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The Admission Process

When a candidate contacts the Franciscan Vocation Ministry, he is sent an information packet to help him get to know us as followers of Jesus Christ in the footprints of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Within the packet is an information form. After he has completed and returned the form, he will be contacted by Fr. Brian Smail, OFM, our vocation director.

If he meets our guidelines, the candidate will be invited to attend a "Come and See" or Discernment Retreat Weekend at one of our friar communities. During his visit, he will get a taste of how we live and where we minister, pray and celebrate the Eucharist with us, and reflect on God's call for his life. Should he decide to explore a possible vocation, Fr. Brian will be available to provide any information and assistance that may be needed in the discernment process.

Later on in his discernment, if he is interested in pursuing a Franciscan vocation, the candidate will be invited to attend a Franciscan Experience Weekend (FEW) at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston, Mass. There he will enter into conversation with several friars regarding his call to religious life. He will also have an opportunity to meet and speak with our postulants, who live and minister at the Shrine, about their experiences in their first year of initial formation.

The FEW informs the friars and the candidate if he is ready and able to enter into formal application with the Province. If he is invited to apply, the candidate's application is considered by the Board of Admissions. Board members, who are appointed by the Minister Provincial, make determinations regarding admission into the initial formation program.