Franciscans of Reconciliation

The vision for what was to become the Franciscans of Reconciliation (OFR) began in October 2008, at a retreat for the Ecumenical Catholic Communion (ECC) House of Pastors, held at Eden Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. By the end of the first day of the retreat, we realized that there were a significant number of Franciscans present. Some were active in the two small ECC Franciscan orders, some were part of  the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans (OEF), and others were former members of various Roman Catholic orders. After a number of conversations with these retreat participants, it seemed that there was a great deal of interest in some kind of coordination among the ECC Franciscans.

During a social hour one evening at that retreat, I invited "Franciscans and 'former' Franciscans" (I'm not sure there are any "former Franciscans", whether or not they are currently active in an order) to gather in a corner of the room for some conversation. As best I recall, there were twenty-three present -- a significant percentage of those attending the retreat. We began by simply identifying our Franciscan connections and raising the question about how we might begin to coordinate and work together as ECC Franciscans. Those not currently in an order were naturally interested in how they might do that through the ECC. We spoke of possibly bringing everyone together in a single order, though no decisions were made that evening. It was an exciting time of good conversation and energy around our Franciscan vocation!

We didn't move quickly. Most of us clergy in the ECC are "tentmakers", supporting our ministry habit with secular employment, so we have plenty to do with that, our church work, and our families to consider. Besides, anyone who knows Franciscans knows that efficient organization and decisive action are not always part of our charism. Over the next two years, the conversations continued over the phone, via e-mail, and whenever some of us had the privilege of being face to face.

Because the Franciscans of Ft. Lauderdale and the Community of St. Francis in Chicago were already recognized religious communities within the ECC, it seemed natural (and simplest!) to begin with their ministers in a focused conversation. Though I was a longtime member of the OEF, having joined in 1989, I felt particularly drawn to the possibility of helping to develop the Franciscan presence within the ECC. My wife, Sarah, shared that vision and was willing to step out into this new venture, though she had only been with OEF for a few years, and deeply loved that community. So the small communities of Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, and Little Rock (where there were only two of us!) became the initial "players" in this project.

In January 2010, more than a year after the initial conversation in St. Louis, we planned a gathering in Ft. Lauderdale to work out some of the details. I flew down from Little Rock. Unfortunately, urgent family obligations made it impossible for the Chicago contingent to be attend, so Fr. Greg Singleton and then Deacon Jeannine Singleton joined us off and on my phone. Fortunately, however, ECC Presiding Bishop Peter Hickman was in town and able to participate in our meetings.

It was at Ft. Lauderdale that things began to feel solid. Meeting at the parish of Sts. Francis and Clare, one of two parishes now staffed by the Franciscans of Ft. Lauderdale, we shared our stories and our dreams. It was there that the name "Franciscans of Reconciliation" came to be. That weekend was an experience of genuine unity and community.

The conference calls and e-mails continued, and we made plans to meet again a day prior to the 2010 ECC Synod, which also met in St. Louis. Ten of us gathered, including Fr. Rafe Adams and Fr. Will Myers, two very interested Franciscans from yet another small order that was neither Roman nor ECC.  We enjoyed great conversations, times of prayer, and fellowship. At about midday on 26 October 2010, the eight of us from the three ECC communities ratified and signed the first constitution of the Franciscans of Reconciliation, with the support and assent of the absent members of our communities.

OFR is young as an organization, but blessed with members who have many years of Franciscan experience. We offer ourselves for the service of the ECC, believing that a strong Franciscan presence will be a great resource for our Communion, meeting the needs of individuals who have vocations to the religious life, as well as parishes that can benefit from our ministries. Already, two months after our founding, we have so many inquiries from ECC members that, if all are received, we will double our number of communities and members within a very short time.

We look forward to what the Spirit may do with this movement, and we invite your inquiry if that same Spirit is calling you to explore Franciscan life.