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 The Fourth Order of Francis and Clare |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the guidelines of The Fourth Order?
There are three guidelines: the Fourth Order Traditions, the Guideline of the Condition of Being and the Guidelines for Gathering. There are also suggested conditions and practices that promote the spiritual life of Fourth Order companions. Houses of The Fourth Order have the simple rules of community.
Is there an initiation into The Fourth Order?
Yes. There is a double initiation. The first is through the waters of birth. The second is through the refining fires of your life.
Are there vows?
There are no vows but there are four promises made between you and your God that link us together as a community. They are: Simplicity, Loving-Kindness, Holy Freedom and Surrender to the seed and hidden source of your life.
Do Fourth Order companions wear any identifying clothing?
Yes, they are clothed in their humanity.
Why be involved with community?
That answer, of course, comes from you.
What are houses of the Fourth Order?
Houses of The Fourth Order vary from a small dwelling for one; common houses where two, three, or four live, or larger community centers for renewal and compassion. They are all self-supporting.
Who might want to be involved with a Fourth Order Community?
The Fourth Order is not for idealists or those with causes. We find that the Fourth Order community is composed by people who have been chewed on a bit by life. We live to tell our tale. We are God's poor. We don't have to `change classes' like Francis and Clare did. In one way or another that has already been done for us by life. We have no place to go. We just are.
How does one join The Fourth Order of Francis and Clare?
One does not join The Fourth Order. The Fourth Order is a condition of being which is revealed. If what you read here resonates with you, you might examine your condition of being. Only you will know if you are a brother or sister of the Fourth Order. However, if you wish to foster that condition of being more formally in community, contact us.
