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Who We Are . . .
We are Third Order Franciscans under the protection of Bishop Julian Dobbs.
We are Franciscans in good standing within the Convocation of Anglicans in North America..
Our rule is an adaptation of the Third Order Rule confirmed by Pope John Paul II in 1982.
We strive toward continuous conversion.
We live simply as a sign of our consecration to the Gospel life.
We are a vowed, non-ordained religious order of men.
We live simple lives of community and prayer.
We strive to be "brothers" to those with whom we work.
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Our Communal Life
". . .because God loves us, the Brothers should love one another. . . Let them manifest their love in deeds." (Rule VII:23) The Brothers live together in local houses called friaries. We are called to support each other as brothers, caring for each others’ needs with fraternal respect and affection. Our rule challenges us to live simply and in a loving manner.
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Our Prayer Life
Our life is nurtured by communal prayer and our Rule asks us to strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ through private prayer and frequent reception of Holy Eucharist.
". . . since the Brothers are to be totally conformed to the Gospel, they should reflect and keep in their hearts the words of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Rule III:11)
For 800 years men and women have been inspired to follow the way of St. Francis of Assisi, joyfully bringing the Gospel message to people of every age and culture. In that spirit, the Franciscan Friars have dedicated themselves to serving the People of God by reaching out to the very poor in our society.
Following the popular spirit of St. Francis of Assisi we try to meet people where they are and respond to the genuine needs of the least of the Lord’s brothers and sisters. In our Mission Statement we state that, "we are disciples of Christ who seek to bring the Gospel into the everyday experience of all people through popular preaching, teaching and pastoral leadership. We foster Christian discipleship by collaborating with those whom we serve and by standing in solidarity with all people especially the alienated, the immigrant and the poor."
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Prayer Before the Crucifix
"Most high, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me, Lord, a correct faith, a certain hope, a perfect charity, sense and knowledge so that I may carry out Your holy and true command." ---Words of St. Francis
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Profession of Vows
The Lord Gives Us Brothers
Francis of Assisi set out in the early 1200s to live and share the message of the Gospel. His instruction is found in three Bible verses, where Jesus says:
"If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me." (Matt. 19:21)
"Take nothing with you for the trip: no walking stick, no beggar’s bag, no food, no money, not even an extra shirt." (Luke 9:2-3)
"If anyone wants to come after me, he must forget himself, carry his cross, and follow me." (Matt. 16:24)
"The rule and life of the Friars is this: to observe the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by living in obedience, without anything of their own, and in chastity." (The Rule, Chapter One-St. Francis of Assisi, 1223)
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"Since for the glory of God,
the Lord has given me this grace,
of living more perfectly and with firm will
the Gospel of Jesus Christ
I...., in the presence of the assembled friars,
and into your hands, (N.),
vow for the whole time of my life
to live in obedience, without anything of my own,
and in holy chastity, I give myself to this brotherhood
that through the work of the Holy Spirit,
the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary,
our Father Francis and all the saints
and with the help of my brothers
I may fulfill my consecration
to the service of God and of the Church."
Their minister replies:
"In the name of the Church and of the brotherhood,
I accept your vows. And on the part of Almighty God,
if you observe them, I promise you life everlasting.
Therefore, O Lord, Look upon these our brothers
whom in your providence you have called
to follow the poor, humble Francis, the lover of the cross.
Pour into them the fullness of the sevenfold Spirit
so that what they have promised today
with joy and gladness through your giving,
they may with the divine assistance
observe faithfully to the end.
May they follow highest poverty,
gird themselves with the virtue of patience
and not extinguish the spirit of prayer and
holy devotion...
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen."
