Franciscan Penance Library
Handout Two
his three page handout may be reproduced and distributed.
RECOGNITION
The Rule and Constitutions
of the Confraternity of
Penitents
have been approved by
the Bishop of the Diocese of
Fort Wayne- South Bend, IN, USA,
in these words:
"I am happy to grant my recognition and approval of
the Confraternity of Penitents,
a private association of the Christian faithful
according to the norms of the Code of Canon Law.
It is a blessing to have
the Confraternity of Penitents now headquartered
in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.
I am grateful for your witness to the Holy Gospel
according to the teaching, example, and spirit
of Saint Francis of Assisi. . . .
May God bless you!
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Francis, and Saint Clare
intercede for you always!"
--Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades
Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend
3 January 2014
The Confraternity of Penitents
meets in local groups as well as
via the Internet and
through postal mail.
Formation in the lifestyle is
four years. All lessons are on
line as well as in a Handbook
published by the Confraternity.
There are no dues or fees.
Please contact us for more information.
Confraternity of Penitents
1702 Lumbard Street
Fort Wayne IN 46803
260-739-6882
Locally Contact:
CONFRATERNITY OF PENITENTS: FULFILLING THE CHURCH'S CALL TO PENANCE WITH LOVE
The San Damiano Crucifix
is
the symbol of the
Confraternity of Penitents
WHY PENANCE?
​
Jesus called all people
to repentance.
Jesus came to Galilee
proclaiming the
Gospel of God:
"This is the time
of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God
is at hand.
Repent, and
believe in the gospel."
(Mark 1:14-15)
Penance means "conversion",
a turning away
from sinful ways
to doing things God's way.
Many people want to do this,
but find that the
discipline and persistence
needed is somewhat difficult.
The Confraternity of Penitents
exists to help
Roman Catholics persist
in a day to day love of
and service to God.
Way of Life
Members of the Confraternity of Penitents live a religious Rule of Life in their own homes. This lifestyle incorporates prayer including the Divine Office, fasting and abstinence, simplicity of life, and works of mercy. The purpose of the lifestyle is to give the penitent the discipline to turn more fully to God.
Saint Francis
Saint Francis gave our rule to his lay followers in 1221. Our Constitutions adapt this to modern life.
​
​
Ascension of Christ as depicted on the
San Damiano Crucifix.
​
​
​
​
​
​
Governance
​
We are governed by our Minister General and international Council, subject to our Visitor, a priest appointed by the Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend IN, USA
Location
Confraternity members live in most of the states of the United States and several nations worldwide.
Orthodoxy
The Confraternity of Penitents is completely loyal to the Pope, the Magisterium and Church doctrine.
Do you seek
+ a deeper prayer life?
+ a more God-centered lifestyle?
+ a way to serve others?
All in communion with other Catholics of like mind?
​
Pray about the CFP and "Do whatever He tells you." (Jn 2:5)
​
​
​
Confraternity of
Penitents
​
A Private Catholic Lay
Association of the
Faithful, Fulfilling the
Catholic Church's Call to
Peace in the Modern
World
​"You shall love
the Lord your God
with your whole heart,
with your whole soul,
and with all your mind,
(and) you shall love
your neighbor as yourself."
(Jesus’ words as recorded
in Matthew 22:37-38)
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.