The St. Clare Franciscan Fraternity is a fellowship of lay people and diocesan clergy attempting to live the gospel life in the world, united with and under the spiritual direction of the First Order and Third Order Regular. As a lay order, the Third Order stresses holiness first. The second basic but equally essential aim is the personal and social ministry or apostolate. We have several apostolates, including monetary support of the Third Order Regular missions and prayer and written support for the confirmands at Ss. Cosmas & Damian Parish.Men and women, age 21 and older, of the Catholic faith, being in communion with the Church, having good morals and a clear sign of vocation (among which is the ability to live fraternal life), are welcomed to Fraternity meetings as inquirers. If the inquirer feels that he or she has a calling to the Franciscan way of life, there is then a time of formation preceding profession in the Order.
The Fraternity is guided by a minister and a council who are elected by the professed members. Our monthly meetings consist of prayer, on-going Franciscan formation, a business meeting and a social time. Many other activities are scheduled throughout the year.