C I O F S LIST

Communication

Communication of the Conference of the Franciscan Family (CFF)

Formation books and materials available (USA)

Multicultural materials

The General Chapter of July 1996, in its conclusions, established, among other things, that the SFO at all levels must equip itself with modern means of communication in order to co-ordinate activities and spread information, nationally and internationally, and also to make it easier to access existing resources.

To implement these directions, the Presidency of CIOFS has adopted some initiatives that we propose to develop in future with the help of the National fraternities and all brothers and sisters who are willing to give us a hand.

A first initiative concerns an electronic post box and a site on the Internet that was opened on 4th September 1996. We chose the date of the feast of St. Rose of Viterbo, thinking that this young Franciscan tertiary, if she had lived in the present time rather than in the far off Middle Ages, would have loved to play with computers like her contemporaries of today.

Many Secular Franciscans are already in contact with the Secretariat of CIOFS through these new channels of communication that we are also using to transmit the Bulletin. For those who have not yet "discovered" it, we give the following necessary references:

For the electronic mail (E-mail) the post box is: ciofs@ofs.it For the texts on our Internet site: http://ofs.it

We are asking National Councils to track down and let us know as soon as possible, a Secular Franciscan, a Franciscan Youth or other person or institution, who has an E-mail address and is available to give the necessary collaboration to ensure a responsible liaison with the CIOFS Secretariat.

At the same time we want to assure you that we will continue to send all the documents of the Presidency on paper in the traditional way so that communication with the National entities that have not yet had the opportunity of modernization are also guaranteed.

A second initiative, decided at the meeting of the Presidency in December 1996, concerns the appointment of brother Claudio Cerfoglia as Press Officer, who will work in collaboration with the Minister General and the Communication Project co-ordinated by Emerenziana Rossato. The idea of having a Press Officer came from the recognition that the SFO has a need to know and to make itself known.

To make itself known because the experiences, the spirituality and the activities of the SFO are an asset which is often ignored within the Church and by civil society. The reasons are many and relate to the traditional reserve and minority characteristic of most Secular Franciscans. However, the Rule and Constitutions actually urge a presence and a courageous witness by means of concrete initiatives in the fields appropriate to the Franciscan charisma.

Initiatives of this type are numerous and sometimes assume a prophetic characteristic with respect to local realities. They need to be well presented and reported in order to receive the support that will guarantee their continuation.

The charisma which distinguishes the SFO needs new instruments to be presented. Our society, so hungry for information regarding the big problems of peace and the environment, has always given signs of awareness of the Franciscan sensitivity to these themes. However, a substantial ignorance of the secular dimension of Franciscanism exists.

To know so as not to make ourselves comfortable, so as not to delude ourselves. The General Chapter asked the question: "What SFO for the Third Millenium?" An effective reply can come not only from a rereading of the fundamental documents, but also from an ever growing understanding of the ways in which the SFO works and can work.

Many fraternities still live in the shadow of a bell tower, using up resources and potentiality in an often only individual journey, through fear or ignorance of what surrounds them.

To increase understanding through effective and coordinated channels of communication would permit the growth of a sensitivity and a consciousness of belonging to an Order, a Church and to a world that goes beyond the walls of a sacristy.

This knowledge in the end produces a new attitude towards communication, seen as an essential instrument of sharing and participation.

The address of Emerenziana Rossato is care of the Secretariat CIOFS. The address of Claudio Cerfoglia is: press@ofs.it

- THE SECRETARIAT

During the meeting of the Conference of the Franciscan Family (CFF) of October 1996 also the following topics have been discussed:
a) participation of the FF in the preparation for the Jubilee;
b) reorganization of Franciscans International (FI).

As regards the first topic, the CFF would like to use a brief annual letter as a means to animate the FF. The first letter, for 1997, will focus on the theme ofReconciliation, also in terms of reconciliation within the FF. (Note of the Secretariat: this letter has already been sent to all National Councils and International Councillors.)

The other important issue the CFF dealt with was FI. Through a constructive dialogue with the current leadership of FI it has been possible to arrive at a working program which plans the constitution of a group of 14 persons (2 representatives for each of the 6 components of the CFF and 2 for FI) which will have the task to elaborate the Statutes, study economic questions and organize the staff.

We are all asked to sustain this process of communion with our prayers.

GUIDELINES FOR INITIAL FORMATION IN THE SFO IN THE U.S.
by the National Formation Commission, based on working materials for Initial Formation: CIOFS Document, November 17, 1983; available in English and Spanish - $ 5.00

ELEMENTS OF FORMATION: A REFLECTION ON THE FORMATION PROCESS
by the National Formation Commission and Matthew Gaskin, OFM. An English translation of the supplemental guidelines developed in 1992 by the Presidency of CIOFS with a synopsis by Fr. Gaskin - $ 5.00

HANDBOOK FOR SECULAR FRANCISCAN SERVANT LEADERS
Basic information on what Secular Franciscan Leaders need to "animate and guide" in the fraternity - $ 10.00

GOSPEL LIVING: EVERY DAY OF OUR LIVES
by Theresa Baker, SFO. An on-going formation guide to the Rule and for those in Initial Formation.

CATCH ME THE RAINBOW
by Lester Bach, OFMCap. Revised formation book - The Franciscan Journey - $ 10.00

HANDBOOK FOR SPIRITUAL ASSISTANCE TO THE SFO
by Conference of National Spiritual Assistants. A wealth of resources including friars' General Constitutions Canon Law about the SFO, documents of the SFO, guidelines and forms of organization in the USA. 396 pages. - $ 20.00

All of above quoted price plus shipping from:
Barbo-Carlson Enterprises
P.O.Box 189
Lindsborg KS 67456 (USA)
Phone: 913-227-2364
Fax: 913-227-3360

FULLY MATURE WITH THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST (3rd edition)
by Benet A. Fonck OFM. Formation program modeled on the structure of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, $ 15.00
Available through:
Franciscan Resource Center
P.O.Box 350
Menahga MN 56464

WAY OF LIFE
by Richard A. Portasik OFM. Reflections on the SFO Rule.
Available from:
Franciscan Friars
232 S. Home Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15202

TAU-USA - THE NATIONAL NEWSLETTER OF U.S.
published four issues per year. - $ 4.00 plus shipping from:
Dolores Smelko, SFO
R.D. 1 Box 155
Anita, PA 15711 (USA)

CORRESPONDENCE COURSE: offered by the Institute for Contemporary Franciscan Life at St. Francis College, Loretto, PA. The first course Franciscan Gospel Living in the Contemporary World is now available. - $ 275.00
Phone: 814 472 3219

Corean
St. Paul Book Store (Rosa Lee, SFO)
9192 Garden Grove Blvd 8
GARDEN GROVE, CA 92644
Phone: 714-638 3855.
Fax: 714-638 3315

Hispanic
Comunicaciones Franciscanas
1229 South Santee Street
LOS ANGELES, CA 90915

Enrique B. Sanchez, SFO
Book Store
Calle 3A - 1416
TIJUANA, BAJA, CA 22000

English - Rule and Office in Braille
Lota Piel, SFO
522 Delmar St.
STERLING, CO 80751
Phone: 303-522 2779