Trust the Holy Spirit 

COME & SEE

Who are Secular Franciscans?

Secular Franciscans, formally known as the Order of Franciscans Secular (OFS) —– are professed members of a secular movement, established by Saint Francis of Assisi more than 800 years ago and are a branch of the worldwide Franciscan Family. We are single or married. We have jobs or careers. We own homes or rent. We worship and take leisure in the community where we live. Our rule and life is to “observe the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of St. Francis who made Christ the inspiration and center of his life with God and people.” [Article 4 of the Rule] We are called to make Christ visible in the world in the way we live, where we live, and where we work and try to help others to do the same. We all struggle balancing busy schedules, projects, activities, and our spiritual lives, leaving us feeling tense, stressed, and reactive to the pressures of life; sometimes impeding our spiritual growth and limiting the transforming power of Christ working in and through us. The OFS is our place of refreshment, renewal, and growth where, following the spirituality of St Francis as brothers and sisters, we inspire, support, and strengthen each other. You, too, can become a lifetime member of our family —– if God is calling you.

What Do Secular Franciscans Do?

 Secular Franciscans follow the OFS Rule that entreats us to gather together frequently in community with our Franciscan sisters and brothers. We gather at least monthly. We support each other through the ups and downs of daily life. We pray together. We share opportunities to learn about our faith, our Church, our Community, and our world. Our Rule of Life enjoins us to be involved in apostolic ministries and with youth. When we are called to action, we embrace the call joyfully. Some of us are religious education teachers, some have special ministry to animals, some have made a commitment to Perpetual Adoration, some work directly with those who are poor and/or homeless. We all use our giftedness in many and varied ways to the benefit of others and all of creation. As a fraternity, we take action on issues that affect the lives of others. We do letterwriting campaigns in response to social justice issues. We support the efforts of brothers and sisters who are serving the poor and lepers halfway around the world. We strive in all our efforts to “build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the Kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively.” [Article14 of the Rule]

Is the Order of Secular Franciscans, OFS, for You?

If you have a Franciscan vocation, you probably have a desire to do something more. Perhaps you feel a need for support in growing spiritually. Or, deep down, you sense a need to serve God in a special way. Or, for years, you have felt a kinship with Saint Francis. He seems to pop up all around and you just don’t know why. Perhaps, God is calling you! Getting to know the OFS better may be a way to determine if you have a vocation You’ll have plenty of time to get to know us before you make any commitments. The OFS Formation Program –if you choose and are accepted into it–requires a period of 3 months of orientation and 6 months of inquiry sessions. During that time you’ll come to our monthly gatherings and a few informal classes. After that period both you and the Order discern together the next step. Don’t say “No” Before You Say “Yes”.  Visit your local Secular Franciscans; Get to Know Us and Ask Yourself , “Is God Calling Me?”

Where? St Pio of Pietrelcina Roman Catholic Church 18720 Thirteen Mile Rd. Roseville, MI 48066

When? 6–8 pm 2 nd Tuesday of the Month

Why? Because God won’t stop calling until you answer!

To speak with someone about the Secular Franciscan Order or to join us at one of our regularly scheduled gatherings, please contact: 

Sue at suzy1954@live.com

The Solanus Casey Fraternity in Roseville is one of 33 fraternities of the Divine Mercy Region which encompasses Michigan and a portion of Ohio and one of over 1200 fraternities in the United States. When you become a Secular Franciscan, you can visit any of our fraternities as a sister or brother in Christ and in Saint Francis.

Lord, Make me an instrument of your Peace. Where there is hatred let me sow Love. Where there is injury, Pardon. Where there is doubt, Faith. Where there is despair, Hope. Where there is darkness, Light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. —- Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi.

Live Joyfully In the World Celebrating God’s Love as a Secular Franciscan.