Formation Survey - Responses

1.        Initial Formation: Orientation Phase (minimum of 3 months)

(a) Most fraternities do NOT conduct formal classes during this phase; it is a time for the visitor to observe the fraternity and be observed by the fraternity

(b) Although most fraternities do not use formal resources, some make pamphlets and books about St Francis available

2.       Initial formation: Inquiry Phase (minimum of 6 months)

(a) Only a few fraternities conduct a Ceremony of Welcome.  [I recommend that you conduct the ceremony, using the SFO Ritual, page 9]

(b) Most often the Formation Director or another Formator conducts the sessions for Inquirers

(c) Recommended resources: Come and See, or Imitating the Life of Francis

3.       Initial Formation: Candidacy Phase (minimum of 18 months)

(a) All fraternities hold a Rite of Admission, using the SFO Ritual, page11

(b) Various combinations of Formators conduct the sessions for Candidates

(c) Recommended resources: Fully Mature with the Fullness of Christ, Catch Me A Rainbow Too, or Imitating the Life of Francis

4.     Ongoing Formation

(a) Almost all fraternities conduct ongoing formation at every monthly gathering

(b) Various combinations of Formators conduct ongoing formation.  [I recommend the "team" approach.]

(c) Many fraternities give reading assignments in advance, and re-read that assignment together at the gathering with questions offered to promote discussion

(d) Recommended resources: Catch Me A Rainbow Too, Pick More Daisies or To Live As Francis Lived.  [I recommend the use of other Franciscan material, such as articles from TAU-USA and the Regional Newsletter, as supplemental resources for ongoing formation.]

5.   SFO Documents

(a) Most Formation Directors have access to the essential SFO documents (Rule/General Constitutions/National Statutes/Regional Guidelines). [I will provide copies for those who do not have them.]

(b) These documents are generally used as a resource for the Formators for initial formation (Inquiry and Candidacy) as well as for ongoing formation

6.   Fraternity Council Meetings

(a) Most fraternity councils meet once a month; some every other month

(b) Generally, ongoing formation has not been part of these council meetings.  [I recommend that you consider doing this - perhaps by bringing up a topic on which there is a question regarding interpretation.]

(c) The Essential SFO Documents (Rule/General Constitutions/National Statutes/Regional Guidelines) are the primary resource for ongoing formation at the fraternity council meetings.  [I recommend that at least the Minister, the Formation Director and the Spiritual Assistant each have their own copy; better still, that all members of the council have their own copy.]

7.   Regional Formation Director can provide assistance by:

(a)    suggesting new resources as they become available

(b)   keeping in touch via emails

(c)    workshops

(d)   letting fraternities know what others are doing

(e)    supply forms for completion of Candidacy [I will address this shortly]

(f)    role of the fraternity Spiritual Assistant [I will address this in a follow-up memo]

(g)    more COMMUNICATION

(h)    pray for one another!!