Path and Process

Introduction - Candidacy

Usually lasting one or two years, the first step of entering the Franciscan Order is Candidacy. During this stage the candidate is immersed in Franciscan community life. He is introduced to the Liturgy of Hours, attends daily Mass, deepens his own personal prayer, and continues to meet with a Spiritual Director. Candidates learn to be good stewards of the Friary by doing household and maintenance work. Keeping physically fit by working out or playing sports is encouraged. He is exposed to Franciscan traditions and studies the life of Saint Francis. Depending on the jurisdiction and his own personal need, a candidate might do some college work or take pre-requisites for graduate theology. He would also do some volunteer work or take on a ministry. Candidacy is a hands-on experience to live Franciscan life right from the start.

Incorporation - Novitiate

During this year-long program, the candidate receives the Franciscan habit and is formally accepted into the Order. He is now a novice. During this more contemplative year, the novice deepens his knowledge and appreciation of the Rule of Saint Francis, the Constitutions of the Conventual Franciscans, and the history of the Franciscan movement. This stage of formation intensifies the development of the inner prayer life and the practical skills of being a Friar to one another. It also focuses quite purposefully on the vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. At the end of the year, and if the novice, directors and rest of the community concur, he professes Temporary Vows, promising to live the vows over the next three years.

The St. Francis of Assisi Novitiate is located in Mishawaka, Indiana, just east of South Bend.

Integration - Living the Vows

During this stage of formation, the student-friar specializes in ministry training and academic studies. He might complete a college degree, begin graduate theological studies, or take some other track to prepare him for ministry. The focus on this three or four year period is on commitment. His continued discernment ultimately draws him to a conclusion whether he is called and ready to profess the vows for the rest of his life ('Final Vows'). After five or six years and three stages of formation (Candidacy, Novitiate, and Post-Novotiate) and ongoing discernment, he is finally able to profess final or Solemn Vows. It takes at least six years (or longer) before a person can move through the three phases of formation (Candidacy, Novitiate, Post-Novitiate) before he--and the community--can make a final decision. This is by design to give all parties as much input as possible to make an informed and faith-filled decision.

Will I have a say as to where I live and serve? The years of Formation are set at certain houses (or Friaries) of formation. After a person completes that formation process and is in full-time ministry, where he lives and serves is up to the Franciscan leadership. This is often done in dialogue with the person, looking at both the skills and interests of the Friar, and the needs of the community and Church. Only those who volunteer can be sent to the foreign missions. Someone might be encouraged to think about it, but to be a missionary is seen as a special call and has be to decided by that individual.

What financial cost is involved? This varies slightly between the various provinces, but usually during the Candidacy the expenses are shared. The Franciscans provide room and board and local transportation. The person covers his health insurance and spending money. (If enrolled in a university as part of Candidacy, contact the vocation director working with your loved one for information on that.) Once a person enters the Novitiate, all expenses are paid by the Franciscans.

Where could you live and serve?

During the years of Formation, community living is set at certain houses (or friaries). For example, there are various houses for Candidates around the country and the Novitiate is in South Bend, Indiana. However, once a person completes the formation process and is in full-time ministry, where he lives and serves is up to the Franciscan leadership. He could serve anywhere in the US or Canada where his province has a friary. This decision is often made in dialogue with the person, looking at both the skills and interests of the Friar, and the needs of the community and Church. Only those who volunteer can be sent to the foreign missions, which is seen as a special call and has to be to discerned by that individual.

Financial Implications

This varies slightly between the various provinces, but usually during Candidacy the expenses are shared. The Franciscans provide room and board and local transportation. The person covers his health insurance and spending money. (If you enrol in a university as part of Candidacy, you should discuss the subject with the vocation director working with you. Once a person enters the Novitiate, all expenses are paid by the Franciscans.