Guidelines for Fraternal Life During Social Distancing

Dear National Family,

May the Lord give you peace!

Over the past weeks we have received questions about Visitations, Elections and fraternity gatherings during this time of social distancing.   What is possible using video conferencing?  What about initial formation and the Rite of Admission?  What can we do remotely, and what must be postponed?

To answer these questions, please see our  Guidelines for Fraternal Life During Social Distancing.   (click to see these on our website, and also attached PDF below.)  Please also continue to follow your state and local guidelines.

Please share these guidelines with your local fraternities and all formation folks. 

I am grateful for the work of our National Formation Commission on these guidelines.  I also appreciate the continued work of the NEC and the National Commission Chairs during our many video conferences these days.   God bless each of you, our National, Regional and local fraternity servant leaders, for your efforts to promote fraternal life and fraternal care during this time.

Come Holy Spirit, and fill our hearts!

Love and prayers, 

Jan, 

Jan Parker OFS

National Minister

Secular Franciscan Order - USA

Journey Together in Love and Compassion

2019-2020 OFS-USA Theme

Attachment: Guidelines for Fraternal Life During Social Distancing [PDF]