THE SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER
St. John the Evangelist Fraternity, Philadelphia, PA
The Secular Franciscan Order
Or Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis, is a branch of the world-wide Franciscan Family. We are single and married. Some of us are diocesan clergy. We work, worship and play in the community where we live. The Order was established by St. Francis of
Assisi more than 800 years ago. Our purpose is to bring the gospel to life where we live and where we work. We look for practical ways to embrace the gospel in our lives and try to help others to do likewise.
In that love which is God, I entreat all my friars, ministers and subjects, to put away every attachment, all care and solicitude, and serve, love, honor, and adore our Lord and God with a pure heart and mind.
St. Francis
UPCOMING EVENTS
Brother Luke’s First Mass
June 14. 2026
Followed by a Reception in the Parish Center (International Cuisine)
OFS-SJE 90th Anniversary of Fraternity Establishment
June 28, 2026
Followed by reception in Parish Center for all brothers and sisters in the Katharine Drexel Region
OFS-SJE Parish Picnic
August 9, 2026
Parish Center 11:30 am to 2:00 pm
Mass for Creation
September 13
10:30 Mass for Creation followed by Brunch and Laudato Si Circle “Come and See” event in Parish Center (guest speakers include representatives from EPA in Southeastern PA
Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi
October 3
Follows the Vigil Mass in the Upper Church
Jubilee Year of Celebration
October 4
Testimony and Death of St. Francis of Assisi 10:30 Mass with Dominicans following by Luncheon in the Parish Center – ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND
World Week of the Poor
November 13 thru 19th
Activities and events in partnership with “Christ in the City Missionaries….stay turned!
Christmas Concert
December 20
Sing Along 2:00 PM in the Upper Church. Reception to follow in the Parish Center
Reflections & Posts
Share in our community through our reflections and posts written by members of our fraternity, or stay up to date on events and news related to OFS.
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St. John the Evangelist Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order recently celebrated its 90th anniversary with Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church, followed by a reception in the parish center.
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Join us for The People’s Picnic on Sunday, August 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. John the Evangelist Parish Center on Ludlow Street.
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St. John the Evangelist Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order will celebrate its 90th anniversary on Sunday, June 2, 2026, with Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s followed by a reception in the parish center.
PAST EVENTS
Secular Franciscan Order 