OFS Calgary | St. Mary's Fraternity O.F.S

Welcome!

We are Secular Franciscans, of St. Mary’s Fraternity, in Calgary, Alberta Canada. We are men and women, singles and couples, young and old, from all walks of life, united in our desire to embrace the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi. In responding to God’s call in our lives, we strive to live a Gospel-infused life in the secular world, in our homes, communities and workplaces. We invite you to explore our website and find out...

About Us

The Secular Franciscan Order, or Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis (OFS), is an official Order within the Catholic Church. St. Francis of Assisi established it in 1221 for lay men and women wanting to follow his way of life. Unlike religious brothers and sisters, those in secular orders do not remove themselves from the world but remain in it. Secular Franciscans meet each month in local fraternities, to pray, study, worship and encourage one...

Spirituality

“Let us desire nothing else, let us want nothing else, let nothing else please us and cause us delight except our Creator, Redeemer and Savior, the only true God; Who is the fullness of good, all good, every good, the true and supreme good; Who alone is good, merciful, gentle, delightful, and sweet; Who alone is holy, just, true, and upright; Who alone is kind, innocent, clean; from Whom, through Whom and in Whom is all pardon, all grace, all...

Documents

The Secular Franciscan Order, formerly known as the Third Order of St. Francis, is an official Order within the Catholic Church, established by St. Francis of Assisi early in the thirteenth century. By profession, we promise to follow a Rule of Life approved and confirmed by Pope Paul VI in June of 1978. The Rule and General Constitutions of our Order are found here, as well as the National Formation Objectives from the National...

Upcoming Events

Our next General meeting will be in person on Sunday, April 23 at St. Luke’s Parish.

Council has decided to re-introduce the onlookers’ program for those who may be interested in joining the Secular Franciscan Order. They will be invited to join the fraternity at its monthly meetings and, thus, participate in the communal and fraternal life of the fraternity and the Order.

Franciscan News

HOLY WEEK RETREAT

Theme: Charity of the Cross
Date: April 5, 2023
Place: Mount St. Francis
Time: Day away 9:00 am to 3:00 pm or
Evening twilight 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $30.00 per person (includes one meal)
Contact: Mount St. Francis at 403-932-2012

The writings of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi concerning the Passion of Jesus Christ will be the source of the reflections.

Book Review

Dr. Gerry Turcotte’s latest book celebrates the messy, funny, awkward and beautiful moments of our lives, with the premise that they offer ample potential for grace and growth.

Our Brothers and Sisters

St. Agnes of Assisi was the younger sister of Saint Clare, and her first follower. Agnes matched her sister in devotion to prayer, and she became the abbess of a monastery for Franciscan “Poor Ladies” in Monticelli, near Florence.

"“We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.” -St. Francis of Assisi"