How Do I Know If I Have A
Vocation to the OFS?
Does one have a vocation to the Secular Order of the Franciscans? Father Lester Bach, OFM Capuchin in his book “The Franciscan Journey” lists ten reasons that indicate a person may have a vocation to the Secular Franciscan Order.
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The Individual:
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Is a good, practicing Catholic.
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Has a desire to follow Jesus and His Gospel, the heart of our life.
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Has a personal faith relationship with Jesus, not just simply an intellectual knowledge about Jesus.
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Is hope-filled and willing and able to deal with life’s issues.
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Realizes that we are all sinful and in need of conversion.
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Has some knowledge of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.
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Is willing and able to commit to the Rule of the SFO and to live in fraternity.
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Trusts God and realizes the importance of God in their life.
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Has a reverence for all creation and a sense of courtesy and respect for it
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Is willing to embrace a counter-culture stance that is part of life in fraternity and is able and willing to share creative ideas and life with others.
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If you see yourself in these expectations, maybe God is calling you to the Secular Franciscan life.
Come, see, and discern with us.