Overview of Role of SA Spiritual Assistant to a Fraternity
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
What are not the Duties of the Spiritual Assistant?
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
What are the Duties of the Spiritual Assistant?
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