The Vocation
What are the steps to becoming a Franciscan friar?
After a period of association with the friars, a man is invited to formal candidacy. He needs to be at least 22 years of age to enter candidacy.
1. Prenovitiate
A nine month program of preparation for formal acceptance into the Order. It provides an intense orientation to Franciscan community life, prayer, an opportunity for ministry in an urban setting, and an introduction to Franciscan spirituality.
2. Novitiate
The novitate year is a time for establishing ones Franciscan identity and prayer life. The new brothers are introduced to the traditions of the Order and the Province. The experiences of this special year help the novice and his advisors discern if he is called to profess temporary vows.
3. Simple Profession
At the end of the novitiate, the new brothers profess temporary vows in the Franciscan way of life. Simple profession is a period from 3-9 years in which one integrates his Franciscan call into the concrete life of this Province and furthers his ministerial and professional preparation. This includes on year of missionary work.
4. Full Membership
When a new friar, his directors and community decide the time has come, full membership is attained by means of Solemn Vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Ordination to priesthood is a possibility after profession of Solemn Vows. Formation to Franciscan life lasts a lifetime and is continued in retreats and fraternal gatherings.
If you are interested to find out more about the Franciscans please visit: http://www.ofmcap.org/
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