This past year, our Fraternity of the Stigmata of St. Francis has lost five precious members to Sister Death, including one of our founding members, and other members to the slow death of cognitive decline. As much as we miss these special brothers and sisters, the need arises to recruit new members. This is a question all of us face.
Before recruitment starts, let’s ask ourselves two very basic questions? Who are we? Who would belong in our Fraternity?
On the surface, the answers to these questions are very basic. We are Secular Franciscans and we live Gospel to Life: Life to Gospel. Who belongs? Catholics in good standing who feel called to follow St. Francis.
But, any good outreach plan needs to dig deeper. When a visitor comes to visit our Fraternity, what do they see? What is their first impression of who we are? Are they welcomed and made to feel they Belong as a Secular Franciscan? During our Gathering, where do we place our emphasis? Think of the time allotted to the various activities that occur during the Gathering. Is anything given to the visitor to explain more about who we are?
Next, why would a visitor want to return? Or, would a visitor have a negative impression of us or think they don’t Belong? This could happen unfortunately when the group seems cliquish and not welcoming to anyone new. What are our expectations of a visitor? Where do we expect them to be in the conversion process?
Some church groups believe that someone needs to Behave (live a perfect Christian lifestyle) and Believe before they can Belong. Others take the view that we Belong (are loved by Christ) and that Believe is a process of learning how to Behave as a Christian. Simply, do we look on the negative of others (how they Behave) so that we rule out the option for them to Believe or to Belong? Do we make assumptions, label people or put them in a box limiting conversion? Or, do we look on others to Belong as made in the image and likeness of God and see their potential realizing they, like we, are growing in the process of Believe and Behave? Can we love unconditionally as St. Francis did?
After we reflect on who we are and how we present ourselves, the next step is to determine how we reach out to invite visitors and who are our target visitors. Do we have Fraternity activities to which we can invite visitors? How can we reach out to the parishioners of Catholic Churches in our area? Is there a local college or university? Do we have brochures or a newsletter or a website? How can we have personal contact with potential visitors to give a personal invitation?
Margi Williams
Minister, Fraternity of the Stigmata of St. Francis
BSSF Area 2 Councilor