These posts (1-4) are intended to serve as a summary and guide to this important document. It is also intended to assist in individual study of the document and in presentations made to our fraternities.
We encourage you to read the entire document at this link:
INSTRUMENTUM LABORIS IN ENGLISH
Formation
· Formation continues to be the first challenge for our Order
· Formation programs should emphasize a formation on BEING
· The priority of BEING over DOING is strongly reaffirmed in Article 100.3 of the General Constitutions
· If we emphasize “doing” (activism) without “being,” our Order will not mature
o We will end up with a simple and boring routine
o We will end up as “activists” and “social workers” without the spiritual component and without being transformed spiritually
· Formation is not only intellectual/scholastic
· Formation leads us to adhere to the “heart of the Gospel.”
· A good leader guides like Jesus—so that anyone can understand
o The Instrumentum Laboris tell us: “…brothers or sisters with little or no education can be received into the OFS if they are formed well and adhere to the spirituality of Francis of Assisi.”
· The local fraternity council must ensure:
o Adequate formation of new members
o That the times established for Profession in the General Constitutions and National Statutes be followed (the time-frame may differ from country to country)
o That those who do not know the Rule cannot be admitted to Profession
Communication
· Essential: vital communion among all the brothers and sisters
· Essential: among all the fraternities
· Essential: must be a priority of Councils at all levels
· Essential: for building and maintaining relationships within the Order
· Lack of communication is a serious flaw in the Order.
o Inhibits fraternal life
o Overcoming this lack will facilitate communion between the various levels of the Order
o Overcoming this lack will promote harmony within the Order
o Overcoming this lack supports growth of the Order, guarantees transparency, and builds mutual trust.
Questions for discussion or to answer in your journal.
+ How does the ongoing formation program in your local fraternity make YOU a better Franciscan?
+ What are some suggestions you might make to your formation team based on the statements above?
+ If you are in initial formation, what are three things you particularly like about your formation sessions? What are three things you wish were different? (Be sure to share these with your formator.)
+Council members (all levels): How can you make communication a priority in your fraternity? (Local, Regional, National levels)
(Part 3 of 4)
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