Thank you to all of you who filled in the on-going formation survey. We had
22 responses.
- What do you fell has been particularly meaningful? Guest speakers (15),
Retreat Center visit/different places (14), small group discussions (13) and
Outreach (7). Other subjects mentioned: Franciscan
Presentations/Discussions, His Way study, Bible study, and Picnic.
- What do you fee has not been effective? Preparedness/Continuity of
Presenter/subject (7), audiotape presentations (3), small group discussions
(3), Outreach (2), and catechism (2). Other points mentioned: stale
meetings, uninteresting issues, Commission Reports and visiting different
places.
- What areas would you like the Fraternity to consider? Franciscan Guest
speaker Program (14), visit to retreat center (16), outing to Poor Clares
(15), updated formation program (14), rotating presentations by fraternity
members (10), Stone Soup Liturgy (8), discernment (8). Other items listed:
Visit Brothers of Peace in North Minneapolis, dedicated Franciscan study,
commissions, saints, presentation on fraternity library and bylaws and
constitution study.
- What format do you learn best at? Small group discussion (17), speakers
(15), videotapes (6), audiotape (5).
- What format is not as effective for learning? Audiotape (8), videotape
(6), and small group discussion (2). Other items that fall under the same
category: long boring presentation or repetition of old information..
- What causes you to miss meetings? Family obligation (11), sickness (10),
previous commitment (7), and vacation (6). Other items: work, weather,
daycare, time conflicts, transportation and fatigue.
- What can we do to make the fraternity better? More focus on prayer
(especially for families and SFO vocations); remember profession
anniversaries; renew vocation commitment; perpetual adoration; presentations
on apostolic duty; focus on the bigger Franciscan picture (world, US, MN);
intensive focus on the Rule and practical application; contact other
fraternities for ideas; more variety of subject matter and the way it is
presented; advertise in parishes and recruit more members; contact members
not at meetings and encourage one another; more individual participation
within fraternity.
Conclusion: The membership was generally supportive of most things that the
fraternity has done. The bottom line is that whatever the subject matter, the
presenter(s) be well prepared, concise and heard clearly in the setting chosen.
Small group discussion during or following are generally effective. Variety and
continuity should be kept in mind.