Secular Franciscans

The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) is a branch of the worldwide Franciscan Family. We are single and married. We work, worship and play-in the community where we live.

An official Order within the Roman Catholic Church, the OFS was founded by St. Francis of Assisi almost 800 years ago. Our purpose is to bring the gospel to life where we live and where we work. We look for practical ways to embrace the gospel in our lives and try to help others to do likewise.

In today's world we are plagued by time schedules, projects and activities that leave us tense and stressed. The OFS becomes our place of refuge and renewal where our brothers and sisters offer Francis to support and inspire us.

You, too, can become a lifetime member of our family-if God is calling you.

Secular Franciscans follow the OFS rule that requires us to spend time in community with our Franciscan brothers and sisters.

We gather at least monthly. We support each other through the ups and downs of daily life. We pray together. We take opportunities to learn about our Church, our community and our world.

Our rule mandates us to be involved in apostolic ministries and with youth. When we are called to action, we embrace the call joyfully.  Some of us are religious education teachers, some have a special ministry to animals, some have made a commitment to Perpetual Adoration. Some work with the poor and homeless. Some work in soup kitchens or visit the elderly and sick; some have youth ministries.

As a fraternity, we take action on issues that affect the lives of others. We do letter writing campaigns in response to social justice issues; we support the efforts of our brothers and sisters who are serving the poor and lepers half-way around the world.

If you have a Franciscan vocation, you probably have a desire to do something more.

Perhaps you feel a need for support in growing spiritually. Or, deep down, you sense a need to serve God in a special way. Or, for years, you have felt an affinity with St. Francis. He seems to pop up all around you and you just don't know why. Perhaps, God is calling you!

Getting to know the OFS better may be a way to determine if you have a vocation.

You'll have plenty of time to get to know us before you make any formal commitment (profession). The OFS requires at least nine months for orientation and inquiry. During that time, you'll attend our monthly gatherings and have a few informal classes. Then if you feel the call to continue, you will enter Candidacy and have another 18 to 36 months of formal discussion, education and fraternal involvement before you make a permanent commitment at the time of Profession.

Visit the Secular Franciscans Get to know us!

WHERE

Good Shepherd Catholic Community

1000 Tinker Road

Colleyville, Texas 76034

WHEN

First Sunday of each month: l:30-3:30pm

WHY

Because God won't stop calling until you answer!

COME JOURNEY WITH US!

Friend and family members welcome!

lmmaculata Fraternity in Colleyville is one of five fraternities in the DFW Region in the state of Texas and one of almost 1200 in the United States.  When you become a Secular Franciscan, you can visit any of our Fraternities as a brother or sister in Christ and in Francis.