01
Prayer
We make room for God in the ordinary rhythm of each day and let prayer shape how we see the world.
Pax et bonum · Peace and all good
Peace begins close to home.
A Franciscan vocation for people whose holy ground is everyday life.
We are Catholics who seek to follow Jesus Christ in the footsteps of Saint Francis and Saint Clare—while remaining fully present in family life, work, parish, and community.
01 · A life in the world
Not apart from life.
Deeper within it.
Secular Franciscans are Catholic laypeople and diocesan clergy who follow Christ in the footsteps of Saint Francis—without leaving the homes, work, parishes, and communities entrusted to them.
We seek a life marked by prayer, fraternity, simplicity, service, and care for creation. The fraternity gives us companions for that journey: people who keep returning together from Gospel to life and from life to Gospel.
02 · The Franciscan way
A small rule for a spacious life.
The pattern is ancient. The invitation is immediate. Begin with what is already in your hands.
02
Fraternity
We learn beside brothers and sisters who encourage one another, listen well, and grow together.
03
Simplicity
We practice gratitude, humility, and freedom from the things that can crowd out what matters most.
04
Service & creation
We carry the Gospel into our relationships and communities, with special care for people in need and our common home.
03 · A place at the table
Come as you are.
Stay curious.
You do not need to know whether the Secular Franciscan vocation is for you. You only need enough curiosity to come, meet us, and listen.
Monthly gathering
Second Sunday
1:30–4:00 p.m.
Saint Clare RoomSan Xavier del Bac Mission Parish1950 W San Xavier Rd, Tucson, AZ 85746
Open directions ↗Your first visit
Expect a welcome, prayer, conversation, and room to observe. A typical gathering may also include formation and fraternity news. Nothing about visiting obligates you to continue.
04 · A path of discernment
Walk slowly enough to listen.
Formation is a gradual process of prayer, learning, practice, and free discernment—not a fast track to a decision.
About 3–6 months
Orientation
Visit the fraternity, ask questions, and begin to explore Franciscan spirituality and vocation.
About 6 months
Inquiry
Learn more about the Franciscan family, the Church, and the shape of Secular Franciscan life.
Generally 18 months–3 years
Candidacy
Deepen prayer, study the Rule, and discern a lasting commitment with the formation team.
A lifelong commitment
Profession
Make a public promise to live the Gospel according to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order.
Formation unfolds gradually. These timeframes are approximate; the local formation team will confirm the process with each person.
Laudato si', mi' Signore
“Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures.”Saint Francis of Assisi, The Canticle of the Creatures
Questions for the road
Wondering is welcome.
01Who are Secular Franciscans?
They are Catholic laypeople and diocesan clergy who live in the world and follow the Gospel in the spirit of Saint Francis. Members come from many walks of life and may be single or married.
02Would I have to leave my family, parish, or career?
No. Secular Franciscan life is lived within everyday responsibilities. Home, work, parish, and neighborhood become the places where the vocation takes shape.
03Is visiting a commitment?
Not at all. A first visit is simply a chance to meet the fraternity, experience the gathering, and ask honest questions.
04What happens during formation?
Formation combines prayer, conversation, study, and discernment. It moves through orientation, inquiry, and candidacy before a person decides whether to make profession.
05What does profession mean?
Profession is a public, lifelong promise to live the Gospel according to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order. It follows a substantial period of formation and free discernment.
Take one simple step
Begin with hello.
Benjamin can answer practical questions and help you know what to expect at a first gathering.
Benjamin Saenz, OFSFraternity Minister(520) 366-7466benjamin.saenz@gmail.com