Lester: We will approach the issue of Franciscan Novitas from three perspectives:

1. What is our vision of Church for today, reflecting both on the early Church and the Church of Vatican II;
2. How did Francis influence his world and give new life to gospel living, examining his call to rebuild the Church;
3. What is the vision of Secular Franciscans today according to the Rule of 1978

The vision of the Acts of the Apostles shares what is possible if we are Church in the fullest sense. The vision calls for people to be united in heart and soul. It requires formation in understanding the power of the resurrection of Jesus. It demands knowledge of gospel teachings and the words of Jesus. Luke writes that everything was held in common. This indicates that the community of believers shared their possessions so that no one would be in need. Since some structure is needed, the apostles were responsible for the distribution of the material gifts. A structure is needed to assess procedures and practices that would enable the Church to bear witness to the resurrection with great power, i.e. to proclaim the vision of the Gospel -- to evangelize!

Keep clearly in mind the need to maintain structures that serve to enhance the way we live our Franciscan vision. As we develop good structures, we consistently promote our living of the gospel vision.

Carol: Vatican II put a new emphasis on the universal call toholiness and making the Gospel accessible to all people. Therefore, the people of God want to share with the whole world their own inner nature and mission.

The challenge that we face today is to renew the sensitivity of the vision by assuring that the structures do not dominate or diminish the vision, but serve it and promote it. Our vision is to resemble Christ as much as possible. Non only to share His message but all to be His message. We cannot receive Christ in the Eucharist and go back into our homes, our places of employment and be uninvolved in the world around us.

Secular Franciscans must take in those who are afflicted, forgotten, and suffering. The Church itself, like its members, is always in need of being renewed and forgiven, purified for its mission, which is the same as the mission of Christ.

At this Chapter, my brothers and sisters, we will hear the call to holiness and move forward. We will have an impact in our struggling world with a heart that carries the Franciscan sensitivity to all we encounter, spoken and unspoken. We have been called brothers and sisters.

We are the people of God!