Please share with your local fraternities
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: https://
World-wide challenges to be addressed
· The Secular Franciscan Order is a “Fraternity of Fraternities” spread all over the world. (See GC Article 1.3)
o National, regional, and local fraternities are of different sizes—in some countries the number of local fraternities is small so there are no regional fraternities yet.
o Fraternities at all levels may have different cultures and different languages.
o It is important for all levels of fraternity to communicate properly.
· National Statutes regulate the existence of Regional Fraternities according to the norms of the General Constitutions.
· identify and recognize the responsibilities and duties of the OFS itself toward YouFra. (See IL section 5.2.6)
· Structure of all fraternities (local, regional and national) needs to be well-balanced
· Maintain focus on: fraternal life, personal contacts, fraternal sharing among the members, and seeking God’s will within the fraternity
Challenges with Leadership [Concept of Servant Leadership was explained in part 2 of these posts.]
· Servant leadership should be modeled by those who animate and guide fraternities on various levels.
o Ways and techniques of leadership should be shared from one level to another.
· If there are difficulties, check to see what might be lacking:
o Possible lack of “core values” – Christian/Franciscan values
o Lack of Franciscan spirituality; basic human virtues
o Collegiality and collaboration—Minister and Council (including the Spiritual Assistant work TOGETHER)
· Roots and reasons for challenges with the concept of leadership
o Incorrect understanding of leadership and what the role of leaders should be
§ Leadership incorrectly seen as a “pious service” only
§ Creativity is missing among the leaders.
§ Minister and Council members act like bosses— we are called to service not power
o Those who serve fraternities at all levels must be persons of prayer who seek the will of God and the good of all the brothers and sister and of the entire Order.
· Challenges with nominations and elections of excellent leaders
o Lack of capable persons (possibly because the fraternity is small; some are “hiding” their talents; too involved in other things)
o Acceptable reasons for not serving: Family or work responsibilities
· To prepare for elections, it is especially important that those who will vote (and those who will nominate and be nominated) understand the General Constitutions and the role our Councils play in the life of the fraternity.
NEXT WEEK: Bonus section on characteristics of a Servant Leader; proposals, and suggestions
Questions to discuss or to answer in your journal:
+ What suggestions can you make to improve the integration of cultural, language, and size differences in your local and regional fraternities?
+ In what ways do your local and/or regional servant leaders model good leadership techniques?
+ How can election preparation be improved in your local fraternity? In your region?
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