(Youth - Ages 14 to 17~Young Adults Ages 18 to 26) The Franciscan Youth/Young Adults
(FYYA) are young people who feel called by the Holy Spirit to deepen their own vocation to share the experience of the
Christian life in fraternity in the light of the message of St. Francis of Assisi, deepening their own vocation within the
context of the Secular Franciscan Order.
The FYYA has a specific organization, period of formation and teaching methods adequate
for the needs of the world of youth according to the existing realities in the various countries.
VOCATIONAL JOURNEY INFORMATION
The FYYA deepen their personal vocation in the light of the message of Saint Francis
by an itinerary of progressive formation. The whole itinerary will be focusing on vocational discernment. This vocational
journey will normally consist of the following periods:
(1) Initiation - This is a period of seeking, of making contact,
of approaching, of welcome, which ends with the decision to begin the period of formation for the pledge in the FYYA. The
length of this period depends on the personal situation of each candidate and on the FYYA fraternity, usually between three
to six months. The age may vary, but the minimum age to enter the Franciscan Youth is 14, and the minimum age to enter the
Franciscan Young Adults is 18. (The Celebration of Initiation is celebrated prior to the beginning of the next period of formation.
(2) Formation for the promise in the FYYA - This is a period of formation
and full integration of the candidates into the life of the fraternity. At the end of this period, they confirm this option
with a personal promise before God and in the presence of the brothers and sisters, most appropriately during a Eucharistic
Celebration. The minimum length of this period is one year. It belongs to the local Council of the FYYA to admit the candidates
to the pledge. (The Pledge, also known as the "Feast of Yes" is celebrated at the conclusion of this formation.)
(3) Deepening one's vocation - This is a period of verification of
the vocation, in which the young person grasps and deepens the values composing Franciscan spirituality and its mission in
the Church and in society. This period comes to a conclusion at the age of 26.
(4) Passing over to the SFO - The members of the FYYA who wish to
make profession in the SFO shall satisfy the requirements of the Rule, the Constitutions and the Ritual of the SFO (Const.
96, 4). The vocational journey of the FYYA may lead to the SFO.
Saint Katherine Drexel Region is dedicated to the nurturing of our youth. We try and foster the spirit and charism
of St. Francis by leading the youth in works of charity, environmental awareness, love of neighbor and self, and evangelization
by means of example. Franciscan Youth are called to be messengers of St. Francis, carrying within them the
peace and joy of Christ. They are the best kept secret of the Church.
This is a video of Franciscan Youth in action.
MISSION STATEMENT of the Youth/Young Adult Commission of the
Secular Franciscan Order of the U.S.A.
The mission of the Franciscan Youth/Young Adult Commission of the National
Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States of America is to bring the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
to the youth of America. Inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi and guided by the General Constitutions of the SFO
(articles 96, 97) and reminded by the Rule of the SFO, article 24, “To foster community among members, the council
should organize regular and frequent meetings of the community as well as meeting with other Franciscan groups, especially
youth groups; the Commission is called to inspire, motivate and assist the fostering and development of Young Franciscan groups
at the Regional and Local Fraternity Levels, and to share the Franciscan charism with all youths whom we encounter.
Sacred
Scripture speaks to the spirit of young people:
"The word of the Lord came to me thus: 'Before I formed you in the
womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.' 'Ah, Lord God!'
I said, 'I know not how to speak; I am too young.' But the Lord answered me, 'Say not, 'I am too young.' To whomever
I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver
you, says the Lord. Then the Lord extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying, 'See, I place my words in your mouth!' (Jeremiah
1:4-9)
And St. Paul writes to young Timothy:
'Let not anyone look down
on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.'
(1 Timothy 4:12).
GOALS
Goal 1: To motivate and encourage Regional and Local Fraternities to
be mindful of the importance of youth in the Franciscan family.
Goal 2: To introduce the Catholic Youth of America,
and other interested young people, to St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.
Goal 3: To show the connection between
the Gospel of Jesus and the life of St. Francis in the reality of everyday living.
Goal 4: To provide the necessary
resources to assist the fraternities in the formation of youth groups, and to foster sensitivity toward cultural and geographical
differences.
Goal 5: To be the connecting link between the National Executive Council and the Franciscan Youth within
the United States and worldwide.
