Welcome to the Society of Franciscan Pilgrims
If what you read here inspires further investigation please call 01635 552240.
Our centre is based in Newbury, Berkshire.
Special Invitation
To those desiring to consecrate their life to God, to young people of faith and vision, to those living a celibate single life or to married people desiring to strengthen their relationship with God - consider enquiring about the Society of Franciscan Pilgrims, a form of consecrated life that could enable you to answer God’s call.
For women or men, young or mature, vows or promises to be made in a supportive community environment whether you live at home, alone or in a group.
Profile of the Society
SFP is a new initiative inspired into existence by the founders being Franciscan and deeply involved in the ‘new’ Churches Together movement from 1986 on.
It enjoys the support of the Diocese of Portsmouth; has passed the scrutiny of Canon Law, and has been privileged to be granted a Decree of being a Public Association of the Faithful. All we do is approved by the Church.
SFP tries to meet modern pressures by its flexible lifestyle. Formation is adapted to each individual: mission is both active and contemplative since we are dependent on a deep prayer life. Mission for each person, guided by the motives for our foundation respects also each person’s talents, training, strengths and personal experiences.
Our Spirituality adheres to the spirit of the Franciscan 3rd Order Regular. We do not have the resources to subsidise members' needs so each person retains ownership and charge of their personal assets and meets their own financial needs. We have a ‘contingency fund’ in the spirit of ‘holding all things in common’ used for short term help.
The most important part of our calling and the source of all motivation is our desire to offer ourselves to God…all else radiates from this desire.
We expect those joining us to be in good standing with the Catholic Church. We also expect applicants to be in reasonable health and capable of earning their own living. There is an entrance procedure, and a ‘getting to know you’ period for candidates to demonstrate their intention and motivation before joining the community.
Flexible - this attribute is not to be confused with ‘compromise’ neither is it an open invitation to change the framework of the Statutes or to water them down for one’s own convenience. It is to do with diversity which works within a framework, and within the individual, in common with all members, and makes for unity of purpose and willing responsibility clear in purpose and mission.