TERTIARY EXPERIENCE OF FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY
Dear fellow-Tertiary,
I have been asked to present a paper at the Conference in Melbourne in November on “Interpreting St Francis in a multi-religious society: from the middle ages to the present.” 
I will talk about the Tertiary experience in Australia.  I would like to include your voice (anonymously, of course, unless you particularly wish to be identified) both for the anecdotal evidence you give, and also to improve the paper’s interest and impact. 
You can find details of the Conference at 
http://arts.monash.edu.au/religion-theology/conference/index.php
 
I would greatly appreciate it if you can write your answers to the questions below (write as little or as much as you want.) You can fill out the form on-screen, or download it and hand-write your answers, then return it to me at
Email: 	twitham@graduate.uwa.edu.au
Post:  	Ted Witham tssf
	Novacare Lifestyle Village
	139/502 Bussell Highway
	BROADWATER WA 6280
by June30 if possible.

Many thanks in anticipation,
Yours in Christ’s love and the spirit of St Francis

Ted Witham tssf

A. FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY	

1. What does the expression “Franciscan spirituality” mean for you?	

1(a) What are some practical expressions of Franciscan spirituality?

2. What are the ways in which you incorporate Franciscan spirituality into your life?	

2(a) Can you say what differences there are in your life since you started walking with Francis on your Christian journey?

2(b) Would your Franciscan spirituality be any different if you were not living in Australia?

B. VOLUNTARY POVERTY	
3. Read this definition of Franciscan poverty. “Voluntary poverty is a response to God’s call to stand with those who are poor and marginalized.” 
What does Franciscan poverty mean for you?	

3(a) Do you think it is possible to follow St Francis is extreme poverty and simplicity?

4. In what ways do you incorporate this idea of poverty in your life?	

4(a) Does “poverty” mean for you any changes in your dress, where you live, your transport, your shopping?

4(b) Are these changes helpful to you?

C. SOCIAL ACTIVISM	

5. Which of the following is more important in Franciscan living: personal piety or social activism?	

5(a) What social issues in Australia should Franciscans care about?

6. Write some examples of social activism that you have been involved in, either as an individual or as part of a group.	

6(a) What social issues do you follow on the news?

D. MULTI-RELIGIOUS SOCIETY	

7. Have you met and talked with people from other faith traditions? (Muslims, Jews, indigenous, Hindus, Buddhists, Taoists, etc. etc.)	

7(a) If yes, what is your level of comfort or discomfort?

7(b) Which faith groups would Francis visit if he were living now in Australia?

8. How is your involvement with other faiths an expression of you as a Franciscan?	

8(a) How does your interfaith activity relate to our First Aim, “to make our Lord Jesus known and loved everywhere?”

8(b) What is one thing you would like to learn from a faith group near you?