The Order of Lesser Sisters and Brothers is a dispersed ecumenical Franciscan community similar to the older Third Order model under which most members live their everyday life in the world. They may be male or female, married, partnered or single, clergy or lay. There is no discrimination of any sort, save as to minimum age.
Its purpose is to provide a canonical structure for those who wish to follow a Franciscan lifestyle without requiring them to travel great distances to become a member. Everything can be done at a local level by one's own pastor or other delegated person.
Individuals may join the Order even though there is no local group. They do not live with other members unless they chose to do so.
It is an ecumenical order open to any Christian who belongs to any church or denomination, or indeed none, and who is at least 18 years of age.
It is Franciscan in that it provides a practical life style which applies to everyday life the principles of Christianity in the way pioneered by Francis and Clare of Assisi and their followers.
The life style is founded on a common rule at the heart of which is the promise to live in the spirit of poverty chastity and obedience and to strive for and seek to foster and uphold Peace, Justice, Ecology, absence of discrimination, care for those less privileged, loyalty to one’s own church or denomination or expression of Christianity, simplicity of living, personal conversion, prayerfulness, devotion and discipleship to the Incarnate Christ, Minority, Franciscan Community, love peace and joy. Such is the promise of the Order.
Note that this does not require celibacy, though members may choose to make such a vow subject to certain safeguards.
Members may, and indeed are, required to formulate a personal interpretation of the common Rule in a way that is harmonious and fitting with their Christian tradition and life situation.
The rule goes on to provide a structured daily way of life. Many elements are based on the legacy of earlier Franciscan communities which were Roman Catholic or Anglican/Episcopalian in nature. Again, no matter. They are just a guideline. We are ecumenical and there is plenty of scope for adaptation to the specific needs of individuals by substituting practices which are in harmony with their faith.
Membership costs nothing, though you have to pay for your own necessities. These may include books, a Tau cross and, if desired an approved habit etc.
If you wish to explore the possibility of trying out membership, please visit the contact page.
Its purpose is to provide a canonical structure for those who wish to follow a Franciscan lifestyle without requiring them to travel great distances to become a member. Everything can be done at a local level by one's own pastor or other delegated person.
Individuals may join the Order even though there is no local group. They do not live with other members unless they chose to do so.
It is an ecumenical order open to any Christian who belongs to any church or denomination, or indeed none, and who is at least 18 years of age.
It is Franciscan in that it provides a practical life style which applies to everyday life the principles of Christianity in the way pioneered by Francis and Clare of Assisi and their followers.
The life style is founded on a common rule at the heart of which is the promise to live in the spirit of poverty chastity and obedience and to strive for and seek to foster and uphold Peace, Justice, Ecology, absence of discrimination, care for those less privileged, loyalty to one’s own church or denomination or expression of Christianity, simplicity of living, personal conversion, prayerfulness, devotion and discipleship to the Incarnate Christ, Minority, Franciscan Community, love peace and joy. Such is the promise of the Order.
Note that this does not require celibacy, though members may choose to make such a vow subject to certain safeguards.
Members may, and indeed are, required to formulate a personal interpretation of the common Rule in a way that is harmonious and fitting with their Christian tradition and life situation.
The rule goes on to provide a structured daily way of life. Many elements are based on the legacy of earlier Franciscan communities which were Roman Catholic or Anglican/Episcopalian in nature. Again, no matter. They are just a guideline. We are ecumenical and there is plenty of scope for adaptation to the specific needs of individuals by substituting practices which are in harmony with their faith.
Membership costs nothing, though you have to pay for your own necessities. These may include books, a Tau cross and, if desired an approved habit etc.
If you wish to explore the possibility of trying out membership, please visit the contact page.
