11

FORMATIONFORMATIONSEMINAR IIISEMINAR III

OUR DOCUMENTSOUR DOCUMENTS

11

22

LAWLAWOverviewOverview

HistoryHistoryCanon LawCanon LawSFO Constitutions and StatutesSFO Constitutions and Statutes

33

Associations in the Associations in the Earliest Christian CenturiesEarliest Christian Centuries

The earliest Christian The earliest Christian centuries witnessed a wide centuries witnessed a wide variety of people getting variety of people getting together for a common together for a common purpose, such as collecting purpose, such as collecting alms for poor churches. alms for poor churches. A fairly common reason to get A fairly common reason to get together among the Christian together among the Christian laity in this early period was laity in this early period was the organization of burial the organization of burial societies.societies.

44

44thth Century Associations Century AssociationsAt the beginning of the 4th At the beginning of the 4th century another group emerged century another group emerged and their purpose was to assist and their purpose was to assist in the liturgical services, for the in the liturgical services, for the most part by the chanting of most part by the chanting of psalms and by participating in psalms and by participating in the various ecclesiastical the various ecclesiastical processions. Both men and processions. Both men and women were eligible for women were eligible for membershipmembership. . They were subject They were subject to the supervision and direction to the supervision and direction of ecclesiastical authority.of ecclesiastical authority.

55

88thth & 9 & 9thth Centuries CenturiesDevelopment of Development of Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical AssociationsAssociations

The chief factor in the The chief factor in the development of development of ecclesiastical ecclesiastical associationsassociations during the 8th and 9th during the 8th and 9th centuries was the centuries was the rapid expansion rapid expansion of western monasticismof western monasticism through through the Benedictines. Kings, nobles, the Benedictines. Kings, nobles, knights, men and women, rich and knights, men and women, rich and poor enrolled in these poor enrolled in these monastically sponsored monastically sponsored associations in order to share in associations in order to share in the prayers and spiritual works of the prayers and spiritual works of the monks. the monks.

66

•The The ecclesiastical associationecclesiastical association of of the 9th & 10th centuries the 9th & 10th centuries

• internal governmentinternal government

• dependent on dependent on episcopal episcopal supervisionsupervision

•served religious and served religious and charitable purposescharitable purposes..

77

1111thth Century Century Ecclesiastical AssociationsEcclesiastical Associations

By the 11By the 11thth century the ecclesiatical century the ecclesiatical societies spread throughout Italysocieties spread throughout Italy.. Men and women assembled Men and women assembled together together under ecclesiastical under ecclesiastical directiondirection to promote devotion to the to promote devotion to the saints, ensure spiritual assistance, saints, ensure spiritual assistance, provide for the needs of the poor, provide for the needs of the poor, visit and nurse the sick, pray in visit and nurse the sick, pray in common for dead members, and common for dead members, and have Masses offered for them. have Masses offered for them.

88

•Many bishops found it Many bishops found it necessary to remind the people necessary to remind the people that that ecclesiastical societiesecclesiastical societies could could be only be established with the be only be established with the consent of the local ordinaryconsent of the local ordinary..

•In Rome, Gregory IX (1227-In Rome, Gregory IX (1227-1241) issued a decree to the 1241) issued a decree to the effect that no ecclesiastical effect that no ecclesiastical association could be association could be established in the city established in the city without without the special permission of the the special permission of the Holy SeeHoly See..

99

Enter St. Francis andEnter St. Francis andSt. Dominic in the Middle Ages St. Dominic in the Middle Ages 1313thth century century

Countless numbers of people Countless numbers of people identified themselves with the identified themselves with the Franciscan and Dominican spirit Franciscan and Dominican spirit by adopting a religious rule of by adopting a religious rule of life specifically designed for the life specifically designed for the uncloistered masses. uncloistered masses.

1010

1212thth & 13 & 13thth Centuries Centuries

During the 12During the 12thth and 13 and 13thth centuries the confraternity centuries the confraternity took on the took on the juridical formjuridical form of of a corporate body, possessing a corporate body, possessing property and administering property and administering funds funds under ecclesiastical under ecclesiastical supervisionsupervision. .

1111

Right of the Church to Right of the Church to overseeoversee Ecclesiastical AssociationsEcclesiastical Associations

• Laws at this time asserted the Laws at this time asserted the right of the right of the Church to establishChurch to establish associations and associations and oversee the oversee the administrationadministration of their of their property property insofar as they were insofar as they were ecclesiastical ecclesiastical (church related) organizations.(church related) organizations.

• TThe Church permitted the founders he Church permitted the founders of these societies to formulate the of these societies to formulate the norms/rules that guided their norms/rules that guided their interior life and external activities.interior life and external activities.

1212

• These associations/confraternities These associations/confraternities had their own particular statutory had their own particular statutory laws, in which detailed provisions laws, in which detailed provisions were made for: everything from the were made for: everything from the reception of communion to the reception of communion to the management of funds.management of funds.

•Confraternities attached to the Confraternities attached to the churches or convents of churches or convents of religious orders were often religious orders were often placed under their direct placed under their direct supervision and administration.supervision and administration.

1313

The Council of TrentThe Council of Trent

BishopsBishops

• have a have a right to visitationright to visitation of any of any and all kinds of associations and and all kinds of associations and confraternitiesconfraternities

• The ecclesiastical and lay The ecclesiastical and lay administrators of confraternities administrators of confraternities must submit an must submit an annual financial annual financial reportreport on the administration of on the administration of the confraternity’s funds and the the confraternity’s funds and the distribution of alms donated by distribution of alms donated by the faithful.the faithful.

1414

•From the 13From the 13thth – 15 – 15thth centuries thesecenturies these ecclesiastical societiesecclesiastical societies multiplied and many multiplied and many served the same served the same purpose.purpose.

1515

1616thth Century – The Reformation Century – The Reformation

•As a result of the As a result of the Reformation, and because of Reformation, and because of the great need for individual the great need for individual religious instruction, the religious instruction, the CConfraternity of onfraternity of CChristian hristian DDoctrineoctrine was organized at was organized at this time with headquarters this time with headquarters in Rome.in Rome.

1616

1717thth Century Century Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical

AssociationsAssociations

•Clement VIII issued the Clement VIII issued the constitution constitution Quaecumque.Quaecumque. Quaecumque Quaecumque to to standardize practices and standardize practices and correct abuses.correct abuses.

1717

Local OrdinaryLocal Ordinary

•consent for the establishmentconsent for the establishment of an of an ecclesiastical associationecclesiastical association

• the the examinationexamination, , approvalapproval, and , and the the correctioncorrection of the of the statutesstatutes

• The administration of funds, the The administration of funds, the liturgical ceremonies, and the liturgical ceremonies, and the works of charity had already been works of charity had already been subjected to his supervision by subjected to his supervision by the Council of Trent. the Council of Trent.

1818

•The The 1917 Code1917 Code classified the classified the various types of various types of ecclesiastical ecclesiastical associations. associations. It was also the first It was also the first time that a lot of Church law was time that a lot of Church law was gathered into one place.gathered into one place.

1919

• As a result of Vatican II, in 1983 a As a result of Vatican II, in 1983 a new Code of Canon Law came into new Code of Canon Law came into effect. It did away with the 1917 effect. It did away with the 1917 Code of Canon Law. It updated and Code of Canon Law. It updated and brought the Church’s laws into the brought the Church’s laws into the current time.current time. This is the Code that we This is the Code that we now use. now use.

2020

CanonCanon LawLaw

21

What is Canon Law and What is Canon Law and Why is it Important?Why is it Important?

Every organization, Every organization, whether secular or whether secular or religious, requires its own religious, requires its own laws and customs in order laws and customs in order to maintain order. Within to maintain order. Within the Catholic Church the law the Catholic Church the law is known as is known as Canon LawCanon Law..

22

in order to maintain in order to maintain order.order.

keep the Church keep the Church focused focused on its missionon its mission to to evangelize the nations evangelize the nations and provided an and provided an environment in which the environment in which the Church was more Church was more receptive to God’s plan.receptive to God’s plan.

23

What are “What are “CanonsCanons”?”?

““CanonCanon” comes from ” comes from Greek meaning Greek meaning norm or norm or measuremeasure.. ““CanonsCanons” are ” are individual paragraphs of individual paragraphs of law that the Church law that the Church interprets and applies to interprets and applies to given situations.given situations.

24

Different Kinds of Different Kinds of LawsLaws

There are different types of law in the There are different types of law in the Church – A few examples:Church – A few examples:

Liturgical Law Liturgical Law Sacramental LawSacramental Law

Ecumenical LawEcumenical Law

25

The The Code of Canon LawCode of Canon Law contains 7 contains 7 unique divisions known as booksunique divisions known as books

Book IBook I General NormsGeneral Norms,, lays down thelays down the ground rulesground rules of the Church’s legal of the Church’s legal systemsystem

Book IIBook II The People of GodThe People of God, , looks at looks at whowho makes up the Church, structure, makes up the Church, structure, etc.etc.

Book IIIBook III The Teaching function of The Teaching function of the Churchthe Church, , tells tells how we how we proclaimproclaim the gospel the gospel of Christ of Christ through teaching, books, universities, through teaching, books, universities, catechisms, Mother Angelicacatechisms, Mother Angelica

26

Book IVBook IV, , The Sanctifying Function of The Sanctifying Function of the Churchthe Church,, deals with our sanctification deals with our sanctification by Christ in all of theby Christ in all of the 7 sacraments7 sacraments

Book V,Book V, Temporal GoodsTemporal Goods,, gives gives guidance on how we are to deal withguidance on how we are to deal with worldly goodsworldly goods: : donations, Mass donations, Mass Stipends, Settlements, Selling propertyStipends, Settlements, Selling property

Book VIBook VI, , Penal LawPenal Law,, describes the describes the Church’s responses toChurch’s responses to errant behaviorserrant behaviors: : clergy misconduct, “put a bad dog down”clergy misconduct, “put a bad dog down”

Book VII,Book VII, Procedural LawProcedural Law,, explains theexplains the legal processes in the Churchlegal processes in the Church

27

Free to have associations Free to have associations

Canon 215Canon 215 The Christian faithful The Christian faithful are free to found and to govern are free to found and to govern associations for charitable and associations for charitable and religious purposes or for the religious purposes or for the promotion of the Christian promotion of the Christian vocation in the worldvocation in the world

are free to hold meetings to are free to hold meetings to pursue these purposes in pursue these purposes in common.common.

28

Classification of AssociationsClassification of Associations

their relation to the Church's their relation to the Church's hierarchy -hierarchy - public and public and private;private;

their geographical extensiontheir geographical extension -- international or universal, international or universal, national, diocesan;national, diocesan;

their membershiptheir membership -- clerical, clerical, lay, mixed.lay, mixed.

29

Definition: Associations of the FaithfulDefinition: Associations of the Faithful Can 298 §1.Can 298 §1. associations distinct associations distinct

from religious life, in which the from religious life, in which the Christian faithful, either clergy or Christian faithful, either clergy or laity, or clergy and laity together laity, or clergy and laity together

strive by common effort to promote a strive by common effort to promote a more perfect life or to foster public more perfect life or to foster public worship or Christian doctrine or to worship or Christian doctrine or to exercise other apostolic worksexercise other apostolic works

to animate the temporal/secular to animate the temporal/secular order with the Christian spirit. order with the Christian spirit.

30

What is a What is a JuridicJuridic Person?Person? Juridic personalityJuridic personality is conferred is conferred

upon groups of people or things upon groups of people or things ordered towards a purpose that ordered towards a purpose that goes along with the mission of goes along with the mission of the Church the Church (c. 114 §1)(c. 114 §1)

recognized by the Churchrecognized by the Church.. subject to rights and subject to rights and

obligationsobligations, , (c(c. 113 §1). 113 §1) The equivalent in civil law is The equivalent in civil law is

incorporation.incorporation.

31

What is a public juridic What is a public juridic person?person?

group of peoplegroup of people or things or things established established by a competent by a competent

ecclesiastical authorityecclesiastical authority given agiven a missionmission statutes statutes andand constitutions constitutions

have beenhave been approvedapproved by this by this same ecclesiastical authority.same ecclesiastical authority. (cc. 313, 116, 117, 301 (cc. 313, 116, 117, 301 §3§3))

3232

General Constitutions, Art. 29.1General Constitutions, Art. 29.1• Local fraternities are grouped into Local fraternities are grouped into

fraternities at various levels: regional, fraternities at various levels: regional, national and international according to national and international according to criteria that are ecclesial, territorial, or criteria that are ecclesial, territorial, or of another nature. They are of another nature. They are coordinated and connected according coordinated and connected according to the norm of the Rule and the to the norm of the Rule and the Constitutions. This is a requirement of Constitutions. This is a requirement of the communion among the fraternities, the communion among the fraternities, of the orderly collaboration among of the orderly collaboration among them, and of the unity of the SFO.them, and of the unity of the SFO.

3333

General Constitutions, Art. 29.2General Constitutions, Art. 29.2

•Rule 20Rule 20 These fraternities, These fraternities, that each have their own that each have their own juridical personality in the juridical personality in the Church, should acquire, if Church, should acquire, if possible, a civil juridical possible, a civil juridical personality for the better personality for the better fulfillment of their mission…fulfillment of their mission…

34

What is a private association?What is a private association? The difference between public The difference between public

and private is that the public and private is that the public association’s constitutions association’s constitutions and statutes are approved by and statutes are approved by an ecclesiastical authority an ecclesiastical authority and a private one’s are not. and a private one’s are not. (cc. 298, 301)(cc. 298, 301)

35

SFO a tax exempt SFO a tax exempt

organization – federal income organization – federal income taxtax Included in group ruling of the Included in group ruling of the

Catholic ChurchCatholic Church Donations deductibleDonations deductible Mileage deductibleMileage deductible

No relationship to state tax No relationship to state tax requirementsrequirements

Does not exempt fraternities Does not exempt fraternities from other taxes (sales, use, from other taxes (sales, use, etc.)etc.)

36

Who has the Right to Establish Who has the Right to Establish Associations?Associations?

Can 301 §1.Can 301 §1. Competent Competent ecclesiastical authority ecclesiastical authority alone when you are doing alone when you are doing something in the name of something in the name of the Churchthe Church

37

Who is the competent Who is the competent ecclesaistical authority that has ecclesaistical authority that has

the right to establish the right to establish associations?associations?

Can 312 §1.Can 312 §1. The authority competent The authority competent to establish public associations is: to establish public associations is:

(1) (1) Holy SeeHoly See for universal and for universal and international associationsinternational associations

(2) (2) Conference of bishopsConference of bishops in its own in its own territory for national associationsterritory for national associations

(3) (3) Diocesan bishopDiocesan bishop in his own in his own territory for diocesan associationsterritory for diocesan associations

38

““Catholic” in Title Catholic” in Title Can 300.Can 300. No association shall No association shall

assume the name "Catholic" assume the name "Catholic" without without the consentthe consent of competent of competent ecclesiastical authority, in accord ecclesiastical authority, in accord with the norm of with the norm of can. 312can. 312..

Specific approval to use the name Specific approval to use the name Catholic Catholic is not required for is not required for associations that have been associations that have been established as public established as public juridic juridic personspersons or as private or as private juridic juridic personspersons

39

Third OrdersThird Orders Can 303.Can 303. members members lead an lead an

apostolic lifeapostolic life strive for Christian perfectionstrive for Christian perfection

while living in the world while living in the world share the spirit of some share the spirit of some

religious institute under the religious institute under the higher direction of that same higher direction of that same instituteinstitute

(GC Art. 85.1)(GC Art. 85.1)

4040

General Constitutions, Art. 85.2General Constitutions, Art. 85.2

• The spiritual and pastoral care of the SFO, The spiritual and pastoral care of the SFO, entrusted by the Church to the Franciscan entrusted by the Church to the Franciscan First Order and the TOR, is the duty, above First Order and the TOR, is the duty, above all, of their general and provincial all, of their general and provincial ministers. Theministers. The altius moderamenaltius moderamen, , of of which which Canon 303Canon 303 speaks, belongs to them. speaks, belongs to them. The purpose of theThe purpose of the altius moderamenaltius moderamen is is to guarantee the fidelity of the SFO to the to guarantee the fidelity of the SFO to the Franciscan charism, communion with the Franciscan charism, communion with the Church and union with the Franciscan Church and union with the Franciscan family, values which represent a vital family, values which represent a vital commitment for the Secular Franciscans.commitment for the Secular Franciscans.

4141

Statutes for Spiritual Assistance Art. 8.1Statutes for Spiritual Assistance Art. 8.1The General MinistersThe General Ministers

The general Ministers The general Ministers exercise collegiallyexercise collegially the the altius moderamenaltius moderamen and and the pastoral assistance in the pastoral assistance in regard to the SFO as a regard to the SFO as a wholewhole [1][1]..

[1][1] SFO ConstSFO Const 87.1 87.1

42

Third OrdersThird Orders

Third ordersThird orders SecularSecular - -members inmembers in the world. the world.

43

The Third OrderThe Third Order Regular Regular (TOR) (TOR) evolved out of the evolved out of the SecularsSeculars, men and women who , men and women who wanted to live together in a wanted to live together in a community life.community life. Eventually their Eventually their rule evolved from the SFO rule rule evolved from the SFO rule and is different from it and the and is different from it and the rule of the first orders.rule of the first orders.

44

Necessity of StatutesNecessity of Statutes

Can 304 §1Can 304 §1.. All associations of All associations of the Christian faithful, whether the Christian faithful, whether public or private, by whatever public or private, by whatever title or name they are called, title or name they are called, are to have their own are to have their own statutes…statutes…

45

Approval of StatutesApproval of Statutes

Canon 314Canon 314 The statutes of The statutes of anyany public association as public association as well as their revision or well as their revision or change require the change require the approvalapproval of the of the ecclesiastical authority ecclesiastical authority which is competent to which is competent to establish the association establish the association in accord with in accord with can. 312,§1.can. 312,§1.

46

Vigilance and AccountabilityVigilance and Accountability

Can 305 §1.Can 305 §1. All associations All associations of the Christian faithful of the Christian faithful are subject to the are subject to the vigilance of competent vigilance of competent ecclesiastical authority…ecclesiastical authority…

47

Can 305 §2.Can 305 §2. Associations of Associations of any kind whatever are any kind whatever are subject to the vigilance of subject to the vigilance of the Holy See; diocesan the Holy See; diocesan associations and also other associations and also other associations to the extent associations to the extent that they work in the that they work in the diocese are subject to the diocese are subject to the vigilance of the local vigilance of the local ordinary.ordinary.

4848

General Constitutions, article General Constitutions, article 101.1-2101.1-2

• The Secular Franciscans should The Secular Franciscans should collaboratecollaborate with the bishops and with the bishops and follow their directions… follow their directions… [1][1]

• The fraternities are subject to the The fraternities are subject to the vigilance of the Ordinary in so far vigilance of the Ordinary in so far as they perform their activities as they perform their activities within the local Churches. within the local Churches. [2][2]

• [1][1] See Can. 394; 756; 775 ssSee Can. 394; 756; 775 ss. . [2][2] See See Can. 305Can. 305; ; 392.392.

49

BenefitsBenefits Can 306.Can 306. In order for a In order for a

person to enjoy the rights person to enjoy the rights and privileges, and privileges, indulgences and other indulgences and other spiritual favors granted to spiritual favors granted to the association, he or she the association, he or she has to have been has to have been validly validly received into itreceived into it and and not not legitimately dismissedlegitimately dismissed……

50

MembershipMembership Can 307 §1.Can 307 §1. The reception of members The reception of members

is to be is to be done in accord with the done in accord with the norm of law and the statutes of norm of law and the statutes of each associationeach association. .

§2.§2. The same person can be The same person can be enrolled in several associations. enrolled in several associations.

§3.§3. Members of religious Members of religious institutes can enroll in institutes can enroll in associations in accord with their associations in accord with their own law with the consent of their own law with the consent of their superior. superior.

51

DismissalDismissal

Canon 308Canon 308 No one who No one who has been legitimately has been legitimately enrolled may be dismissed enrolled may be dismissed from an association from an association except for a except for a just cause in just cause in accord with the norm of accord with the norm of law and the statuteslaw and the statutes. .

52

Rights and Obligations of the Rights and Obligations of the JuridicJuridic Person Person

Canon 309Canon 309 Legitimately constituted Legitimately constituted associations have the rightassociations have the rightto issue particular norms to issue particular norms respecting the association respecting the association itselfitself

to hold meetingsto hold meetingsto designate moderators, to designate moderators, officials, other officersofficials, other officers

administer goods.administer goods.

53

Canon 315Canon 315 Public associations on Public associations on their own initiative can begin their own initiative can begin undertakings in keeping with undertakings in keeping with their character, and they can their character, and they can direct them in accord with direct them in accord with their statutes, but under the their statutes, but under the further direction of the further direction of the ecclesiastical authority ecclesiastical authority mentioned in mentioned in c. 312, §1.c. 312, §1.

54

Property of a Juridic PersonProperty of a Juridic Person

Canon 319 §1.Canon 319 §1. Each year you Each year you must give an must give an account account of the of the administration of the goods you administration of the goods you own to the ecclesiastical own to the ecclesiastical authority mentioned inauthority mentioned in c. 312, §1.c. 312, §1.

§2.§2. Each year you must give Each year you must give a a financial accountingfinancial accounting to to the same ecclesiastical the same ecclesiastical authority.authority.

55

Who can suppress?Who can suppress? Canon 320 §1 §2.Canon 320 §1 §2. The The

person who established person who established the association is the only the association is the only one who can suppress it.one who can suppress it.

§3.§3. A public association is A public association is not to be suppressed by not to be suppressed by competent authority competent authority without having heard its without having heard its moderator and other moderator and other major officials.major officials.

56

Cooperation with other AssociationsCooperation with other Associations Canon 328Canon 328 Those who preside Those who preside

over associations of the laity, over associations of the laity, even those associations erected even those associations erected in virtue of an apostolic privilege, in virtue of an apostolic privilege, are to see to it that they are to see to it that they cooperate with other associations cooperate with other associations of the Christian faithful, where it of the Christian faithful, where it is expedient, and willingly assist is expedient, and willingly assist the various Christian works the various Christian works especially those in the same especially those in the same territory.territory.

57

Canon 329Canon 329 Moderators of Moderators of associations of the laity associations of the laity are to see to it that the are to see to it that the members of the members of the association are duly association are duly formed for the exercise formed for the exercise of the apostolate which of the apostolate which is proper to the laity.is proper to the laity.

58

SubsidiaritySubsidiarity SubsidiaritySubsidiarity: This is the : This is the principal that says that principal that says that the higher authority the higher authority should not do whatever should not do whatever can be done by the can be done by the lower authority.lower authority.

59

The Law is PastoralThe Law is PastoralThe last canon of the “Code of Canon Law” is amongst the most important canons. Canon 1752 states that everything should be done “keeping in mind the salvation of souls”.

60

Section II

•Organization and Structure

6161

Canon Law Canon Law

Our DocumentsOur Documents– RuleRule– General ConstitutionsGeneral Constitutions– National StatutesNational Statutes– ……

Franciscan LifeFranciscan Life

6161

6262

Order in the ChurchOrder in the Church

•Rule, Article 2Rule, Article 2– Organic union of all Catholic Organic union of all Catholic fraternitiesfraternities

– Led by the SpiritLed by the Spirit– Professed (pledged) to live a Professed (pledged) to live a Gospel life in the manner of Gospel life in the manner of St FrancisSt Francis

– Following this ruleFollowing this rule– Approved by the ChurchApproved by the Church

6363

Organized into fraternitiesOrganized into fraternities• General Constitutions, articles 1.5General Constitutions, articles 1.5

– TheThe SFO is a SFO is a public associationpublic association in the in the Church. (c.303, 301 §3)Church. (c.303, 301 §3)

– It is divided into It is divided into fraternitiesfraternities at various at various levels:levels:local, regional, national, and international.local, regional, national, and international.

– Each one has its own Each one has its own juridical juridical personalitypersonality.. (c.214) (c.214)

– Within the Church. (c.212)Within the Church. (c.212)• Establishing authority: the Establishing authority: the Holy SeeHoly See• Written Written consent consent of the diocesan bishopof the diocesan bishop

6464

National FraternityNational Fraternity– GC 65.1GC 65.1

• Organic union ofOrganic union of the local the local fraternities … fraternities …

• which are joined and coordinated which are joined and coordinated among themselvesamong themselves

• through regional fraternities …through regional fraternities …– GC 65.3GC 65.3

• Animated and guided by a Animated and guided by a council and minister.council and minister.

• Governed by its own statutes.Governed by its own statutes.

• Has its own seat.Has its own seat.

6565

National Fraternity National Fraternity (NAFRA)(NAFRA)

– National Statutes, Article 1National Statutes, Article 1

1.1 National Fraternity of the 1.1 National Fraternity of the SFO (NAFRA)SFO (NAFRA)

• Juridic person in the USAJuridic person in the USA

• Of local and regional Of local and regional fraternitiesfraternities

1.2 Animated and guided by 1.2 Animated and guided by elected council & minister elected council & minister [GC [GC 65.3]65.3]

6666

National Fraternity National Fraternity (NAFRA)(NAFRA)

– National Statutes, Article 1National Statutes, Article 1

1.3 Follows: Code of Canon Law, 1.3 Follows: Code of Canon Law, and the following SFO documents: and the following SFO documents:

•the Rule, the Rule,

•the General Constitutions, the General Constitutions,

•the Ritual, the Ritual,

•the International Statutesthe International Statutes and and

•these National Statutes these National Statutes [GC, [GC, art 4].art 4].

6767

ElectionsElections One Vote per personOne Vote per person. [NS art 8.4-. [NS art 8.4-

5; 5; c. 168c. 168]] Majority: Absolute & Relative Majority: Absolute & Relative

(simple)(simple) [NS art 9.2; GC 78.1; [NS art 9.2; GC 78.1; c. 110c. 110]] Needed to elect.Needed to elect. (c. 119)(c. 119)

Oldest by ProfessionOldest by Profession [GC 78.1 ][GC 78.1 ] Questions not covered revert to Questions not covered revert to

the decision of the the decision of the President/Presider of the President/Presider of the Election.Election. [NS 9.3] [NS 9.3]

6868

Elections Elections [GC 76.1][GC 76.1] The elections at the various levels The elections at the various levels

will take place according to the will take place according to the norms of the law of the Church norms of the law of the Church and of the Constitutionsand of the Constitutions. . (c. 164)(c. 164)

c. 164c. 164: Unless the law has provided : Unless the law has provided otherwise, the prescriptions of the otherwise, the prescriptions of the following canons are to be observed following canons are to be observed in canonical elections.in canonical elections.

6969

c. 168c. 168 …a person can cast only one …a person can cast only one vote.vote.

c. 169c. 169 …only members of the group…only members of the group c. 170c. 170 Impaired freedom invalidates Impaired freedom invalidates

the electionthe election c. 171c. 171 Eligibility to voteEligibility to vote c. 172c. 172 Valid Vote:Valid Vote:

Free, Free, secret, certain, absolute, secret, certain, absolute,

determinatedeterminate No appended conditions.No appended conditions.

70

c. c. 149 §1149 §1 To be promoted to an To be promoted to an

ecclesiastical office, a person ecclesiastical office, a person must be:must be: In the communion of the In the communion of the ChurchChurch

SuitableSuitableEndowed Endowed with thosewith those qualities/qualifications qualities/qualifications which which are required for the office …are required for the office …

7171

General Constitutions, Art. 76.2General Constitutions, Art. 76.2

The elective assembly, The elective assembly, or chapter, will be or chapter, will be presided over by the presided over by the minister of the minister of the immediately higher immediately higher level, or by his or her level, or by his or her delegate, who confirms delegate, who confirms the election.the election.

7272

General Constitutions, Art. 80General Constitutions, Art. 80

The particular statutes The particular statutes may include further may include further directives concerning directives concerning elections, as long as elections, as long as they are not contrary to they are not contrary to the Constitutions.the Constitutions.

7373

VacanciesVacancies MinisterMinister: : Vice minister assumes Vice minister assumes

office.office. [GC 81.1][GC 81.1]

Vice ministerVice minister: : Elected by council Elected by council from its members.from its members. [GC 81.2][GC 81.2]

CouncilorCouncilor: : Council will proceed Council will proceed to substitute for him or her in to substitute for him or her in conformity with its own conformity with its own statutes. statutes. [GC 81.3][GC 81.3]

7474

ResignationResignation Minister: Minister: [GC83.1][GC83.1]

• During a chapter meeting: During a chapter meeting: Accepted by the chapter.Accepted by the chapter.

• Otherwise, accepted by the Otherwise, accepted by the council and the minister of council and the minister of the higher level.the higher level.

Other Officer: Other Officer: [GC 83.2][GC 83.2]

• Presented and accepted by Presented and accepted by minister and council.minister and council.

7575

Removal Removal (After fraternal dialog)(After fraternal dialog) Minister:Minister:

• Council informs higher council. Higher Council informs higher council. Higher council examines & takes secret vote. council examines & takes secret vote. [GC 84.1][GC 84.1]

• For a serious, public, and proved For a serious, public, and proved reason, the higher council … by a reason, the higher council … by a secret ballot, orders the removal of a secret ballot, orders the removal of a minister of a lower level. minister of a lower level. [GC 84.2][GC 84.2]

Other OfficersOther Officers::• Council votes (secret ballot). Council votes (secret ballot). [GC 84.3][GC 84.3]

7676

Removal Removal [GC 84.6][GC 84.6] General ProblemsGeneral Problems

Serious lack of concern or evidence of Serious lack of concern or evidence of irregularities on the part of a minister or a irregularities on the part of a minister or a council, council,

Council of the next higher levelCouncil of the next higher level: : • Conducts a fraternal visitConducts a fraternal visit

• Eventually, requests a pastoral visit. Eventually, requests a pastoral visit.

• Evaluates and decides on the best way Evaluates and decides on the best way to proceed, not excluding the eventual to proceed, not excluding the eventual removal of the council or leaders removal of the council or leaders involved.involved.

7777

National Statutes, Art. 28National Statutes, Art. 28Provisions for National administration shall be Provisions for National administration shall be

used as a used as a modelmodel forfor

Elections,Elections,

Conduct of business, …Conduct of business, …

Composition and duties of the Composition and duties of the Fraternity Minister and the Fraternity Fraternity Minister and the Fraternity Council,Council,

Replacement of officersReplacement of officers

And similar business of the fraternityAnd similar business of the fraternity

At any level.At any level.

78

Section III

FRATERNAL LIFE

7979

FraternityFraternity Life - National Life - National StatutesStatutes• Articles #2, #3 and #4 of the Articles #2, #3 and #4 of the

General Constitutions concerning the General Constitutions concerning the nature of the vocation to the SFO nature of the vocation to the SFO apply. apply. [NS 16.1][NS 16.1]

– Specific vocation to the SFO. Specific vocation to the SFO. Can’t belong to another order Can’t belong to another order or instituteor institute. . [GC 2.1][GC 2.1]

– Laity and secular clergy can Laity and secular clergy can belong.belong. [GC 2.2][GC 2.2]

8080

– Spirituality and apostolic life of Spirituality and apostolic life of SFO characterized by their SFO characterized by their secular state.secular state. [GC 3.1][GC 3.1]

– Laity help build up Kingdom of Laity help build up Kingdom of God.God. [GC 3.2; [GC 3.2; c. 225c. 225]]

– Vocation – to live the Gospel in Vocation – to live the Gospel in fraternal communion fraternal communion (fraternities).(fraternities). [GC 3.3][GC 3.3]

8181

•Governed by universal law of the Governed by universal law of the Church, and its own: Rule, Church, and its own: Rule, Constitutions, Ritual, and Constitutions, Ritual, and particular statutes particular statutes [GC 4.1][GC 4.1]

•Rule – gives nature, purpose, and Rule – gives nature, purpose, and spirit of SFO.spirit of SFO. [GC 4.2][GC 4.2]

•Constitutions Constitutions – Apply the Rule, give conditions Apply the Rule, give conditions

for belongingfor belonging– for government and for government and [GC 4.3][GC 4.3]– organization organization

8282

FORM OF LIFE –G.C. arts. 8-FORM OF LIFE –G.C. arts. 8-1111• Live the Gospel according to Live the Gospel according to

Franciscan spirituality.Franciscan spirituality. • Deepen the values and choices of the Deepen the values and choices of the

evangelical life according to the Rule.evangelical life according to the Rule. • Be open to the challenges that come Be open to the challenges that come

from society and from the Church’s life from society and from the Church’s life situation.situation.

• Spirituality is plan of life centered on Spirituality is plan of life centered on the person of Christ, rather than a the person of Christ, rather than a “program.”“program.”

8383

• Secular Franciscans must Secular Franciscans must personally and assiduously study personally and assiduously study the Gospel and Sacred Scripture.the Gospel and Sacred Scripture.

• Rule 10Rule 10 “Christ, poor and “Christ, poor and crucified” is the “book” in which crucified” is the “book” in which Franciscans learn to live the Franciscans learn to live the Gospel life.Gospel life.

• They must live the Franciscan They must live the Franciscan spirit of peace, rejecting every spirit of peace, rejecting every other way.other way.

• Holy Spirit is source of vocations Holy Spirit is source of vocations and animator of fraternal life and animator of fraternal life and mission.and mission.

8484

•Fraternity life - has vitality and Fraternity life - has vitality and sustaining force; exists at sustaining force; exists at national, regional and local national, regional and local levels. levels. [NS16.2][NS16.2]

•Fraternities are subject to the Fraternities are subject to the vigilance of local bishop.vigilance of local bishop. [NS [NS 16.3, 16.3, RuleRule, art. #6], art. #6]

•External sign of SFO in U.S. – the External sign of SFO in U.S. – the TAUTAU [NS 16.4][NS 16.4]

8585

Life in Fraternity - General ConstitutionsLife in Fraternity - General Constitutions

•Fraternities originated with St. Fraternities originated with St. FrancisFrancis.. [1] [1] [GC 28.1][GC 28.1]

•Co-responsibility of each member Co-responsibility of each member for life of the fraternityfor life of the fraternity requiresrequires: : [GC [GC 30.1]30.1]

– Personal presencePersonal presence– WitnessWitness– PrayerPrayer– Active collaborationActive collaboration [GC 30.2][GC 30.2]

[1] [1] See See Constitutions Constitutions 3.3, 3.3, TestamentTestament 14 14

8686

FRATERNITY OFFICESFRATERNITY OFFICES• Holding office in fraternity is a Holding office in fraternity is a

fraternal service. fraternal service. – AvailableAvailable– ResponsibleResponsible– Convinced of the Franciscan Convinced of the Franciscan

evangelical way of lifeevangelical way of life– Broad and encompassing visionBroad and encompassing vision– Open to dialogueOpen to dialogue– Ready to give and receive help Ready to give and receive help

[GC 31.2, 3][GC 31.2, 3]

8787

LEADERS – LEADERS – GC 31.4GC 31.4

•Leaders’ responsibilities:Leaders’ responsibilities:– Spiritual and technical Spiritual and technical

preparation and animation of preparation and animation of meetingsmeetings

– Inspire life in fraternity by their Inspire life in fraternity by their own witnessown witness

– Help develop life of fraternityHelp develop life of fraternity– Promote collaboration among Promote collaboration among

brothers and sistersbrothers and sisters

8888

–Live and foster spirit and Live and foster spirit and reality of communion in reality of communion in fraternitiesfraternities

–Cherish peace and Cherish peace and reconciliationreconciliation

–Realize that leadership is Realize that leadership is temporarytemporary

–Reject ambition, show loveReject ambition, show love [Rule, art. 21][Rule, art. 21]

8989

FRATERNAL and PASTORAL VISITSFRATERNAL and PASTORAL VISITS Purpose: Purpose:

to revive the evangelical Franciscan to revive the evangelical Franciscan spirit spirit

to assure fidelity to the charism and to to assure fidelity to the charism and to the Rule the Rule

to offer help to fraternity life to offer help to fraternity life to reinforce the bond of the unity of the to reinforce the bond of the unity of the

Order andOrder and to promote its most effective insertion to promote its most effective insertion

into the Franciscan family and the into the Franciscan family and the Church.Church. [GC 92.1, [GC 92.1, Rule, Rule, art. 26art. 26]]

9090

Responsibilities of visitors:Responsibilities of visitors: Initiate visitation when neededInitiate visitation when needed Verify fraternity’s Franciscan Verify fraternity’s Franciscan

lifelife Examine records; audit Examine records; audit

requiredrequired[NS 4.5, GC 53.3][NS 4.5, GC 53.3]

Make fraternal corrections Make fraternal corrections where needed where needed [GC 93][GC 93]

9191

Verify:Verify: the validity of formation;the validity of formation; relations with other fraternities relations with other fraternities

and youth;and youth; Observance of directives and Observance of directives and

guidelines of the International guidelines of the International Council and other councils;Council and other councils;

Presence in the local Church;Presence in the local Church; Liturgical and prayer life.Liturgical and prayer life.

[GC 94.2, 95.4][GC 94.2, 95.4]

9292

SPIRITUAL ASSISTANTSSPIRITUAL ASSISTANTS Spiritual Assistants to all Spiritual Assistants to all

fraternities are mandatory. fraternities are mandatory. [GC 89.1][GC 89.1]

Provincials appoint Spiritual Provincials appoint Spiritual Assistants according to the GC Assistants according to the GC andand Statutes for Spiritual and Pastoral Statutes for Spiritual and Pastoral Assistance to the SFO.Assistance to the SFO. [GC 91.3][GC 91.3] Spiritual Assistants must keep Spiritual Assistants must keep Provincials informed of life of SFO.Provincials informed of life of SFO. [SSA [SSA art. 20.1]art. 20.1]

9393

Secular Franciscans who serve as Secular Franciscans who serve as Spiritual Assistants subject to Spiritual Assistants subject to same rights and restrictions as same rights and restrictions as Franciscan religious Spiritual Franciscan religious Spiritual AssistantsAssistants. . [NS 18.3; authority: GC 89.4][NS 18.3; authority: GC 89.4]

Primary job to communicate Primary job to communicate Franciscan spirituality and help in Franciscan spirituality and help in formation.formation. [GC 90.1][GC 90.1]

Can only hold position for 12 years.Can only hold position for 12 years. [SSA [SSA art. 15.3] art. 15.3]

9494

FORMATIONFORMATION Holy Spirit the principal agent of Holy Spirit the principal agent of

formationformation.. [GC 37.2][GC 37.2]

Brothers and sisters are responsible for Brothers and sisters are responsible for their own formationtheir own formation.. [GC 37.3][GC 37.3]

Form to be used for formation is that found in Form to be used for formation is that found in the the Guidelines for Initial FormationGuidelines for Initial Formation.. [NS 19.5a][NS 19.5a]

Method to be Method to be interactive interactive AND AND experientialexperiential.. [NS 19.5b; GC 40.4][NS 19.5b; GC 40.4]

9595

Determination of means of Determination of means of formation belongs to national formation belongs to national and regional councils.and regional councils. [GC 37.4][GC 37.4]

9696

OrientationOrientation a time for a time for determining a person’s determining a person’s interest, eligibility and interest, eligibility and disposition to enter into the disposition to enter into the initial formation process.initial formation process. [NS [NS 19.1a]19.1a]

InquiryInquiry a “time of initiation”, a a “time of initiation”, a time for discernment of vocation.time for discernment of vocation. [GC 38.1, [GC 38.1, Rule,Rule, art. 23] art. 23]

9797

Conditions for admission are: Conditions for admission are: profess the Catholic faithprofess the Catholic faith live in communion with the live in communion with the

Church Church be of good moral standing, andbe of good moral standing, and show clear signs of a vocationshow clear signs of a vocation [1][1] [GC 39.1][GC 39.1]

[1][1] See Can. 316See Can. 316..

9898

After Rite of Admission “true” time After Rite of Admission “true” time of formation begins.of formation begins. [GC 38, 39][GC 38, 39]

Candidacy:Candidacy: Purpose – maturation of vocationPurpose – maturation of vocation Experience of evangelical life in Experience of evangelical life in

fraternityfraternity Better knowledge of OrderBetter knowledge of Order

[GC 40][GC 40]

9999

Requires:Requires: Frequent meetingsFrequent meetings –– with with

candidates of other fraternities candidates of other fraternities where possiblewhere possible

StudyStudy – – Sacred Scripture, Sacred Scripture, writings of Francis, Franciscan writings of Francis, Franciscan spirituality, Rule, Constitutionsspirituality, Rule, Constitutions

PrayerPrayer

Participation Participation in local fraternity in local fraternity meetings meetings mandatorymandatory and and indispensableindispensable.. [NS 19.2c; GC 40.3][NS 19.2c; GC 40.3]

100100

Trained inTrained in love for love for ChurchChurch andand acceptance acceptance of her teachingsof her teachings

Practice living their Practice living their secular commitment in secular commitment in the world in an the world in an evangelical wayevangelical way

101101

FORMATIONFORMATION Rule 23Rule 23 Having completed the time of Having completed the time of

initial formation, the candidate submits initial formation, the candidate submits to the minister of the local fraternity a to the minister of the local fraternity a request to make his or her profession. request to make his or her profession. Having heard the master of formation Having heard the master of formation and the assistant, the fraternity council and the assistant, the fraternity council decides by decides by secret ballotsecret ballot on the admission on the admission to profession, gives its reply to the to profession, gives its reply to the candidate, and informs the fraternity.candidate, and informs the fraternity.

[G.C. 41.1][G.C. 41.1]

102102

Requirements for profession:Requirements for profession: Age (min. of 21)Age (min. of 21) [NS 19.3a; GC 41.2][NS 19.3a; GC 41.2] Active participationActive participation [GC 41.2][GC 41.2] Consent of council – requires secret Consent of council – requires secret

ballotballot [GC 41.1, 2][GC 41.1, 2] All sacraments, and an actively All sacraments, and an actively

practicing Catholicpracticing Catholic [NS 19.2d][NS 19.2d]

Time of formation can be extended 1 Time of formation can be extended 1 year.year. [GC 41.3][GC 41.3]

103103

PROFESSION – G.C. article 42.1PROFESSION – G.C. article 42.1 Profession is the Profession is the solemn solemn ecclesial ecclesial

act by which the candidate, act by which the candidate, remembering the call received remembering the call received from Christ, renews the baptismal from Christ, renews the baptismal promises and publicly affirms his or promises and publicly affirms his or her personal commitment to live her personal commitment to live the Gospel in the world according the Gospel in the world according to the example of Francis and to the example of Francis and following the Rule of the SFO.following the Rule of the SFO.

104104

PROFESSION –G.C. article 42.2PROFESSION –G.C. article 42.2

Rule 23 Rule 23 Profession incorporates the Profession incorporates the candidate into the Order and is by candidate into the Order and is by its nature a its nature a perpetual commitmentperpetual commitment. . [1][1]

[[1]1] See See Ritual SFORitual SFO, Preface n. 18., Preface n. 18.

105105

PROFESSION, G.C. article 42.3PROFESSION, G.C. article 42.3 Profession is Profession is accepted accepted by the by the

minister of the local fraternity minister of the local fraternity or by his or her delegate in the or by his or her delegate in the name of the Church and of the name of the Church and of the SFO. The rite is carried out SFO. The rite is carried out according to the norms of the according to the norms of the Ritual.Ritual. [1][1]

[1][1] See See Ritual SFORitual SFO, Preface n. 13 ff.; Part I, Chapter II., Preface n. 13 ff.; Part I, Chapter II.

106106

PROFESSION – G.C. article 42.4-5 PROFESSION – G.C. article 42.4-5 4.4. Profession does not only Profession does not only

commit those professed to the commit those professed to the fraternity, but also, in the same fraternity, but also, in the same way, it commits the fraternity to way, it commits the fraternity to be concerned with their human be concerned with their human and religious well-being.and religious well-being.

5.5. The act of profession is The act of profession is registered and preserved in the registered and preserved in the records of the fraternity.records of the fraternity.

[1][1] See See Ritual SFORitual SFO, Preface n. 13 ff.; Part I, Chapter II., Preface n. 13 ff.; Part I, Chapter II.

107107

Art. 19.4Art. 19.4

Ongoing FormationOngoing Formation

Ongoing formation is the Ongoing formation is the responsibility of all responsibility of all professed members professed members consonant with article #44 consonant with article #44 of the General of the General Constitutions.Constitutions.

108108

ONGOING FORMATIONONGOING FORMATION Begins at ProfessionBegins at Profession Continues for lifeContinues for life Responsibility of all professed Responsibility of all professed

membersmembers [NS 19.4][NS 19.4]

Accomplished byAccomplished by CoursesCourses Gatherings andGatherings and Sharing of experiences.Sharing of experiences. [GC 44.3][GC 44.3]

109109

General Constitutions, Art. 44.1General Constitutions, Art. 44.1 Begun by the preceding stages, the Begun by the preceding stages, the

formation of the brothers and formation of the brothers and sisters takes place in a permanent sisters takes place in a permanent and continuous way. It should be and continuous way. It should be understood as an aid in the understood as an aid in the conversion of eachconversion of each [1][1] and everyone and everyone and in the fulfillment of their proper and in the fulfillment of their proper mission in the Church and in mission in the Church and in society.society.

[[1]1] See See ConstitutionsConstitutions 8; 8; 1 Celano1 Celano 103. 103.

110110

1 Celano1 Celano 103 103 [Francis] was afire with a very great [Francis] was afire with a very great

desire to return to the first desire to return to the first beginnings of humility… “Let us beginnings of humility… “Let us begin, brothers, to serve the Lord begin, brothers, to serve the Lord God, for up to now we have made God, for up to now we have made little or no progress.” He did not little or no progress.” He did not consider that he had laid hold of his consider that he had laid hold of his goal yet, and persevering untiringly goal yet, and persevering untiringly in his purpose of attaining holy in his purpose of attaining holy newness of lifenewness of life, he hoped always to , he hoped always to make a beginning….make a beginning….

111111

General Constitutions, Art. 44.2General Constitutions, Art. 44.2 The Fraternity has the duty to The Fraternity has the duty to

give special attention to the give special attention to the formation of the newly formation of the newly professed and of the professed and of the temporarily professed, to help temporarily professed, to help them become fully mature in them become fully mature in their vocation and develop a their vocation and develop a true sense of belonging.true sense of belonging.

112112

PURPOSE OF ONGOING FORMATIONPURPOSE OF ONGOING FORMATION

Assists brothers and sisters:Assists brothers and sisters: In listening to and meditating on In listening to and meditating on

Word of GodWord of God [[RuleRule 4] 4]

In reflecting on current events In reflecting on current events and taking consistent positionsand taking consistent positions

In discerning and deepening In discerning and deepening one’s Franciscan vocationone’s Franciscan vocation

[GC 44.3][GC 44.3]

113113

MEMBER STATUSMEMBER STATUS Active fraternity memberActive fraternity member [GC [GC

18.7a]18.7a]

Excused (dispensed) Excused (dispensed) fraternity memberfraternity member [NS 18.7a][NS 18.7a]

Lapsed fraternity memberLapsed fraternity member [NS [NS 18.7b]18.7b]

114114

Membership Actions Membership Actions National Statutes, Art. 20 National Statutes, Art. 20

Transfer Transfer [GC 55][GC 55]

Temporary withdrawal from fraternityTemporary withdrawal from fraternity – – [GC 56.1, Rule, art. 23][GC 56.1, Rule, art. 23]

Failure to live the Rule:Failure to live the Rule: Discussion by council with memberDiscussion by council with member Suspension with obstinacy or relapseSuspension with obstinacy or relapse

[GC 56.2][GC 56.2]

Definitive withdrawal from OrderDefinitive withdrawal from Order [GC 58.1][GC 58.1] Dismissal from OrderDismissal from Order [GC 58.2-4][GC 58.2-4]

115

COMMON FUNDCOMMON FUND All members shall support fraternity All members shall support fraternity

“according to their means.” “according to their means.” [[Rule, Rule, art. art. 25]25] ContributionsContributions go into common go into common fund.fund.

Local fraternities support higher Local fraternities support higher fraternities from their Common fraternities from their Common Fund, based on number of active Fund, based on number of active and excused members (not and excused members (not lapsed).lapsed). [GC 30.3, NS 18.7][GC 30.3, NS 18.7]

116

STIPENDS – NS 18.8STIPENDS – NS 18.8 When payableWhen payable – at time of visit – at time of visit

To whomTo whom – fraternal and pastoral – fraternal and pastoral visitors, guest speakersvisitors, guest speakers

Based on what?Based on what? Length of journey, Length of journey, length of stay required, fraternity’s length of stay required, fraternity’s budget/common fundbudget/common fund

117117

PARTICIPATION IN FRATERNITYPARTICIPATION IN FRATERNITY

Meetings as frequently as Meetings as frequently as allowed by circumstances.allowed by circumstances. [GC 53.1, [GC 53.1, RuleRule, art. 24], art. 24]

Fraternity obligated to keep Fraternity obligated to keep all sick, disabled, and all sick, disabled, and otherwise excused members otherwise excused members UNITED with the fraternity.UNITED with the fraternity. [GC [GC 53.3, 53.3, RuleRule, arts.6, 8, NS 18.10], arts.6, 8, NS 18.10]

118118

AFFILIATESAFFILIATES

Association of non-SFO members Association of non-SFO members with fraternitieswith fraternities [GC 53.5][GC 53.5]

Affiliates’ activitiesAffiliates’ activities [NS 18b; [NS 18b; Rule, Rule, art. 13, GC art. 13, GC 103.1]103.1]

Maximum number allowed – 15% Maximum number allowed – 15% of membershipof membership [NS 18c, d; RGN #36][NS 18c, d; RGN #36]

119119

DUTIES OF A COUNCILDUTIES OF A COUNCIL To To promote the initiativespromote the initiatives necessary for necessary for

fostering fraternal life, for improving fostering fraternal life, for improving the human, Christian, and Franciscan the human, Christian, and Franciscan formation of its members and for formation of its members and for sustaining their witness and sustaining their witness and commitment in the world;commitment in the world;

To To makemake concrete and courageous concrete and courageous choiceschoices, appropriate for the situation of , appropriate for the situation of the fraternity, from among the the fraternity, from among the numerous activities possible in the field numerous activities possible in the field of the apostolate.of the apostolate. [GC 50.1][GC 50.1]

120120

To offer its members opportunities for To offer its members opportunities for coming together and collaborating coming together and collaborating through meetings to be held with as through meetings to be held with as great a frequency as allowed by the great a frequency as allowed by the situation and with the involvement of situation and with the involvement of all its members. all its members. [GC 53.1][GC 53.1]

Minister to keep council informed Minister to keep council informed of all developments affecting the of all developments affecting the fraternity.fraternity. [GC 51.1][GC 51.1]

121

DEACTIVATION If local fraternity is deactivated,

all of its belongings and money go to Region to hold for 100 years.

If fraternity revived, it repossess any remaining goods, its own library, and records.

[GC 48]

122122

Franciscan Youth and Young Franciscan Youth and Young Adults National Statutes, article Adults National Statutes, article 27. 27.

•The provisions of articles The provisions of articles #96 and #97 of the #96 and #97 of the General ConstitutionsGeneral Constitutions concerning Franciscan concerning Franciscan Youth and Young Adults Youth and Young Adults apply.apply.

123123

General Constitutions, article General Constitutions, article 96.196.1

• SFO, by virtue of its very vocation, to SFO, by virtue of its very vocation, to share experience of evangelical life share experience of evangelical life with youth.with youth. [GC 96.1][GC 96.1]

• Definition of Franciscan YouthDefinition of Franciscan Youth (YouFra)(YouFra) [GC 96.2] [GC 96.2]

• Can pledge to follow SFO Rule after 1 Can pledge to follow SFO Rule after 1 year formation, OR pursue regular year formation, OR pursue regular course to become professed.course to become professed. [GC [GC 96.3, 4]96.3, 4]

124124

DUTIES OF SFO TO YOUTHDUTIES OF SFO TO YOUTH•To promote SFO vocation to To promote SFO vocation to

Franciscan youth;Franciscan youth;

•To provide fraternal animator;To provide fraternal animator;

•To promote a close To promote a close communion with the SFO and communion with the SFO and all leaders.all leaders.

[GC 97.1-3][GC 97.1-3]

125125

•Representative of the Representative of the Franciscan Youth sits on Franciscan Youth sits on SFO council of the SFO council of the corresponding level; one or corresponding level; one or more sit on international more sit on international council.council. [GC 97.4-5][GC 97.4-5]

126

General Constitutions, articles 69-74

International Fraternity

127127

General Constitutions, article General Constitutions, article 70.370.3

•3.3. The International Council The International Council convened in General Chapter is the convened in General Chapter is the highest governing body of the SFO highest governing body of the SFO with legislative, deliberative, and with legislative, deliberative, and elective powers. It can make elective powers. It can make legislative decisions and give legislative decisions and give norms in conformity with the Rule norms in conformity with the Rule and the Constitutions.and the Constitutions.

128128

General Constitutions, article General Constitutions, article 7171

• 1.1. The purposes and duties of the The purposes and duties of the International Council of the SFO are:International Council of the SFO are:

• a.a. to promote and sustain the to promote and sustain the evangelical life according to the evangelical life according to the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi …spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi …

• b.b. to increase the sense of unity to increase the sense of unity of the SFO …, among the national of the SFO …, among the national fraternitiesfraternities;;

• c.c. to to harmonize harmonize sound traditions sound traditions with advances in theological, pastoral, with advances in theological, pastoral, and legislative fields…and legislative fields…

129129

• d.d. to contribute to the spreading of to contribute to the spreading of ideas and initiatives which are ideas and initiatives which are valuable for promoting the valuable for promoting the availability of Secular Franciscans …availability of Secular Franciscans …

• e.e. to determine the orientations to determine the orientations and establish priorities for the and establish priorities for the actions of its Presidency;actions of its Presidency;

• f.f. to interpret the Constitutions to interpret the Constitutions according to article 5,2.according to article 5,2.

130130

General Constitutions, article General Constitutions, article 7272

• 1.1. The Presidency of the The Presidency of the International Council of the SFO is International Council of the SFO is composed ofcomposed of::

• —— the general minister;the general minister;• —— the vice‑minister;the vice‑minister;• —— the presidency councilors;the presidency councilors;• —— a member of the Franciscan a member of the Franciscan

Youth;Youth;• —— the general assistants of the general assistants of

the SFO.the SFO.

131131

•2.2. The presidency The presidency councilors are elected councilors are elected according to the according to the international statutes, international statutes, which determine their which determine their number and the areas number and the areas representedrepresented..

132

General Constitutions, articles 98-100

In Communion with the Franciscan Family

133133

Living in communion means:Living in communion means: live in life‑giving reciprocal live in life‑giving reciprocal

communion with all the members of communion with all the members of the Franciscan family;the Franciscan family; Rule 1Rule 1

Be ready to promote and/or Be ready to promote and/or participate in common initiatives participate in common initiatives with 1with 1stst, 2, 2ndnd, & 3, & 3rdrd Order religious, Order religious, Secular Institutes and other lay Secular Institutes and other lay church groups that recognize Francis church groups that recognize Francis as a model and inspiration – as a model and inspiration –

134134

To work together to spread To work together to spread the Gospel;the Gospel;

To remove the causes of To remove the causes of marginalization;marginalization;

To serve the cause of peace.To serve the cause of peace.[[G.C. 98.1, 2]G.C. 98.1, 2]

135135

Secular Franciscans are to live in full Secular Franciscans are to live in full communion with the Pope and the communion with the Pope and the bishops;bishops;

They should know and deepen the They should know and deepen the doctrine of the teaching Church through doctrine of the teaching Church through its most important documents;its most important documents;

They should be attentive to the Holy They should be attentive to the Holy Spirit;Spirit;

They should collaborate in the They should collaborate in the initiatives promoted by the Holy See.initiatives promoted by the Holy See.

[G.C. 99.1; [G.C. 99.1; Rule 6;Rule 6; Lumen Gentium, 12Lumen Gentium, 12]]

136

General Contitutions 99.2General Contitutions 99.2

The SFO is connected by a The SFO is connected by a special bond to the Roman special bond to the Roman PontiffPontiff from whom it has from whom it has received the approval of its received the approval of its Rule and the confirmation of Rule and the confirmation of its mission in the Church and its mission in the Church and in the world.in the world.

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•Secular Franciscans Secular Franciscans should love and live should love and live that union with their that union with their local Church, making local Church, making themselves present themselves present within the life of the within the life of the Diocese.Diocese.

[G.C. 100.1, 100.2, see [G.C. 100.1, 100.2, see c.311c.311]]

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• Principle service to the Church:Principle service to the Church:

– Fidelity to their own charismFidelity to their own charism;;– Witness to building fraternity, Witness to building fraternity,

sincerely and openly.sincerely and openly.

• They should be recognized in it by They should be recognized in it by their "being," from which their their "being," from which their mission springs.mission springs.

[G.C. 100.3][G.C. 100.3]

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General Constitutions, article General Constitutions, article 4545

• 1.1. The promotion of vocations to the The promotion of vocations to the Order is a duty of all the brothers and Order is a duty of all the brothers and sisters and is a sign of the vitality of sisters and is a sign of the vitality of the fraternities themselvesthe fraternities themselves..

• The brothers and sisters, The brothers and sisters, convinced of the validity of the convinced of the validity of the Franciscan way of life, should pray that Franciscan way of life, should pray that God may give the grace of the God may give the grace of the Franciscan vocation to new membersFranciscan vocation to new members..

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•2.2. Although nothing can Although nothing can substitute for the witness of substitute for the witness of each member and of the each member and of the fraternity, the councils must fraternity, the councils must adopt appropriate means to adopt appropriate means to promote the Secular promote the Secular Franciscan vocation.Franciscan vocation.