The basic tenet of the Central NJ Cluster's ministry is the education of its members through a strong sense of community. Through this sense of community and an emphasis on communication, the Cluster's ministry is built, and programs developed and established, for the benefit of those marginalized in society. Although not usually considered marginalized, youth is a focus of the Central NJ Cluster's efforts. Present work in this regard is centered on finsing ways to involve youth in meaning social projects. To this end the Cluster has published a few articles on the family in the Newsletter "The Troubadour." 
An important aspect of community involvement is the ongoing formation of its members to the lived Franciscan experience. As part of this formation endeavor, the Cluster is always searching for appropriate speakers to impart informed information for its members' edification. At each meeting meaningful subjects are discussed with members participating in a discussion of the chosen topic. At two recent meetings, teaching on the Ten Commandments was conducted.
Considering the large geographical area covered by the 15 member fraternities in the cluster, the gatherings are well attended.
As it appears to be with other fraternities in the Region, the Central NJ Cluster is facing an aging membership. As a result, the Cluster is grappling with the evangelization and promotion of vocations to the Secular Franciscan Order.
A sermon which Francis heard in 1209 on Mt 10:9 made such an impression on him that he decided to devote himself wholly to a life of apostolic poverty. Clad in a rough garment, barefoot, and, after the Evangelical precept, without staff or scrip, he began to preach repentance.
He was soon joined by a prominent fellow townsman, Bernardo di Quintavalle, who contributed all that he had to the work, and by other companions, who are said to have reached the number of eleven within a year. The brothers lived in the deserted lazar-house of Rivo Torto near Assisi; but they spent much of their time traveling through the mountainous districts of Umbria, always cheerful and full of songs, yet making a deep impression on their hearers by their earnest exhortations..
During his lifetime, many married men and women asked St. Francis to embrace his style of life, but of course, due to their secular state, they were not able to enter into the First Order or into the Poor Clares. For this reason, he founded a Secular order to which lay and married men and women could belong and live according the Gospel. Nowadays, this part of the Third Order is known as Secular Franciscan Order and is numerous and spread around the world. The original Rule, given by St. Francis in 1221, was slightly modified during the centuries to be adapted to the changing times, and now the last one was given by Pope Paul VI in 1978.
The Secular Franciscan Order, known as the Third Order Secular of St. Francis prior to 1978, is an order founded by St. Francis in 1212 for brothers and sisters who do not live in a religious community. Members of the order continue to live secular lives, however they do gather regularly for fraternal activities. In the United States alone there are 17,000 professed members of the order.
The first stage, Orientation, provides time for dialogue and developing relationships in fraternity. During Orientation you will be introduced to the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare and share in Franciscan prayer life. You will be given general information about the Secular Franciscan Order. Orientation is a time to discern if the Spirit is calling you to a Secular Franciscan vocation. The period of Orientation is a minimum of three months.
The second stage, Inquiry, is the first formal period of initiation. It is a time of in-depth study of the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. During Inquiry you will learn about the Franciscan charism and Franciscan history. You will deepen your understanding of what it means to be secular and Franciscan, and you will continue to discern if the Spirit is calling you to the Secular Franciscan way of life. The period of Inquiry is a minimum of six months. If a vocation is discerned, the Inquirer is received into the Order.
The third stage, Candidacy, is the final formal period of initiation. It is a time of preparing for permanent commitment by immersion into fraternity life. Central to this stage of formation is Article 4 of The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order which states, “The rule and life of the Secular Franciscan is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following Saint Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people.” The period of Candidacy is a minimum of eighteen months and culminates in permanent commitment to the gospel life.
After
profession of the Rule and permanent commitment to the gospel
way of life,
the newly professed member joins the rest of the fraternity in
ongoing formation.
For
glory of Almighty God help us help others in many
Franciscan missions --evangelization,
homeless ministry, prison ministry, program in nursing homes, Divine Mercy
ministry, Christian program for sick & suffering, etc.
Every
person counts!
Every talent is needed!
Don't delay!
