Job Description

The Job Description of the Spiritual Assistant
CNSA (Conference of National Spiritual Assistants) June 27, 1979
 

1. A “suitable and well prepared” person

1. Suitable (ideal qualities to be striven for, willingness to achieve ideals)

1. A Christocentric person
2. A person of prayer, mature in one’s own vocation
3. A person of peace in oneself and a peacemaker
4. A credible witness to faith and Franciscan vocation
5. A person enthused about the OFS, about living and sharing one’s own vocation
6. A brother or sister who, together with the Secular Franciscan, walks the pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Francis
7. A person with pastoral devotedness and a pastoral approach to ministry
8. A person with basic communication skills for teaching and sharing

2. Well Prepared

1. Open and understanding in updated theology in terms of Vatican Council II and the post –Vatican era, especially ecclesiology and the role of the laity
2. Open and understanding in Franciscan history and spirituality, especially regarding the OFS
3. Open and understanding in the contemporary application of both

2. What the spiritual assistant is NOT

1. The spiritual assistant does not fulfill an administrative role in the fraternity

1. The spiritual assistant does not have a final say-so in the organization of internal government and economic
2. The spiritual assistant does not direct the ordinary administration or business of the fraternity
3. The spiritual assistant is not a “lord” but a servant
4. The spiritual assistant does not act as the spokesperson for the fraternity
5. The spiritual assistant does not impose opinions upon others

2. The spiritual assistant is not a passive element in the fraternity

3. The responsibilities of the Spiritual Assistant

1. To develop a Christocentric life according to the rule; i.e., to develop spirituality, build community, exercise secular ministries
   1. Through conferences, exhortations, homilies, prayer
   2. Through presence and advice, especially at council meetings
   3. Through fraternal sharing of one’s own life
   4. Through individual spiritual direction when necessary
   5. Through exercising a prophetic role in the fraternity (i.e., challenging members to develop creativity and ability to take risks)
2. To guide the formation of new members and the continuing education of the professed through inspiration, guidance, instruction, motivation
   1. By developing techniques of prayer and contemplation
   2. By developing techniques for a lifestyle of penance and simple living
   3. By developing community building techniques
   4. By developing an awareness and practice of secular ministry, especially in its social, political, and economic dimensions

1. Give official witness at the church at receptions and professions
2. Confirm elections in the name of the church

3. Fraternal: to foster the common bond of unity in the Franciscan family

1. Represent by presence and activity the common striving for holiness and common efforts at evangelization among all Franciscans
2. Promote inter-activity among the Franciscan families

4. Ecumenical:  to build an evangelical life in the spirit of St. Francis with groups akin to the secular Franciscan

1. Among youth
2. Among other secular orders (e.g., Lay Carmelites, Dominican Laity, Benedictine Oblates, Secular Servites, etc.)
3. Among laity encountered in other ministries (e.g., Marriage Encounter, Charismatic Movement, Cursillo, Knights of Columbus, Legion of Mary, etc.)
4. Among other denominations, especially those who look to Francis as their spiritual guide (Anglican Franciscans, Lutheran Franciscans)