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How Do I Become a Friar?

When you contact the Franciscan Vocation Ministry, you will receive information, guidance and support to help you discern a possible vocation to religious life. We are happy to send you an introductory packet containing our vocation DVD, share information on upcoming vocation events, and put you in touch with Fr. Brian Smail, OFM, our vocation director, or a friar in your area.

Our packet will help you get to know us as followers of Jesus Christ in the footprints of St. Francis of Assisi. Within it you will find an information form. After you complete and return the form, Fr. Brian will contact you to discuss your interest in the friars and answer any questions that you may have. If you meet our guidelines, he will invite you to meet with him or, depending on where you live, a friar close to your area. Fr. Brian and other members of the vocation team will be available to provide any assistance that is needed with your discernment process.

We offer a variety of events to help you learn about Franciscan life, including "Come and See" weekends, Discernment Retreats, "Spend a Day with the Friars" and twilight retreats. They are held from September thru April at different friaries throughout the Province in the hope that one or more will be convenient to you and fit into your schedule. During your visit, you 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 your life.

Should you decide to pursue a vocation, you will be invited to attend a Franciscan Experience Weekend (FEW) at Holy Name College in Silver Spring, Md., home to our friars in post-novitiate. There you will enter into conversation with several vocation team members regarding your call to religious life. You will also have an opportunity to speak with our postulants about their experiences in their first year of initial formation.

The FEW will provide information about your readiness and ability to enter into formal application with our Province. If you are invited to apply, your application will be considered by the Board of Admissions. Board members, who are appointed by the Provincial Minister, make determinations regarding admission into our initial formation program.

Prayer for Discernment

"Most high, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me, Lord, a correct faith, a certain hope, a perfect charity, insight and wisdom, so that I may carry out Your holy and true command."

— St. Francis of Assisi