Peace and
all Good!
Living our Franciscan Secular Vocation joyfully throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada.
Gallery
About Us . . .
The Secular Franciscan Order (Latin: Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis; abbreviated OFS) was established by St. Francis of Assisi more than 800 years ago. Orignially known as the "Third branch" of the Franciscan Family Tree, it is formed of Catholic women and men who seek to observe the Gospel of Jesus by following the example of Francis of Assisi. Secular Franciscans are not like the other third orders, since we are not under the higher direction of the same institute. Brothers and sisters of the Secular Franciscan Order make a spiritual commitment (solemn promises) to our own Rule of Life. Our purpose is to bring the Gospel to life where we live and where we work. We look for ways to embrace the Gospel in our lives and try to help others to do likewise.
Are You Called to be a Franciscan?
Would you like to give more time to God, but wonder how to do that when your life is so busy? Do you long for holiness, and feel a need for support in growing spiritually?
Perhaps your heart has been moved by stories of St. Francis of Assisi, or the Peace Prayer attributed to him, and you are seeking that same holy simplicity, true peace and perfect joy?
If so, Christ may be calling you to explore the Secular Franciscan life. We would be happy to meet with you to share about the Franciscan journey. We invite you to contact us.
Perhaps your heart has been moved by stories of St. Francis of Assisi, or the Peace Prayer attributed to him, and you are seeking that same holy simplicity, true peace and perfect joy?
If so, Christ may be calling you to explore the Secular Franciscan life. We would be happy to meet with you to share about the Franciscan journey. We invite you to contact us.
From the Desk of the
Regional Minister
Regional Minister
WELCOME!!! Greetings and Blessings,
Thank you for inquiring into our region of the Secular Franciscan Order. May you find in
us that calling that draws you to a more profound and personal union with our Lord,
Jesus Christ, in the life and model of Saint Francis of Assisi.
We are traditionally a part of the “Third Order,” and in union with our First Order (Friars) and Second Order (Poor Clares) make up a family of sisters and brothers that spans the entire globe. Our region gathers those Seculars living their vocation throughout Northern California and Norther Nevada into a unique community. We number over 25 fraternities throughout the region, but we are part of one Franciscan family.
We welcome you to our family.
Whether you are already a professed Secular in the region seeking more information or resources about the region or are simply curious as to what a “Secular Franciscan” does, we are here to meet your needs and answer your questions. Please enjoy this website, and if you have any questions not answered, feel free to reach out and contact us.
Dirk Wohlau, OFS
Regional Minister
St. Junipero Serra Region
Thank you for inquiring into our region of the Secular Franciscan Order. May you find in
us that calling that draws you to a more profound and personal union with our Lord,
Jesus Christ, in the life and model of Saint Francis of Assisi.
We are traditionally a part of the “Third Order,” and in union with our First Order (Friars) and Second Order (Poor Clares) make up a family of sisters and brothers that spans the entire globe. Our region gathers those Seculars living their vocation throughout Northern California and Norther Nevada into a unique community. We number over 25 fraternities throughout the region, but we are part of one Franciscan family.
We welcome you to our family.
Whether you are already a professed Secular in the region seeking more information or resources about the region or are simply curious as to what a “Secular Franciscan” does, we are here to meet your needs and answer your questions. Please enjoy this website, and if you have any questions not answered, feel free to reach out and contact us.
Dirk Wohlau, OFS
Regional Minister
St. Junipero Serra Region
F.A.Q
How do I find a fraternity near me?
EVENTS - Check Back for Upcoming Events! (To add your fraternity event, email us the information)
Messengers of Joy Regional Newsletter
Forms, Resources, and More!
Regional Forms
Profession Announcement Form
This form should be completed and a copy sent to the Regional Formation Director at least two months before the proposed profession date.
First Contact Questionnaire
This questionnaire should be used by the fraternity when contacted by someone showing an interest in the Order. It must be completed prior to the prospective candidate beginning initial formation in the Secular Franciscan Order.
Fraternity Visitation Self-Evaluation of the Individual Member
This form should be completed by the fraternity members individually and returned to the REGION at least three weeks prior to a fraternity visitation.
Fraternity Visitation Self-Evaluation of the Council
This form should be completed collectively by the fraternity council and returned to the REGION at least three weeks prior to a fraternity visitation.
SFO Governing Documents
The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order emphasizes the values of poverty, chastity, and obedience, offering a framework for spiritual growth and service to others.
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The organizational structure of the SFO as outlined in the Statutes of the National Fraternity of the SFO in the USA
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The General Constitutions of the Ordo Franciscanus Secularis (or Secular Franciscan Order) is a document that expands and explains how Secular Franciscans might live out the Rule of the OFS in their daily lives. It is organized into chapters corresponding to the chapters of the Rule. Chapter One (Articles 1-7) addresses the Secular Franciscan Order. Chapter Two (Articles 8-27) discusses the Forms of Life and Apostolic Activity. Chapter Three (Articles 28- 103) focuses on Participation in the Life of the Fraternity, including the organization of Fraternities at local, regional, national and international levels, Franciscan Youth, and Spiritual Assistance.
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Secular Franciscans and their spiritual assistants will appreciate this little bookletan English translation of the approved Latin text of the Ritual for the Secular Franciscan Order. The Preface provides background on the history and purpose of the Ritual and helpful guidelines for its use. Part 1 contains the rites for celebrating the various stages of admission to the Secular Franciscan Order. Part 2 contains prayers for use at the various meetings of Secular Franciscan fraternities. An Appendix includes appropriate Scripture readings, Franciscan readings and prayers of St. Francis.
Read MoreFranciscan Prayer
Formation Resources
F.U.N. (For Up to Now) Manual
The FUN Manual, from NAFRA (our National Regional Area for the SFO in the USA) is our Plan for Initial Formation for all individuals seeking Profession into the Secular Franciscan Order. It is expected that each fraternity in the St. Junipero Serra Region uses this initial formation material which can be covered in any sequencing they desire, as long as the Fundamental Topics are adequately presented so those in formation come to understand and comprehend the vocation they are seeking to undertake. IQ Fast Print - For Up to Now, the national formation manual (also known as The FUN Manual), can be purchased from IQ Fast Print at: http://iqfastprint.com/for-up-to-now.html. The package includes an unbound, three-hole punched book and a CD. It is available in English or Spanish. Please allow 5-6 days for delivery.
Apostolates and Fraternity Life
This short introduction to fraternity apostolates relates our call to Gospel life, through our Rule and our profession, to engaging in apostolic action.
Thematic Guide for Formation Programs, OFS
From the Secretariat for Formation – CIOFS, this document offers general guidelines for formation based on the Rule and General Constitutions of the OFS. This new document offers general guidance for formation programs through common themes for all fraternities, while respecting different geographical and cultural realities. We believe in a formative process that furthers "unity in diversity."
Guía temática para los programas de formación, OFS
Desde el Secretariado para la Formación – CIOFS, este documento ofrece orientaciones generales para la formación basada en la Regla y las Constituciones Generales de la OFS. Este nuevo documento ofrece una orientación general para los programas de formación a través de temas comunes para todas las fraternidades, respetando las diferentes realidades geográficas y culturales. Creemos en un proceso formativo que promueva la "unidad en la diversidad".
2025 Chapter Resources
Your Regional Executive Council
Dirk Wohlau, OFS
Minister
Edd Ringlein, OFS
Vice Minister
Dianne Prior, OFS
Secretary
Stephen Garcia, OFS
Treasurer
Mark Kroncke, OFS
Formator
Joanne Dobrzynski, OFS, RSA
Regional Spiritual Assistant
Martha Arellano, OFS
Multi-Cultural Councilor (Spanish Community)
Fred Stein, OFS
Area Councilor - Area 1
Joana deRosa, OFS
Area Councilor - Area 2
Aldo Morocho, OFS
Area Councilor - Area 3
Sharon Gianelli, OFS
Area Councilor - Area 4
Noreen Ringlein, OFS
JPIC (Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation) Animator
Kathleen Molaro, OFS
FY-YA (Franciscan Youth - Young Adult) Animator
