Who are the Secular Franciscans?

The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS), formerly known as the Third Order of St. Francis, is an official Order within the Catholic Church. The OFS was established by St. Francis of Assisi more than 800 years ago. In US, the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscans governs all the regions and local fraternities. We are members of the Los Tres Companeros Region.

We are lay persons, single or married. We work, worship, and play in the community where we live  Our purpose is to bring the gospel to life where we live and where we work. We look for practical ways to embrace the gospel in our lives and try to help others to do likewise.

In today’s world we are plagued by time schedules, projects and activities that leave us tense and stressed. The OFS becomes our place of refuge and renewal where our brothers and sisters in Francis support and inspire us. You, too, can become a life-time member of our family - if God is calling you.

Enhance your spiritual life, serve through apostolic ministries, and continue your education in your faith and in Franciscan Spirituality!

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What do Secular Franciscans do?

Secular Franciscans live the OFS rule of life that guides us to spend time in community with our Franciscan brothers and sisters.

We gather at least monthly. We support each other through the ups and downs of daily life. We pray together. We take opportunities to learn about our Church, our community, and our world. Our community, named The Sacred Heart Fraternity, meets at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Austin. We meet every 3rd Saturday of the month.

Our rule of life encourages us to be involved in apostolic ministries and with youth. When we are called to action, we embrace the call joyfully. Some of us are religious education teachers or eucharistic ministers; some work with the sick, the poor, and the homeless; some have made a commitment to Perpetual Adoration.

As a fraternity, we take action on issues that affect the lives of others. We support the efforts of our brothers and sisters who are serving the poor. Our fraternity currently serves at Our Lady of Guadalupe's parish food pantry. [more]

Is the Secular Franciscan Order for you?

If you have a Franciscan vocation, you probably have a desire to do something more. Perhaps you feel a need for support in growing spiritually. Or, deep down, you sense a need to serve God in a special way. Or, for years, you have felt an affinity with St. Francis. He seems to pop up all around and you just don’t know why. Perhaps, God is calling you!

Getting to know the OFS better may be a way to determine if you have a vocation.

You’ll have plenty of time to get to know us before you make any commitment. The OFS requires 3 months of orientation and six months of inquiry. During that time, you’ll come to our monthly gatherings and have a few informal classes. Then, if you feel the call to continue, you’ll have another 18 months of formal discussion, education and involvement as a candidate.

If you feel that God is calling you to do something more, please call us. Is God calling you to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi?

Don’t say No before you say Yes!

Why? Because God won’t stop calling you until you answer!

Feel free to come to a meeting and introduce yourself. Come with a friend or family member. We look forward to telling you all about our Fraternity and our dear St. Francis.

Thank you for the opportunity to share our Franciscan way of life with you. Come and see. [more]