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 Franciscan Partners Program
What is it?
The Franciscan Partners Program is a volunteer program administered by the Franciscans of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is a group of lay people either from the local community or from other areas who are comitted to a year or more of service to the poor and marginated peoples of the geographic area served by the Friars of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province. They come to live with and empower the people with whom they will minister. They come to learn rather than to teach. These men and women share a desire to grow in their knowledge and experience of the Franciscan charism as they respond to a call to minister to others in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and, thereby, assume their rightful place in ministry and leadership roles of their Church. In summary, their purpose is to assist people of the "local church" in reaching their full potential, as they take ownership and responsability in their local Church community. Who is a Volunteer?
A Franciscan Parters Program volunteer is at least 21 years old and is in good health both in mind and body. The Volunteer must be willing to undergo a proper screening process which includes both medical and behavioral testing. A resume, three letters of recommendation, autobiography and life line, as well as a listing of previous employment and ministry experience will be required. Area of Service and Ministry?
The volunteer will serve at one of the locations where the Friars of the Province minister. Currently they are ministering primarily with the Native Americans on the Navajo Reservation and the Pueblo tribes of New Mexico and Arizona. The Province also staffs city parishes of mixed ethnic background (Hispanic, Native American, Anglo) in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Gallup and Roswell. see map. They also staff parishes in the smaller hispanic villages. The individual gifts and talents of each volunteer will be assessed for the most appropriate placement. Qualified volunteers might serve as catechists, home visitors, teachers, doctors, nurses, office helpers, mechanics, construction workers, musicians, etc Community Living
One of the fundamental Franciscan tenets which must be agreed to by all volunteers is living in community with other Partners members. Our community life is the source of spirituality and strength for our apostolic work. Community living and sharing are primary as they are reservois which feed the streams of Christian ministry. Therefore, volunteers mus be willing to share housing, meals, and household duties with other members and be accountable to the group by means of frequent house meetings. Regular prayer and sharing sessions with the hosting Friar Community will be included in the living arrangements. Under most circumstances, the Partners will live together. Ordinarily, a member will not live alone unless serving in such a capacity is essential to the ministry and special arrangements have been made with the Director and on-site coordinator. Who Pays What?
The Franciscan Partners Program will pay for the most economical transportation from the volunteer's home to the orientation site. The Partners Program will provide and pay for any personality testing as deemed necessary by the Director. Partners will also provide the orientation program and one spiritual retreat per year. Who's the Boss?
The Franciscan Partners Program Director is the head fo the program as a whole. The director is appointed by the Pronvincial Board of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province and acts in the name of the Province in cooperation with the board of directors. The Franciscan Partners Board of Directors is the governing authority of the Partners program. The Board is responsible for setting policiy and recommending a candidate for the position of Director. If necessary, it will serve as the final board of appeal in matters involving individual volunteers. The Board of Directors is made up of on-site coordinators appointed by the Director and representantive of the various ministries and regions of the province. The Maximun number of board members will be eight. The on-site coordinator is appointed by the Director and has full authority to act on behalf of the Director, subject to review. The responsabilities of the on-site coordinator include overseeing job performance, work conditions, and community life. The on-site coordinator works in conjunction with the contracting on-site agency in these areas when applicable. This position may be held by a Friar, Religious Sister or Brother, or a lay person who is deemed qualified by the Partners Director When May I Begin?
A volunteer may enter service at any time during the year once the application process has been successfully completed. An on-site orientation program will be provided to coincide with the start of service. The program will vary in length and depth depending on the needs of the individual and the demands of a particular ministry assigment How Long is the commitment?
The expected commitment is for one year with the possibility of renewal. Other time schedules can be negotiated. In Conclusion
The Franciscan way is to always be flexible, simple, visionary and more dependent on the Lord than on our own designs. We have a vision for the future wherein every Christian community which so desires will have a co-community of Franciscan Partners. They will be empowered to bring the Peace of Christ to every corner of the region. Acting as partners to the Friars, other religious, clergy, and the people they serve they will be the newest instruments of peace. Contact Br. Bruce for more information. |
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