Is anyone a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order (Third Order Franciscans)?

Thanks and God bless,

-- john placette (jplacette@catholic.org), October 02, 2003

Answers

Another SFO question: I read that in some areas of Europe, the Secular Franciscans wear a habit much like the regular brown habit of the Franciscans, when at mass or during other religious ceremonies or activities.

Is there an approved habit for U.S. SFO members?

And along the same lines -- Is there an APPROVED dress for lay ministers who are conducting a prayer service in the absence or a priest or deacon?

God bless,

-- john placette (jplacette@catholic.org), October 02, 2003.

...absence of... (Sorry) God bless,

-- john placette (jplacette@catholic.org), October 02, 2003.

John P,
I hope that this passage from the new G.I.R.M. is helpful to you:

"339. In the dioceses of the United States of America, acolytes, altar servers, lectors, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate and dignified clothing."

(#336 says that when an alb is worn, a cincture should also be worn, "unless [the alb] is made so as to fit even without such.)"

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), October 02, 2003.

John P
The National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order (USA) has an Internet site with a toll-free phone number and e-mail link. I'm sure that they can answer your questions about the SFO accurately.

I have often heard that "third orders" allow their members to be buried in first/second order habits, but I have not previously heard about the wearing of habits at religious services.

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), October 02, 2003.

As always, thanks John G.,

I'm planning to attend an SFO fraternity meeting in November. (The Oct. meeting is included in their annual retreat, so I was not able to attend).

The Order is very appealing to me. I did some research on other lay organizations, but I'm very impressed with the SFO.

And John G., you'll be happy to hear -- the fraternity that I found is at the "most orthodox" parish in the diocese.

Please continue to pray for me. (As I do you.) And thanks again.

God bless,

-- john placette (jplacette@catholic.org), October 03, 2003.

I wish you the very best in the SFO, John P. I have a lot of respect for the Order. My parents were Franciscan tertiaries (third order lay, now called SFO) when we were small children. We used to go to a distant parish (staffed by Franciscans) for monthly Sunday afternoon devotions. My dad may always have been interested in Franciscans, but I think that he became especially so after being in Assisi with the U.S. Army in WWII.
Guess what my middle name is.
JFG

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), October 04, 2003.

I too love St Francis and his holy monks and the orders. Back from where I came from, the third order people wear normal but simple clothes, and are like other normal people but more devout and less attached to money. There were many non priest monks too (like Francis himself). I always find comfort and happiness in their presence. Unfortunately I haven't found any franciscans near where I am living now. Poverello's life is a guide for everyone.

-- Abraham T (lijothengil@yahoo.com), October 07, 2003.