What is JPIC
Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation – Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation is simply the Rule of the Secular Franciscan in action. Our Rule is based on the Gospels; JPIC is also based on the Gospels.
“Mindful that they are bearers of peace which must be built up unceasingly, they should seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon. Messengers of perfect joy in every circumstance, they should strive to bring joy and hope to others.” ~ Article 19 of the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order.
“Let them individually and collectively be in the forefront in promoting justice by the testimony of their human lives and their courageous initiatives. Especially in the field of public life, they should make definite choices in harmony with their faith.” ~ Article 15
Spirituality of JPIC
The Spirituality of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation was defined by Pope Paul VI: the mission of Justice and Peace is that of “keeping the eyes of the Church open, its heart sensitive and its hand prepared for the work of charity which it is called upon to realize in the world.”
Like Saint Francis, we are not only called to rebuild the church, we are called to be like our Incarnate God, who is attentive and present to all of life and creation. (JPIC Handbook p. 6)
Mission of JPIC
To assist the Professed Secular Franciscans as they reflect on their relationship with God as manifested in the fruits of conversion in their lives. This with special regard to the daily choices made in the areas of justice, peacemaking and respect for all created things and people; as brothers and sisters of penance, bringing life to the Gospel and the Gospel to Life.
Goals of JPIC
- To foster an atmosphere in fraternity, the privileged place, where with openness and trust, we may share with each other, the manner in which our personal conversions are shaping our Franciscan lives.
- To reinforce the appreciation of the dignity of the human person in the choices made in our professed lives by responding in charity and patience to all we meet and to respond as Franciscans to anything which would denigrate the dignity of the human person, beginning with our own personal communications with one another.
- To assist in the living out of obedience to the common good as intended by God so that the professed Secular Franciscan builds up all that is good for all of Creation and does nothing which would damage the fabric of communal interdependence.
- To assist in the living out of obedience to the common good as intended by God so that the professed Secular Franciscan builds up all that is good for all of Creation and does nothing which would damage the fabric of communal interdependence.
The JPIC BEAttitudes
The way of BE-ing, then doing, peace and justice.
Four Pillars (Created by the Brothers and Sisters of Saint Francis Region in 2004.)
These four pillars, Spirituality, Fraternity, Formation and Apostolate, are the foundations we use to access how deeply we are living our Franciscan vocation – how we are being Christ in the world.
The interplay among the Four Pillars addresses the content, the approach, the living, and the sharing of the Secular Franciscan life.
- The Spirituality Pillar is aimed at providing the materials for a Franciscan identity and mindset; with this material;
- The Formation Pillar is intended to mold and shape the individual progressively throughout Orientation, Initial Formation, and Ongoing Formation;
- The Fraternity Pillar is the interactive piece aimed at living the formed spirituality of those who are on the same journey;
- The Apostolate Pillar has a twofold intent — working with and for — working with fellow Franciscans in a cooperative, collaborative manner, respecting the gifts and person of each member of the group. The service rendered is a Gospel response, in and of itself laudable, yet the added factor is this service is one by a group who is “of one mine and one heart” — a seamless garment, if you will — communicating an example of the early Christian community. In fraternity the ideal is to recognize the gifts God provides in brothers and sisters, forging a bond and this community of brothers and sisters simultaneously ministering not only to the needs of others but also witnessing to the Franciscan identity by the manner in which the ministry is dispensed.
Apostolate
In fraternity the ideal is to recognize the gifts God provides in brothers and sisters, forging a bond and this community of brothers and sisters simultaneously ministering not only to the needs of others but also witnessing to the Franciscan identity by the manner in which the ministry is dispensed.
Our Mother of Sorrows Fraternity is in the process of discerning its apostolate. It is vital that the groundwork of prayer, formation and education take place to ensure that the apostolate will be a representative of the gifts, talents, passions, and desires of the collective body are put at the service of the actual needs of the wider community.
The apostolate is not a service project. It is partnering with God, through the gifts bestowed in fraternity to serve the needs of the wider community and experience ongoing daily conversion.
Apostolate Summary – February 2018
Prayers & Reflections
Archbishop Oscar Romero Prayer: A Step Along The Way
Prayer Inspired by the Our Father
Resources
Presentation to Fraternity (08/31/2016)
Handbook for JPIC Animators (2013)
Papal Message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation (2016)
Catholic Relief Services: CST (Catholic Social Teaching) 101 Video Series (2015)
The Racial Divide in the United States (2015)
| Organization | Website | |
|---|---|---|
| International JPIC Commission | Link | None |
| US National JPIC Commission | Link | Page |
| Franciscan Action Network (FAN) | Link | Page |
| Catholic Climate Covenant | Link | Page |
| Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace | Link | None |
Events
Summer Seminar – “Multiculturalism and Diversity: Who is My Neighbor?” (07/06/2017 ~ 07/09/2017)
Our Mother of Sorrows OFS 