What is the Franciscan Youth?
(Youth – Ages 14 to 17~Young Adults – Ages 18 to 26)
The Franciscan Youth/Young Adults (FYYA) are formed by those
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, and deepen their own vocation within the
context of the Secular Franciscan Order. The FYYA has a specific
organization, methods 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 in FORMATION
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, 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 professed 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 OFS – The members of the FYYA who wish to make profession in the OFS shall satisfy the requirements of the Rule, the Constitutions and the Ritual of the OFS (Const. 96, 4.) The vocational journey of the FYYA may lead to the OFS.
[For more info, go to: http://franciscanyouthusa.com and http://www.ciofs.org/youfra.htm. Also, Bishop permission may be required to establish a Franciscan youth ministry. Checking with one’s diocese is recommended.]
St. Joan of Arc Region-OFS 