MISSION STATEMENT
of the Franciscan Youth and Young Adult (FY/YA) Commission of the
Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) of the United States of America
Inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi and guided by our OFS Rule (Art. 24) and General Constitutions (Art. 96 & 97), our mission is to bring the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the youth and young adults of the United States of America. We are called to share the Franciscan way of life through prayer, formation, and social action with all youth whom we encounter.
We envision journeying with youth and young adults as they discern their purpose in life and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. After experiencing Franciscan fraternal life, these young people may desire to form a FY/YA community, and the OFS at all levels commits to support them.
GOALS
The FY/YA Commission will:
Provide the necessary training and resources to aid OFS fraternities in their outreach to youth and young adults and in the formation of FY/YA groups, being sensitive to differences in culture, settings, and environments.
Provide networking opportunities between the National Executive Council, the FY/YA Commission, the OFS regional and local fraternities, and the FY/YA groups within the United States and YOUFRA worldwide.
The FY/YA Commission will encourage and assist regional and local fraternities to:
Recognize the importance of our responsibility to youth and young adults and to understand the significant impact their presence on the Franciscan family.
Introduce Catholic and other interested young people of the United States to St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.
Share with young people the connection between the Gospel of Jesus and the Franciscan way of life of St. Francis.
Approved by the OFS-USA National Executive Council on March 3, 2018.