SFO Information

What are you looking for? (John 1:38)

Do you feel a restless stirring within you? Do you feel that you want to come closer to God and get to know Him better in the world while remaining a lay person?

If your answer is yes, perhaps God is nudging you to serve Him and enrich yourself spiritually while you continue to fulfill your responsibilities as a parent, grandparent or a single person living in the world.

 Francis and the Franciscan Order

In the 13^th century, in the town of Assisi, Italy there lived a young man named John Bernadone, who led a good, yet shallow and worldly life as a merchant’s son. Led by God’s inspiration, he renounced his wealth, gave himself to living the Gospel Life and began to preach the Good News. Soon, this man who called himself Francis was known to all.

Francis sought to invite all people to enter into an intimate relationship with the Lord, to rebuild the Church, and to spread the gospel message throughout the world.

Secular Franciscans Today

Secular Franciscans number several hundred thousand worldwide, with more than thirty thousand in the United States. We believe that as lay people we have been called by the Spirit of God to live the Gospel, as on-going conversion in our daily lives and in fraternity with the support of shared prayer, faith sharing, ongoing formation and Christian service.  We are not called to “leave the world, but to transform it.” As we live our lives, our ideals, our prayer, and our lifestyles become a witness and a proclamation of the Gospel challenging both those around us and empowering us through the Spirit, to transform and free ourselves from all that keeps us from loving God and each other.

Our Way of Life

We seek to encounter the living and active person of Christ in our sisters and brothers, in Sacred Scripture, in the Church, and in Liturgical Prayer, especially the Eucharist.

We have special concerns for the work of Peace and Reconciliation.

We seek to respond to Gospel challenges: through the witness of individually and collectively being in the forefront in promoting justice:

·  through the esteem for work as both a gift and a sharing in creation, redemption and service to the human family,

·  through making of family life a sign of peace, fidelity, respect for life and a world already renewed by Christ,

·  through respect for all creatures both animate and inanimate which reveal the love of God for us thus fostering an attitude of environmental sensitivity and of limiting our needs.

Holy Dormition Secular Franciscan Fraternity

Founded in the late 1940’s and today consists of approximately 35 permanently professed members.  Monthly meeting is on the 3^rd Sunday at 2PM.

Interested In This Way of Life?

We encourage you to “Come and See.” Experience the hospitality, interest and support of Franciscan brothers and Sisters. “Come and See” and let us walk together a spiritual journey that leads from GOSPEL TO LIFE and LIFE TO THE GOSPEL.

For More Information Contact:

 Fr. Anthony Skurla, O.F.M.                         Joan Baran, S.F.O.

 Spiritual Assistant                                        Formation Director

 570-788-8405                                               570-929-1253