to the brethren.
All REQUIRE frequent and prolonged periods
of time to be with the Lord, to burn in the fire
of love.
16
WHY THE TIME OF
FORMATION?
 To prepare us to make a lifetime
commitment.
 To begin in us a total transformation
into a true servant of Jesus Christ.
 To help us see our mission as set out
in Matthew 18:18-20
MATT. 18:18-20
 “Go therefore, make disciples of all
the nations; baptize them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe
all of the commands I gave you. And
know that I am with you always; yes,
to the end of time.”