Interested in learning more
about becoming a Secular Franciscan?
Join us at our next meeting on the fourth Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m. in Clare Hall on the campus of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 11401 Leesville Rd., Raleigh, NC
What does it mean to be a Secular Franciscan?
Secular Franciscans are a community of Catholic men and women who strive to model their lives after Christ in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. They bring the gospel to life through prayer, ongoing faith formation, and service in the community.
The Secular Franciscan Order is an order within the Catholic Church. It was founded by St. Francis of Assisi during his lifetime and canonically established in 1221 by Pope Honorius III.
The Secular Franciscan Order comprises women and men, single or married, or diocesan clergy members. We live in our homes and with our families but come together regularly with our local Franciscan communities, which we call fraternities. We gather in fraternity once or twice a month to pray, share our lives with one another, and continue our lifelong journey of formation. Both individually and as fraternities, we engage in apostolic work and various ministries, with particular outreach to the poor and marginalized, focusing on peace, justice, and care of creation. As Franciscans, we are called to prayer, contemplation, and an active presence in the world.
We invite you to attend our gatherings to learn more about us.
Already a Secular Franciscan, relocating to the Triangle, and interested in joining our Fraternity? We welcome you!
For questions about our fraternity, Click to send an email message to our minister, Sharon Winzeler.
Our fraternity is named after 20th-century Franciscan saint Padre Pio (1887-1968). Read more about the life and commitments of Secular Franciscans.
We welcome those who would like to learn more about the Secular Franciscans. Join us for our monthly gatherings on the fourth Sunday of each month, beginning at 2:30 p.m. Exceptions are months with holidays on or near the fourth weekend, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Memorial Day.
Location: Fellowship Hall, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 11401 Leesville Rd., Raleigh, North Carolina.
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View a presentation on ecumenism by Maria Bianca, OFS, at our Nov. 17, 2024, gathering.
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Some of our Secular Franciscans are featured below.
Click to view additional details about our fraternity.
Franciscan Resources:
- Padre Pio newsletters
- Secular Franciscan Facebook Page
- National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order
- TAU-USA: (A publication of the Secular Franciscan Order)
- Franciscan Action Network
- More resources
Padre Pio Fraternity 