St. Patrick Secular Fransiscan Order at 4518 S. Manhatten Ave, Tampa, FL 33661 US - Home
What is the Secular Franciscan Order?
The Secular Franciscan Order, (formerly known as the Third Order of St. Francis), was founded by St. Francis of Assisi in the thirteen century. Originally we were known as the Brothers and Sisters of Penance. This is a recognized Order within the Church, with a Rule revised most recently by Pope Paul VI. We have a formation process, a formal profession, and a monthly gathering which substitutes for communal living.
Why Secular Franciscan?
The word secular simply means we live and work in the world. Though we make a public profession we are not bound by public vows as are religious orders living in community. It also distinguishes the Secular Franciscans from the Third Order Regular as represented by the friars serving The Catholic Community of St. Patrick.
So what does a Secular Franciscan do?
We strive to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bring Him to all those whose paths cross ours in our daily lives. We are to conform our life to Jesus' life. We show to the best of our ability that the Gospel message can be lived in society today. We must be ready to forgive, to comfort and most of all to love. As St. Francis explained, "Go and spread the Good News and if you have to, use words." This is our vocation.
Do you have to be single or celibate to join the Secular Franciscan Order?
NO! Any Roman Catholic who is single, married, plans to marry, young or old, lay person or diocesan priest not bound by religious vows and wants to follow Christ as Francis of Assisi did is eligible to become a Secular Franciscan.
What's the process of becoming a Secular Franciscan?
The journey to become a Secular Franciscan involves three separate stages and culminates in a lifelong commitment to live the Gospel in the spirit of Francis of Assisi.
The first stage, Orientation, provides time for dialogue and developing relationships in fraternity. During Orientation you will be introduced to the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare and share in Franciscan prayer life. You will be given general information about the Secular Franciscan Order. Orientation is a time to discern if the Spirit is calling you to a Secular Franciscan vocation. The period of Orientation is a minimum of three months.
The second stage, Inquiry, is the first formal period of initiation. It is a time of in-depth study of the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. During Inquiry you will learn about the Franciscan charism and Franciscan history. You will deepen your understanding of what it means to be secular and Franciscan, and you will continue to discern if the Spirit is calling you to the Secular Franciscan way of life. The period of Inquiry is a minimum of six months. If a vocation is discerned, the Inquirer is received into the Order.
The third stage, Candidacy, is the final formal period of initiation. It is a time of preparing for the permanent commitment by immersion into fraternity life. Central to this stage of formation is Article 4 of The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order which states, "The rule and life of the Secular Franciscan is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following Saint Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and center of his life with God and people." The period of Candidacy is a minimum of eighteen months and culminates in permanent commitment to the gospel life.
Who do I contact for more information?
Please click Contacts on the menu bar for contact information. Please come join us at our regular SFO gathering held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM here at St. Patrick Parish in Room 21.
