In addition to prayer,
we can do other things, for Franciscan Vocations
 

By Fred Schaeffer, SFO
Part II

We have to examine on a Fraternity basis what works and what doesn’t. In order to increase membership in any organization, an effort must be made to tell the world what this organization is all about. That works for SFO also, although it is not a membership organization. Paying dues is not what makes one a member of the SFO. As we know so well, Franciscans listen to the Holy Spirit, they search, perhaps for something to do, or a way in which to love God more. Inquirers may not look at this "seeking a way of life" quite that way, but this search is usually done by people who are at a crossroads in life. This goes for people who are in discernment to become a friar, a sister (Poor Clares, and other Franciscan order of sisters), a priest or deacon, as well as prospective members of lay institutes.

What really sells an Order or fraternity is how its people live. How friars or sisters or Seculars set an example of solid Christian living. More importantly, how their zeal in their vocation reflects in their evangelization. Before a prospective member comes to find that out, he or she needs to be aware of the Order or particular community, where they meet, what they do, and if they actively seek members to be. Some fraternities, particularly of elderly people, or groups in which there is much tension (where, perhaps, one or two or more people clearly do not get along), simply do not exude the necessary enthusiasm that would convince anyone that they want to find new inquirers.

 "Fraternity breakfast?" We know people are drawn to food, particularly to free meals. And, while they are eating, we can tell them what the fraternity is all about. First Orders do this all the time by having a "Vocation weekend." They invite interested or prospective candidates to their friaries for a weekend, and visitors participate in prayer, and in all the other things the friars do, and they get an idea of the life of a friar. And, they can meet with the current group of novices or recently professed (as in first profession), so they can share what challenges, joys and pitfalls lie ahead for people preparing for first profession.

In order to make a fraternity of SFO known to the world, it is often necessary to have something published, either in a newspaper, or in a parish bulletin. I remember when Divine Mercy fraternity was just beginning, we placed meeting notices with a descriptive text (depending on how much space we were allowed to use) in Church Bulletins of all Churches in a given area. That brought people out to get to know us. I remember one meeting, even before we received our Canonical Approbation (1996), where 30 or 35 people showed up. Ultimately 7 joined, went through formation, and were professed, but that’s pretty good for a fledging fraternity. Now we have 26 professed, three in heaven, and three people in Candidacy. Praise God! Our Regional website brings people to us, also, as Franciscans from urban areas "up north" often migrate to Florida, and search for a SFO fraternity. They may even choose where to live based on the location of a fraternity.

What else can we do to bring people to us "to look us over?" We could sponsor a retreat weekend. This is something a group of fraternities or, perhaps, a Region, could undertake, and use this opportunity to invite not only Franciscans, but also those who have expressed interest in our Order. When we put our minds together, as a Council, a Committee, or even a Fraternity, there’s no telling what ideas will come forth. But we’ve got to start and do it! Pray about it. Get that flame to flicker again, to burn brightly, and ask the Holy Spirit to breathe some life into our fraternities.

Lastly, great care must be taken that we do not give the impression that we are an "elite" group of people. Such a notion is untrue, and also very un-Franciscan. We are mostly silent in our service to the Church, to our communities or fraternities, and we have only one goal, to obey the Rule of Saint Francis in order to love God and our brothers and sisters more, through prayer and concrete action. We hope to be a leaven in our worship communities, a breath of fresh air and Franciscan joy.

May your fraternities’ blossom! May your friaries and monasteries be filled! May our Franciscan family grow in prayer, in action toward the poor, the sick, and the disadvantaged. May the Secular Franciscan Order be strengthened by people who are alive for Jesus, open to the Holy Spirit, available to others, and always eager to promote vocations to our Franciscan Order.