Welcome to St. Paschal Baylon Order Franciscan Seculars (OFS)

Who Are the Secular Franciscans?

Peace and all good to you, dear friend.

The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) is a branch of the worldwide Franciscan family. We are Catholic lay men and women—married, single, and from all walks of life—who feel drawn to follow Christ more intimately in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, right where we are, in the midst of everyday life.

We are not monks or nuns, and we do not live in cloisters or wear habits. Instead, we live as ordinary people called to an extraordinary way of life—a life rooted in the Gospel, lived out in fraternity, simplicity, humility, and joy.

Our commitment flows from our Baptismal call. Through ongoing conversion, prayer, and loving service, we seek to go from Gospel to life and life to the Gospel, striving daily to become reflections of Jesus in the world—just as Francis did.

We live according to a Rule of Life approved by the Church and journey together in local fraternities, where we encourage one another in faith, study, and love. In community, we become a living ecclesial assembly—a family of faith and peace in the heart of the Church.

Are You Being Called?

When most people hear the word “vocation,” they think of priests or religious. But every soul is called. God calls each of us to holiness. Whether as a spouse, student, worker, or retiree—your vocation is where Christ meets you and invites you to walk with Him.

Perhaps, like me, you’ve felt a quiet stirring in your heart. A longing. A pull. Years ago, I felt this inner call but didn’t understand what it meant. I searched. I prayed. And eventually, I discovered the Secular Franciscan Order—a community of laypeople who were living the Gospel in a deeply meaningful way.

When I first encountered the fraternity near my home, I found not just information—I found a family. A group of people joyfully committed to a life of prayer, Gospel living, and love for all creation. It was here that I began a journey of formation—learning the richness of Franciscan spirituality, deepening my prayer life, and growing closer to Christ through Scripture and fraternity.

A Life of Joyful Simplicity

To be a Secular Franciscan is to choose a path of daily conversion—to embrace a life of simplicity, charity, and peace. We strive to:

• Live the Gospel with courage and joy

• See Christ in every person

• Serve the poor and care for creation

• Pray with the Church, especially through the Liturgy of the Hours

• Remain faithful to the Magisterium and in communion with our bishops

• Let prayer and contemplation be the soul of all we are and do (Rule, Article 8)

As St. Francis once said, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” Our lives are our witness.

Why Join a Fraternity?

You don’t need to join the Secular Franciscan Order to be holy. But fraternity gives us strength for the journey. In a world filled with noise, division, and distraction, we find joy in walking with brothers and sisters who share our values—who lift us up when the way grows weary, and who remind us that we are not alone.

Fraternity keeps us rooted. It helps us persevere. And it allows us to live out the Gospel together, just as St. Francis intended.

A Rich and Living Heritage

Our Order traces its roots back to St. Francis of Assisi, who founded this way of life for laypeople in the early 1200s. Since then, many holy men and women have walked this path—including St. Louis, King of France, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Thomas More, St. John Bosco, and even Popes such as Pius X, John XXIII, and Paul VI.

They, like us, lived in the world—but not of the world. They chose Christ. And they changed the world around them.

Each day, we rise and begin again. We place our trust in God’s mercy, and in the words of our beloved Francis we remind one another:

“Let us begin again, for up until now, we have done little.”

If something in your heart stirs… if you long for peace, purpose, and a deeper way to live out your faith—we invite you to come and see.

Send us a note. We would love to walk with you.

Lourdes University campus, Sisters of St Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, 6832 Convent Blvd, Sylvania, Ohio 43560 419.824.3625

Queen of Peace Chapel, Madonna Hall meeting room

ABOUT US

Location Info

St. Paschal Baylon fraternity is located in Toledo, Ohio, serving the Divine Mercy Region of the Diocese of Toledo.

Location

6832 Convent Blvd Sylvania, Ohio

Hours

Monthly Officer Meetings: 6:PM 3rd Wednesday

Monthly General Meetings: 7:PM 3rd Wednesday

Formation Meetings 3rd Sunday 1:30PM

Fraternity Projects

Engaging community through faith-based initiatives and outreach programs.

Community Service

Our fraternity actively participates in community service projects to support those in need and promote the values of compassion and charity within the Toledo area.

• Feeding the Hungry Saturday Mornings Downtown Toledo

• NWOCO Community projects McClure, Ohio

• Seniors & Disenfranchised computer Enrichment Training

Faith Initiatives

We organize various faith initiatives aimed at deepening spiritual growth and fostering a sense of belonging among members and the wider community in Toledo, Ohio.

• Parish Visits as a Fraternity (Meet & Greet)

• Local and Regional Retreats

• Monthly Podcast @ Faith & Fire Studios

• Community Outreach Participation