Peace and
all Good!
Living our Franciscan Secular Vocation joyfully throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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 other religious 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.
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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
Peace and all good!
This is the greeting St. Francis of Assisi used over 800 years ago. He was such a popular figure that many people wanted to drop everything and join his band of brothers and sisters. Seeing the potential for a rapid breakdown of social order in this world, he stated the equivalent of “Wait … I have something for you!”
If you are a first time visitor to our St. Junipero Serra Region’s website, you may be feeling a desire for “something more,” like those original People of Penance in the year 1215, who had a calling to “love the Lord with their whole heart, and love their neighbors as themselves,” and “bring forth fruits worthy of true penance”
(St. Francis’s First Letter to All The Faithful).
Many of us Secular Franciscans felt a vocation earlier in our lives to serve God expressly. Alas, life and this world can get in the way. The Franciscan charism appreciates the wondrous beauty of creation, devotion to the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), and living a joyful life for the Lord – we are commanded to smile!
The Secular Franciscan Order (Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis) is a canonically established order within the Roman Catholic Church, so from entering the Order in candidacy to life-long profession, it is a serious commitment and
a vocation to a Gospel-based life.
Our members throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada appreciate and love the wonderful beauty and diversity of our brothers and sisters, who reflect the surrounding area of Northern California!
Welcome to all visitors here, whether those seeking information or those already-professed members.
Peace and All Good,
Fred Stein, OFS
Regional Minister
St. Junipero Serra Region
This is the greeting St. Francis of Assisi used over 800 years ago. He was such a popular figure that many people wanted to drop everything and join his band of brothers and sisters. Seeing the potential for a rapid breakdown of social order in this world, he stated the equivalent of “Wait … I have something for you!”
If you are a first time visitor to our St. Junipero Serra Region’s website, you may be feeling a desire for “something more,” like those original People of Penance in the year 1215, who had a calling to “love the Lord with their whole heart, and love their neighbors as themselves,” and “bring forth fruits worthy of true penance”
(St. Francis’s First Letter to All The Faithful).
Many of us Secular Franciscans felt a vocation earlier in our lives to serve God expressly. Alas, life and this world can get in the way. The Franciscan charism appreciates the wondrous beauty of creation, devotion to the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), and living a joyful life for the Lord – we are commanded to smile!
The Secular Franciscan Order (Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis) is a canonically established order within the Roman Catholic Church, so from entering the Order in candidacy to life-long profession, it is a serious commitment and
a vocation to a Gospel-based life.
Our members throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada appreciate and love the wonderful beauty and diversity of our brothers and sisters, who reflect the surrounding area of Northern California!
Welcome to all visitors here, whether those seeking information or those already-professed members.
Peace and All Good,
Fred Stein, OFS
Regional Minister
St. Junipero Serra Region
F.A.Q
How do I find a fraternity near me?
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.
Report of Elections
This form is to be used by the Fraternal Election Presider to document the results of an election. When completed, it is to be filed with the SJSR Secretary.
Ballot and Vote Count
This form is to be used by the Fraternal Election Presider to document the results of an election. When completed, it is to be filed with the SJSR Secretary.
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".
Regional Chapter Formation and Training Resources
Your Regional Executive Council
Fred Stein, OFS
Minister
David Tercero, OFS
Vice Minister
Kathleen Molaro, OFS
Formator
Edd Ringlein, OFS
Treasurer
Noreen Ringlein, OFS
Secretary
Martha Arellano, OFS
Councilor - Multicultural Team
Sara Ingalls, OFS
Councilor - Area 1
Michael Wharton, OFS
Councilor - Area 2
Dirk Wohlau, OFS
Councilor - Area 3
Brian Simmons, OFS
Councilor - Area 4
Dianne Prior, OFS
Database Manager
Bro. Juan Jose Jauregui, OFM
Regional Spiritual Assistant, Pro Tem
Deacon Mark Kroncke, OFS
RSA Liaison
