What is a Secular Franciscan?
Secular Franciscans, or Third Order Franciscans, are laypeople and clergy who follow the Franciscan way of life but remain in their worldly state, living out the Gospel through prayer, simple living, and service, with branches for secular members (Secular Franciscan Order – OFS) and those in community (Third Order Regular – TOR). They are inspired by St. Francis of Assisi and strive for holiness in their daily lives, to seek to live the Gospel like St. Francis, emphasizing poverty, humility, and love for God’s creation. They embody the idea that holiness is for everyone, not just cloistered religious. Members live within their families and professions, transforming society through their faith. Third Order Franciscans serve as the largest Franciscan family, and includes married individuals, singles, and clergy.
There are two main branches of Third Order Franciscans:
Third Order Regular (TOR): The TOR members live in religious communities, professing vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. This branch includes communities of brothers and sisters who live a consecrated, communal life.
Secular Franciscan Order (OFS – Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis): This branch is composed of laypeople and diocesan clergy. They live at home, not in community, and make promises (not vows). They gather regularly in fraternities for formation and fellowship.
Who Can Join
Married or single individuals, diocesan priests and deacons, and those seeking Christian perfection in their own vocations.
Purpose
The purpose of the Third Order of Franciscans is to grow in faith, prayer, and devotion to Christ, to live the Franciscan charism (spirit) in a way suited to their state in life, and to serve the poor, marginalized, and care for the earth.
Third Order Franciscan Links
The links below are for Third Order Secular and Third Order Regular. I have included the link to Franciscan University of Steubenville.
http://thirdorderfranciscans.com/
http://secularfranciscanusa.org
Catechist, Catholic Speaker, Recovery Advocate 