The Order of Franciscans Secular (formerly known as the Secular Franciscans or SFO) is a secular movement, founded by St. Francis of Assisi more than 800 years ago. We seek 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.
Secular Franciscans follow the OFS rule that requires us to spend time in community by meeting regularly with our Franciscan brothers and sisters. We gather at least monthly. We pray together. We study and talk about the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare and other Franciscan saints, as well as deepen our understanding of Franciscan spirituality.
We are called to action, a call that we embrace joyfully. Many of us have apostolates in our parish and in our community. As a fraternity, we take action on issues that affect the lives of others. We support the efforts of our brothers and sisters who are serving the poor.
Anyone who is interested is invited to attend a fraternity meeting. In addition to attending fraternity meetings, you will have a period of formation that is divided into three stages to allow you to discern your call prior to formal profession as a Secular Franciscan. The first stage is orientation which lasts about 3 months; followed bythe inquiry stage which typically lasts six months, and finally a candidacy period that lasts a minimum of 18 months, depending on how you progress in your formation. At the end of the candidacy period, formal profession to the OFS occurs for those wishing to make a permanent commitment to Franciscan life.
Here is a link to the Blessed Solanus Casey REgional Fraternity web site - https://www.solanuscaseyregionofs.org/home
St Clare Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order
On Sunday, January 5th, 2025 the Hartford Archdiocese Office of Radio and Television came to St. Edward’s and filmed the St. Clare Fraternity of Secular Franciscans’ annual Creche Service.
Per ORTV, , the story will air this Sunday, January 12th, on CW20 and MyTV9, at 10:45am, after the Sunday Mass. There will also be a streaming version of the show uploaded on Monday at this link: Crossroads Magazine™ on Vimeo. Please join us on this last day of the Christmas Season to celebrate the birth of our Lord and the institution of the nativity by St. Francis.
St. Clare Newsletter
For more information: Call 860-684-9438 or email comsandy@cox.net
Newly elected council for the St. Clare Fraternity:
Minister: Sandy Comarella
Vice-Minister: Zophia Fitzgerald
Director of Formation: Corinne Lorenzet
Secretary: Nancy Rudek
Treasurer: Joe Comarella
Councilors: Diane Garabedian, Barbara Pierolo
Spiritual Assistant: Father John Koziol, OFM Conv