MISSION STATEMENT

          of the Youth/Young Adult Commission of the

Secular Franciscan Order of the United States of America

          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.

Approved March 18, 2004