St. Francis Retreat House

St. Francis established The Order of Brothers and Sisters of Penance, now called the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO), for men and women choosing not to leave their families and occupations, but answering the call to live the pattern of life of St. Francis of Assisi, guided by the Spirit to love Jesus Christ more fully.
	The Secular Franciscan Order is an order within the Roman Catholic Church. Members of the SFO follow Christ in the example set by St. Francis, moving from gospel to life and from life to the gospel. Secular Franciscans by their profession pledge to live the gospel following Francis example in accordance with the Rule of Life approved by the Church.
Formation and Profession
The formation process culminating with profession into the Secular Franciscan Order is a program of prayer, discernment, and study normally taking two years. In formation, Candidates through formal instruction, seek Gospel conversion in the spirit of St. Francis and study of the SFO Rule. The program is composed of periods of orientation, inquiry, candidacy, and permanent profession to the Gospel life.
Our Apostolates We contribute to our local Sisters of St. Clare and send resources to an AppalachianFranciscan Parish. We help to support "Mary’s Shelter" for unwed mothers. Individual ministries are encouraged too. Come and See
For over 30 years we have been an integral part of St. Francis Retreat House through our members volunteering in a variety of ministries: manual labor for the retreat house, prayer support, recruiting new retreatants, attending and participation in retreats. We meet on the third Sunday of each month (except June, July, August ). the June meeting is the fourth Sunday. No meeting July and August.
Meeting Schedule 2:00 P.M. Franciscan Crown Rosary in Chapel 2:30 P.M. Afternoon Vespers in Chapel 3:00 P.M. On – Going Formation, Business Meeting, Fellowship For information on becoming a Secular Franciscan contact: Donald Foote - SFO Minister 570-420-0670 or <footeman@ptd.net>