Secular Franciscan Order
Our Lady of Indiana Regional Fraternity
Local Minister's Orientation upon Election
Congratulations! You have just been elected (or re-elected) to serve your brother and sister Franciscans in a very special way!
It is our responsibility to help you through this unfamiliar time of transition. According to the General Constitutions, especially Article 62e & 62f:
"The regional council has the following duties (among 11 listed): ...
62e | to provide for the formation of those responsible for animation; |
62f | to offer to local fraternities activities which support their formation and operative needs; |
We presume the local minister has the following texts and will pass them on to you:
Handbook for SFO Servant Leadership
Available through Regional Resources or Barbo-Carlson (see TAU-USA)
1978 SFO Rule
Available at www.nafra-sfo.org or through Regional Resources
2001 SFO General Constitutions
Available at www.nafra-sfo.org
2003 National Statutes
Available at www.nafra-sfo.org
Handbook for Spiritual Assistance to the SFO
One copy was given to each fraternity; available through Barbo-Carlson; see TAU-USA
Regional Directory with Regional Guidelines
One copy is given to each minister at Chapter of Mats, or mailed if they do not attend.
Guidelines also available at www.olisfo.cqc.com
Your fraternity's Initial Formation books
Please review the following monthly assignments and discuss it with your council when you meet:
1st month after election
Read and review SFO General Constitutions, Articles 49-54
Review the questions
2nd month after election
Read the Regional Guidelines (in Regional Directory) and Handbook for Servant Leadership
Review the topics discussed there
3rd month after election
Review concerns of SFO formation, initial and ongoing. Consult and read the following:
Handbook for Spiritual Assistance to the SFO, pg 170 & 172
SFO General Constitutions Articles 12, 40.2 and 30-34
Reflective Questions for Newly Elected Ministers:
1st Month Read and review SFO General Constitutions, Articles 49-54
How do you go about asking for a pastoral visitation? How often? When was your last one?
How do you go about asking for a fraternal visitation? How often? When was your last one?
Do you, as minister, have them report on their duties at your regular monthly council meetings?
What is the difference of emphasis between Article 53.1 and Article 53.2?
Review the topics discussed here with your council.
2nd Month Read the Regional Guidelines (in Regional Directory) and Handbook for Servant Leadership
3rd MonthReview concerns of SFO formation, initial and ongoing. Consult and read the following:
Handbook for Spiritual Assistance to the SFO, pg. 170 & 172
SFO General Constitutions Articles 12, 40.2 and 30-34
Fr. John Sullivan, OFM - Sacred Heart Provincial Spiritual Assistant -
New Minister Orientation