Why the Federation Matters Now
Without renewed support, the Federation will exhaust its financial reserves in approximately two years. As founding TOR congregations discern coming to completion, we are called to be the living trustee of their charism, stories, and witness, sustaining associate congregations through formation when their sponsoring communities can no longer provide it, ensuring the Third Order Regular Franciscan spirit endures. Your congregation’s wisdom, resources, and presence can ensure this legacy thrives. What will you bring to this sacred work? This plan is our urgent, hopeful response.
This strategic plan grows from years of listening and discernment through surveys, conversations, and Futures Labs. Over and over, one vision emerged: the Federation as a living center where the people gather for Franciscan formation, collaboration, and renewal, a “piazza” of shared life and mutual inspiration. This plan calls us to clarity and courage, shifting our focus from preserving structures to nurturing a movement guided by four Transformational Priorities that express our commitment to ongoing renewal within the Franciscan family.
The Four Transformational Priorities 🕊️
The Federation is becoming a dynamic, interconnected piazza—both online and in person—where relationships deepen and collaboration grows so members can meet, learn, and support one another in the Franciscan spirit.
At a financial crossroads, the Federation embraces this moment as a spiritual act of stewardship, seeking transparency, shared responsibility, and long-term stability so its mission can flourish for decades to come.
Reimagining membership as a shared journey of Franciscan life, the Federation welcomes vowed religious, associates, secular Franciscans, lay partners, and seekers of all ages to connect in relationship, formation, and mission, cultivating a community where belonging deepens through shared experience and purpose.
The Federation is moving toward a leaner, more agile governance model with clear communication, simplified roles, and focused committees, freeing energy for creativity, collaboration, and animating the Franciscan charism in today’s world.
Guiding Lenses for Discernment 🔍
As we implement this strategic plan, three lenses will shape every decision:
Does this action help the Federation’s light shine more clearly in the Church and the wider world?
Is this faithful to the contemplative, humble, and joyful spirit of the Third Order Regular tradition?
Does this align with our unique calling and make wise, sustainable use of our limited capacity?
A Path Forward
This plan advances through three concurrent actions: Stabilize, Build, Expand, with detailed milestones outlined in page 11 of the full strategic plan text. Board and staff will lead implementation through transparent communication, regular evaluation, and the discernment lenses above, cultivating Franciscan leadership that is both practical and prayerful.
A Living Covenant
Ultimately, this plan is more than a roadmap; it is a covenant of hope. It invites all who love the Franciscan way to shape its future, to lend their wisdom, share their gifts, and join the joyful work of renewal.
As the Federation builds the piazza, reforms its structures, and widens its circle of belonging, it will grow as a vibrant center of connection for the Franciscan family. Through this work, the Gospel life Francis and Clare embraced will continue to shine: simple, radiant, and alive in every generation.