Overview of the Role

• The minister and council are ultimately responsible for the spiritual growth and well being of the fraternity since it is their responsibility to “animate and guide” (Article 21) the fraternity.
• Rule of 1987 made the Secular Franciscan Order autonomous yet interdependent (vital reciprocity) with the Franciscan family.
• To assist in the community’s spiritual growth within the Franciscan tradition, the council “shall ask for suitable and well prepared religious for spiritual assistance. (Article 26).
• Within the Rule the only requirement for an SA is suitable and well prepared. 

• A person of prayer
•  A person of maturity in vocation whether that be friar, sister or secular Franciscan
• A person at peace with oneself and with others
• A credible witness to being Franciscan
• Enthusiastic about being Franciscan
• One who shares their approach to living the Gospel
• One whose lifestyle manifests an evangelical commitment
• One who interacts and demonstrates vital reciprocity
• One who is open-minded and open-hearted
• One who has good communication skills
• One who is willing to learn and to teach

• SA does not by his/herself fulfill an administrative role in the fraternity
• SA does not have the final word in the business of the fraternity
• SA does not “run” the fraternity
• SA is not the treasurer and has no vote in financial matters
• SA does not preside over the meeting (minister’s role)
• SA does not receive new members into the fraternity (minister’ role)
• SA does not preside over elections
• SA is not a passive person in the fraternity
• SA is not someone divorced from the life of the fraternity

• SA is a member of the fraternity on all levels – council, fraternity at large, formation program and gives a spiritual dimension to the fraternity
• SA knows and observes the OFS Rule, the OFS Ritual and the OFS General Constitutions 2000.
• SA is thoroughly conversant with the For Up To Now (FUN) Manual
• SA knows and implements the teachings of Vatican II and the Catechism
• SA is a servant leader
• SA exercises a pastoral role

• SA facilitates spiritual growth of fraternity in developing a Christocentric lifestyle and ministry
• SA manifests a pastoral role through presence, advice and instruction – challenges the fraternity to develop their gifts for the good of the Church and the world
• SA exercises a pastoral role in formation and ongoing formation as either a member of the team or as a resource person for the formation team. – s/he may be a trainer of the formation team
• SA exercises pastoral rule by being a member of the council.  Through resources, advice, prayer and providing motivation

Anne Mulqueen, OFS – OFS SA Summer Seminar 2014