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How Do I Become a Friar?

The Program of Initial Formation is a gradual process of personal, spiritual, and ministerial development. During initial formation, candidates are helped to develop their personal character and theological understanding so they will be able to live and work effectively as Franciscan friars in service to the Church. There are three stages of initial formation.

Postulancy:
Men in formation begin their journey as postulants, spending a year or two living with our friar community at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston, Mass., and engaging in various aspects of our life and work. During this time, they are presented with resources (e.g., workshops, personal advisors) to help them develop the psychological and emotional qualities necessary for religious life and ministry.

Novitiate:
As novices, candidates deepen their relationship with God. Receiving the habit, they are introduced more intensely to our Rule of Life and the history and traditions of the Franciscan Order. At the conclusion of the novitiate year, which takes place at St. Paul Friary in Wilmington, Del., candidates profess their first vows (poverty, chastity, and obedience) as Franciscan friars.

Post-Novitiate:
For the next three or four years, while living at Holy Name College in Silver Spring, Md., candidates hone their ministerial skills and take coursework related to their field of interest. Friars who are candidates for priesthood are enrolled in a Master of Divinity degree program at nearby Washington Theological Union.

Initial formation concludes with the profession of solemn or final vows, an event which fully incorporates candidates into the Province and the Franciscan Order. Those preparing for ordination receive an additional year of training.

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