Franciscan Justice Circle FAQs

If you are looking to address the root causes of societal injustice through the lens of Franciscan values, a Franciscan Justice Circle (FJC) is for you. These groups thrive on diverse perspectives, welcoming those who are deeply experienced in Franciscan traditions alongside individuals who are completely new to them. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, the circle will be stronger and more vibrant because you are there.

Joining an FJC provides a welcoming space to come together in community with a diverse group of people who all feel called to integrate Franciscan values into their lives in a way that moves them beyond themselves. This unique program invites people to build on their experiences of charitable works, challenging them to to advocate and take actions to address the root causes of injustice in their community. FAN will provide a handbook and materials to guide each Circle through the process.

Guided by the FJC Handbook, each Franciscan Justice Circle shapes its own path, discerning the unique areas of action needed in its immediate community. After a new FJC has been formed, the Circle members indicate whether they would like FAN staff to actively facilitate the meetings until the structure has been established and responsibilities are transferred to Circle members, or, if they would like to facilitate their meetings in person only and connect with FAN staff in between the meetings for support and information sharing.

After a Franciscan Justice Circle is formed, there is an ongoing openness to receive new people in the Circle. In addition to Circle members inviting others personally, FAN staff will also invite new people who reach out to connect with an FJC in their area that they could consider joining.

In addition to the FJC Handbook, Franciscan Action Network (FAN) sends a monthly FJC Action Opportunities & Updates email; provides an opportunity to connect with other FJCs on a monthly national call; and shares a quarterly FJC newsletter with Franciscan Perspective reflections to help each circle flourish and deepen its understanding of the Franciscan tradition–which guides our actions.

The Franciscan Justice Circles are fundamentally different from Secular Franciscan fraternities. FJCs are primarily directed toward action and advocacy in American public life, concerned with addressing the structural casues of social injustice and advancing laws and policies reflective of Franciscan values. And, while professed Franciscans are welcome, FJCs are open to any “Franciscan-hearted” individuals – lay or professed, and not limited to Catholics — who are called to this advocacy.  The Circles uniquely provide a space where people with Franciscan hearts can unite in their desire to actively live a holistic lifestyle of justice that embraces both charity and advocacy.

Yes! If you already have a group formed and could benefit from the faith-rooted advocacy support that FAN provides, along with the opportunity to network with other Franciscan Justice Circles, we welcome you to join our growing movement. We would be happy to explore how we can integrate our efforts together.

Forming a small group in order to start a FJC is a task that calls for creativity, reaching out to friends and others who share a concern for faith-based social justice as well as getting out the word in your local community, such as at places of worship or in other networks. FAN staff is prepared to collaborate with you to plan, prepare and extend the invitation. The first section of the FJC Handbook provides step by step guidance on the process.

The Circles are ongoing and FAN recommends meeting one to two times each month, for one to two hours. Our hope is that you form lasting relationships in the Circle that strengthen your Franciscan call.

Franciscan Justice Circles meet in whatever way best serves their members, offering both physical and virtual spaces. Most Circles connect online via Zoom to accommodate those who are geographically far away or unable to join in person, and they make an effort to gather face-to-face throughout the year. Some Circles meet exclusively in person. Ideally, these groups form in association with an existing Franciscan community—such as a parish, school, or religious house. However, they can gather at any accessible, distraction-free location, including homes, local churches, or neighborhood schools.

We use the term “Franciscan-hearted” to refer to people who feel a special connection with the examples and spirituality of Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi, believing in their relevance in today’s world. This includes both professed Franciscans and those who are not official members of any Franciscan order (professed Franciscans). They may belong to a Franciscan parish, have friendships with or been educated by Franciscans, or work at a Franciscan institution, as examples. Franciscan-hearted people are those of us who try to live lives of Franciscan values and spirituality and grow in our call to be a living Gospel, a call which Francis and Clare also strove to respond to in their own lives.