|
|
St. Clare of Assisi Fraternity
|
| In Community, the typical Franciscan is suited for a life of action and contemplation. Because the apostolate and sanctification of the self are equally important, Franciscans are “of the people” and Joy is a central part of the Franciscan life. St. Clare of Assisi Fraternity is part of the Southeastern U.S Region, including the states of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and Tennessee where over 500 professed SFO’s strive to live the gospel and spread its joyful message. We meet on the first and third Mondays of the month in Smith Hall following the 5:30 pm. Mass in the church. First Mondays are devoted to spiritual formation based on prayer discussion and a presentation by an SFO member of a spiritual topic of his/her choosing. The members benefit individually while gospel living is promoted through a life in fraternity. Third Mondays are our Business Gatherings. Reports by the Formation Director Secretary and the Treasurer are given followed by lively open discussion of planned and potential upcoming events surrounded by prayer. To learn more about the Secular Franciscan order ask a parishioner who wear a Tau cross or drop in to a meeting. Our gatherings are open to all. Contacts: Carole King Laura Jarvi 643-3077 439-3899 cescansc@yahoo.com jarviklan@gforcecable.com  God had a plan. Although I knew He did, I just didn’t know how to ‘listen’ to what He was telling me. Then two friends of mine made a pilgrimage to Assisi in 1995 and brought me a beautiful little wooden cross hanging on a plain knotted brown cord. I fell in love with this cross, shaped like a “T”, and immediately put it on. It “felt” right! Soon after, my pastor noticed my new cross and exclaimed, “When did you join the Third Order?” I replied “What’s that?” He told me he was a professed Secular Franciscan and about the “Third Order of St Francis of Assisi”, now called the Secular Franciscan Order, and how the Tau cross with the knotted cord is the symbol or “habit” of the order, the knots standing for promises of poverty, chastity and obedience. Coincidence?! The next month I was approached three times by friends and strangers, asking me if I had joined the SFO? The final time at a parish reception, I could no longer stand it! I approached our Pastor and asked him the question, “What would it take to start a Secular Franciscan group here in Aiken? His reply, “Funny you ask-just today I received a letter from an SFO Fraternity in Augusta asking me if I would host an information meeting for the parish!” Another coincidence? I attended that meeting the following Saturday with six others from Aiken, our first Franciscan formation gathering. Looking around the room, I was overwhelmed with the feeling that I had ‘come home’! I belonged right there, in that moment, with those people. To start a Fraternity in Aiken, we needed to have five professed members. Our formation class started with seven orientees. In November of 1998, five were professed! Coincidence?! I now know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Will of God is not secret, but must be discerned. Filled with God’s Presence in our daily lives by our connection with the sacraments and prayer, we begin to have a continuous ‘awareness’ of Him. Through growing awareness, we come to hear Him more clearly speaking to us through circumstances, ‘coincidences’, prayer, and through those around us. The awesome part is this: He loves us so much, that He will keep working to get our attention, especially when it takes us awhile to hear. How great is our God! We are a Global Community living the Gospel in our ‘corner of the world’, sharing the gospel by living its message, spreading its light. For more information about the Secular Franciscan Order, ask a parishioner who wears a Tau cross or check out these links: franciscanweb.com nafra-sfo.org secularfranciscans.org ciofs.org/en.htm youtube.com/watch v=6kRXwzC_SjM franciscanyouthusa.com |
|
Third Quarter, 2010
|
| The material presented on this page is the responsibility of Phil Gagnon. Any errors and/or suggested additions or deletions should be reported to him either by telephone (803) 640-1344 or by e-mail (click on Page Editor's E-mail below). |
| Pastor's E-Mail |