Mission Statement

Mission Statement

Work Commission

National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order - USA

1990

The Work Commission of the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States of America has as its mission to remind the sisters and brothers of their commitment to enflesh their lives of prayer by bringing to the workplace an experience of participation in the work of God the Creator, God the Redeemer, and God the Inspirator. In their manner of working and in their hopes and aspirations for material success, Secular Franciscans should mirror the work of the Holy Trinity in the garden of this world, the laboratory of life and the classroom of human endeavor as mandated in their Rule:

"Let them esteem work both as a gift and as a sharing in the creation,
redemption, and service of the human community" (Rule, II, 16)
so that they may be blessed by their Master:

"Who is the faithful, farsighted servant whom the master has put in
charge of his household to dispense food at need? Happy that servant
whom his master discovers at work on his return!" (Mt. 24:45-46)
This was the example of their Holy Father St. Francis, who blesses them for doing likewise:

"I worked with my own hands and I am still determined to work and
with all my heart I want all the brothers to be busy with some kind of
work that can be carried on without scandal. Those who do not know
how to work should learn. Not because they want to get anything for
these efforts, but to give good example and to avoid idleness... And
whoever observes all this may be filled in heaven with the blessing of
the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son,
together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, and all the powers of
heaven and all the saints. And I Brother Francis, your poor worthless
servant add my share...to that most holy blessing, Amen." (Test.)
Goal 1: Provide a focus for discussion and evoke comment at all levels of fraternity life on presenting a viewpoint that is authentically Franciscan on work, workers and the workplace.

Goal 2: Share information about programs developed at various levels of fraternity life to promote a Christian attitude towards work that brings the Gospel to life.

Goal 3: Identify resource people whether they be other seculars, friars, religious men and women, and those not formally part of the Franciscan family who can make a positive contribution to accomplishing these goals.

Goal 4: Compile and update a list of resource materials useful in accomplishing these goals.

Goal 5: Disseminate information about programs and projects developed within or outside the Franciscan family that stimulate, question, and propose opportunities to present a response to local, national, and international needs.

Goal 6: Provide information and advise and analyze initiatives appropriate for consideration by the National Executive Council and Directive Board on ways to address work-related issues.

Goal 7: Develop and maintain correspondence with the provincial ministers, spiritual assistants and work commissioners for the further use and dissemination of this information.