Formation program

The following formation program is just a simple guideline.

1. Initiation
   
   Goal:
   To help the young person to listen to God's call in the heart and to discover the Franciscan Youth fraternity as an adeguate environment for initiating a serious vocational journey.
   
   Methods:
   Participation in the meetings of the Franciscan Youth fraternity.
   Sharing of experiences in small groups or two by two.
   Participation in the prayer of the Franciscan Youth fraternity.
   Participation in some Church activities of the Franciscan Youth.
   Personal conscientization efforts, supported by the group.
   Group discussion or short lessons on specific topics.
   
   Contents:
   human:
   Ways to see and to listen: to others, to nature, to oneself, to God.
   Analysis and evaluation of reality: first positive and only then negative.
   Become conscious of one's personal life in relation to social, political and ecclesial reality.
   
   christian:
   The christian ideal as a real alternative way of life.
   The Gospel, good news for you.
   The value of life, from conception to its natural end.
   The every-day Church, fraternity of saints and sinners.
   
   Franciscan:
   Who are: Francis, Clare, Elisabeth of Hungary?
   What is the Franciscan Family? (Religious men and women, Seculars).
   What is the Franciscan Youth?

2. Formation for the pledge in the Franciscan Youth
   Goal:
   To integrate the young person fully in the youth fraternity as an integral part of the SFO, in the Franciscan Family.
   
   Methods:
   Participation in the meetings of the Franciscan Youth fraternity.
   Participation in the prayer of the Franciscan Youth fraternity.
   Participation in the Church activities of the Franciscan Youth.
   Personal conscientization efforts, supported by the group.
   Participation in the special meetings for candidates
   Personal guidance by the person responsible for formation and by the spiritual animator.
   
   Contents:
   human:
   Means and methods of self-knowledge
   Personal growth, enabling one to establish and maintain human relationships, to give, to receive and to share.
   To discern possibilities to act and to serve others.
   
   christian:
   Forms and elements of prayer, personal and in groups.
   Christ, the new being, neighbor and friend.
   Conversion as renewal and reorientation of life.
   Celebrating the Eucharist.
   Living the strong liturgical seasons (advent, christmas, lent, easter).
   
   Franciscan:
   Biography of Francis, Clare, Elizabeth of Hungary .
   Franciscan values: Fraternity, minority, non-violent peace, respect for nature.
   The SFO Rule, a document of inspiration.
   The Franciscan Youth pledge, contents and reasons.

3. Deepening one's own vocation
   
   Goal:
   Help the young to deepen their own franciscan vocation and to take their own definitive options for life.
   
   Methods:
   Participation in all activities of the Franciscan Youth fraternity.
   Personal conscientization efforts, supported by the group.
   Participation in youth camps or regional and national meetings.
   Participation in meetings and celebrations with the SFO and the other branches of the Franciscan Family.
   Exercises of discernment and choices.
   Personal guidance by the council of the Franciscan Youth fraternity and by the spiritual animator.
   
   Contents:
   human:
   Ways of understanding and accepting oneself.
   How to live a full and balanced affective life.
   Responsibility and creativity in serving others.
   How to discern motivations (superficial, profound).
   Love (love and sympathy; various expressions of love).
   Methods of group dynamics (e.g. See - Judge - Act).
   How to plan common group actions.
   
   christian:
   Vocations in the Bible.
   Various vocations in the world.
   Discerning vocations.
   Fundamental choices of Jesus.
   The beatitudes and the evangelical counsels.
   The mission of the laity in the Church.
   The sacraments and how to live them.
   How to analyze reality in the light of the Gospel.
   Christian contributions to social and political life.
   
   Franciscan:
   Contemporary relevance of Francis, Clare and Elizabeth of Hungary.
   The sources of Franciscan Spirituality.
   Writings of Francis and Clare.
   Short history of the Franciscan Family.
   The actual situation of the Franciscan Family.
   The SFO rule.
   Franciscan concept of personality.
   Secularity and Secular Franciscan commitment.
   Franciscan contributions to peace, justice and ecology.

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