The Job Description of the Spiritual Assistant CNSA (Conference of National Spiritual Assistants) June 27, 1979
A “suitable and well prepared” person
Suitable (ideal qualities to be striven for, willingness to achieve ideals)
A Christocentric person
A person of prayer, mature in one’s own vocation
A person of peace in oneself and a peacemaker
A credible witness to faith and Franciscan vocation
A person enthused about the OFS, about living and sharing one’s own vocation
A brother or sister who, together with the Secular Franciscan, walks the pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Francis
A person with pastoral devotedness and a pastoral approach to ministry
A person with basic communication skills for teaching and sharing
Well Prepared
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
Open and understanding in Franciscan history and spirituality, especially regarding the OFS
Open and understanding in the contemporary application of both
What the spiritual assistant is NOT
The spiritual assistant does not fulfill an administrative role in the fraternity
The spiritual assistant does not have a final say-so in the organization of internal government and economic
The spiritual assistant does not direct the ordinary administration or business of the fraternity
The spiritual assistant is not a “lord” but a servant
The spiritual assistant does not act as the spokesperson for the fraternity
The spiritual assistant does not impose opinions upon others
The spiritual assistant is not a passive element in the fraternity
1) The spiritual assistant does not merely exercise a sacramental role in the fraternity 2) The spiritual assistant is not divorced from the life and activity of the fraternity
The responsibilities of the Spiritual Assistant
A. Pastoral: to facilitate the spiritual growth of the Secular Franciscans
To develop a Christocentric life according to the rule; i.e., to develop spirituality, build community, exercise secular ministries
Through conferences, exhortations, homilies, prayer
Through presence and advice, especially at council meetings
Through fraternal sharing of one’s own life
Through individual spiritual direction when necessary
Through exercising a prophetic role in the fraternity (i.e., challenging members to develop creativity and ability to take risks)
To guide the formation of new members and the continuing education of the professed through inspiration, guidance, instruction, motivation
By developing techniques of prayer and contemplation
By developing techniques for a lifestyle of penance and simple living
By developing community building techniques
By developing an awareness and practice of secular ministry, especially in its social, political, and economic dimensions
B. Canonical: to represent the church as an official link between the fraternity and the hierarchy
Give official witness at the church at receptions and professions
Confirm elections in the name of the church
Fraternal: to foster the common bond of unity in the Franciscan family
Represent by presence and activity the common striving for holiness and common efforts at evangelization among all Franciscans
Promote inter-activity among the Franciscan families
Ecumenical: to build an evangelical life in the spirit of St. Francis with groups akin to the secular Franciscan
Among youth
Among other secular orders (e.g., Lay Carmelites, Dominican Laity, Benedictine Oblates, Secular Servites, etc.)
Among laity encountered in other ministries (e.g., Marriage Encounter, Charismatic Movement, Cursillo, Knights of Columbus, Legion of Mary, etc.)
Among other denominations, especially those who look to Francis as their spiritual guide (Anglican Franciscans, Lutheran Franciscans)