Hey guys! Ever felt that tug in your heart, that whisper calling you to a life of simplicity, service, and profound connection with God? Maybe you've been captivated by the stories of St. Francis of Assisi, his unwavering love for the poor, and his radical commitment to the Gospel. If so, you might be wondering, "How do I actually join the Franciscan Order?" Well, you've come to the right place! This guide will walk you through the process, offering insights and practical steps to help you discern if this path is truly for you. Becoming a Franciscan isn't just about joining a religious order; it's about embracing a whole new way of life, a life centered on prayer, community, and service to others, especially those on the margins. It’s a journey of ongoing conversion, a deepening of faith, and a radical commitment to following in the footsteps of Jesus, just like St. Francis did centuries ago. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly, but if you feel that God is calling you in this direction, then it's definitely worth exploring.

Understanding the Franciscan Order

Before diving into the "how-to," let's get a solid understanding of what the Franciscan Order actually is. The Franciscan Order isn't just one monolithic entity; it's a family of religious orders and congregations, all inspired by the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. Each branch has its own unique charism and way of living out the Franciscan ideals. Primarily, there are three main branches:

• The Order of Friars Minor (O.F.M.): These are often what people think of when they picture Franciscans – the friars who live in community, take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and dedicate their lives to preaching the Gospel and serving the poor. They are sometimes referred to as the "First Order."
• The Order of St. Clare (Poor Clares): This is the female branch founded by St. Clare, a close follower of St. Francis. The Poor Clares are cloistered nuns who live a contemplative life of prayer and penance. Their lives are dedicated to interceding for the needs of the world.
• The Third Order Secular (O.F.S.): Also known as the Secular Franciscan Order, this branch is for lay men and women (married or single) who live in the world and strive to live out the Franciscan ideals in their daily lives. They make a commitment to follow a Rule of Life and participate in community gatherings.

Additionally, there are numerous other religious congregations of men and women who follow the Franciscan tradition, each with its own specific focus and ministry. Some focus on education, others on healthcare, and still others on social justice. Understanding these different branches is crucial because the path to joining will vary depending on which branch you feel drawn to. Each has its own specific requirements and formation process. Take the time to research the different branches, pray about it, and see which one resonates most deeply with your heart. Consider what kind of ministry you are drawn to, and what kind of community life you are seeking. Do you feel called to a life of active ministry in the world, or to a more contemplative life of prayer? Do you feel drawn to living in a community of brothers, or to living out your Franciscan vocation as a lay person in your own family and work environment? Asking yourself these questions will help you discern which branch of the Franciscan family is the best fit for you.

Discerning Your Call

Okay, so you're intrigued! But how do you know if you're really called to be a Franciscan? Discernment is key. This involves prayer, reflection, and seeking guidance from trusted sources. When it comes to discerning your call, prayer should be your first and most important step. Spend time in conversation with God, asking for guidance and clarity. Be honest with yourself about your motivations and desires. Are you seeking fulfillment, a deeper connection with God, or a way to make a difference in the world? All of these are valid desires, but it's important to examine them honestly and see if they align with the Franciscan values. Read the Gospels, especially the Sermon on the Mount, and reflect on how Jesus lived his life. How does the Franciscan way of life resonate with your own understanding of the Gospel? Read about the life of St. Francis and St. Clare. What aspects of their lives inspire you the most? What challenges do you think you would face in trying to live like them? Also, reflection is vital. Journaling can be a powerful tool for processing your thoughts and feelings. Write about your experiences, your hopes, and your fears. What are your strengths and weaknesses? How might these impact your ability to live the Franciscan life? Where do you find joy and energy? What activities make you feel most alive and connected to God? Consider how these gifts and passions might be used in the service of others, in the spirit of St. Francis. Talk to a spiritual director or trusted mentor. Someone who knows you well and can offer objective feedback. Share your thoughts and feelings with them, and ask for their guidance. A spiritual director can help you to identify your blind spots and to discern God's will for your life. They can also provide you with resources and support as you navigate the discernment process. Visit a Franciscan community. Spend some time with the friars or sisters, and get a feel for their way of life. Attend their liturgies, share meals with them, and ask them questions about their experiences. This is a great way to see if you can picture yourself living in community with them. Are you comfortable with their daily routine? Do you feel a sense of connection with the friars or sisters? Can you see yourself sharing your life with them? Consider volunteering with a Franciscan ministry. This will give you a taste of the kind of work that Franciscans do. Serve the poor, visit the sick, or teach children. This is a great way to put your faith into action and to see if you are drawn to the Franciscan charism of service. Are you comfortable working with the marginalized? Do you find joy in helping others? Can you see yourself dedicating your life to serving the poor and needy?

Initial Contact and Application

Once you've spent time in discernment and feel a strong pull towards the Franciscan Order, the next step is to make initial contact. Don't be shy! Most Franciscan provinces or communities have vocation directors or contact persons whose job it is to guide and assist potential candidates. You can usually find contact information on their website. A simple email or phone call expressing your interest is all it takes to get the ball rolling. Explain your interest in the Franciscan Order and your desire to learn more. Be honest and open about your background, your motivations, and your questions. The vocation director is there to help you discern your call, so don't be afraid to ask them anything. After your initial contact, you'll likely be invited to visit the community, meet the friars or sisters, and learn more about their way of life. This is a great opportunity to experience the Franciscan charism firsthand and to ask any questions you may have. You'll typically be asked to fill out an application. This will involve providing personal information, your educational background, work experience, and a personal essay outlining your faith journey and why you feel called to the Franciscan Order. Be honest and thorough in your application. This is your opportunity to tell your story and to explain why you believe you are a good fit for the community. The application process may also involve submitting letters of recommendation from people who know you well, such as your pastor, spiritual director, or former employer. Choose people who can speak to your character, your faith, and your ability to live in community. Prepare to be interviewed. The vocation director and other members of the community will want to get to know you better and to assess your suitability for the Franciscan life. Be prepared to answer questions about your faith, your values, your motivations, and your understanding of the Franciscan charism. Be yourself and be honest. The community is not looking for perfect people, but for people who are genuine and who are open to growth. The application process can seem daunting, but remember that it's a two-way street. It's not just about the community assessing you, but also about you assessing the community. Take the time to get to know the friars or sisters, to learn about their ministries, and to see if you can picture yourself living in community with them.

Postulancy: Entering the Community

If your application is accepted, you'll likely be invited to enter the postulancy. This is a period of initial formation, typically lasting several months to a year, where you live with the Franciscan community and get a deeper experience of their life. During the postulancy, you'll participate in the community's daily routine, including prayer, meals, work, and recreation. You'll also receive instruction in Franciscan history, spirituality, and theology. The goal of the postulancy is to help you to further discern your call and to prepare you for the next stage of formation. It's a time of learning, growth, and self-discovery. You'll have the opportunity to deepen your relationship with God, to learn more about yourself, and to develop the skills and habits necessary for living the Franciscan life. Be open to new experiences and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. The postulancy is a time of transition, and it can be challenging at times. Be patient with yourself and with others, and trust in the process. The postulancy is also a time for the community to get to know you better. The friars or sisters will be observing your interactions with others, your attitude towards work, and your commitment to prayer. They will be assessing your suitability for the Franciscan life and your ability to live in community. Be yourself and be honest. Don't try to be someone you're not. The community is looking for people who are genuine and who are open to growth. At the end of the postulancy, you and the community will both make a decision about whether to continue on to the next stage of formation. If you both agree, you will be invited to enter the novitiate.

Novitiate: A Year of Intense Formation

The novitiate is a more intensive period of formation, usually lasting one to two years. It's a time of deeper reflection, prayer, and study, focusing specifically on the Franciscan charism and the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. During the novitiate, you'll continue to live with the community, but you'll also have more time for personal prayer and reflection. You'll study the life and writings of St. Francis and St. Clare, and you'll learn about the history and traditions of the Franciscan Order. You'll also receive instruction in theology, philosophy, and scripture. The goal of the novitiate is to help you to deepen your understanding of the Franciscan charism and to prepare you to make a lifelong commitment to the Franciscan life. It's a time of intense spiritual growth and self-discovery. You'll be challenged to confront your weaknesses and to grow in virtue. You'll also be given opportunities to serve others and to put your faith into action. Be open to the guidance of your novice master or mistress. This is a person who is experienced in the Franciscan life and who is dedicated to helping you to discern your call. They will provide you with spiritual direction, encouragement, and support. Don't be afraid to ask them questions or to share your struggles. The novitiate is also a time for the community to assess your suitability for the Franciscan life. The friars or sisters will be observing your commitment to prayer, your willingness to serve others, and your ability to live in community. They will also be looking for signs of maturity, humility, and compassion. At the end of the novitiate, you and the community will both make a decision about whether to continue on to the next stage of formation. If you both agree, you will be invited to profess temporary vows.

Temporary Vows and Ongoing Formation

After the novitiate, you'll profess temporary vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These vows are typically renewed annually for a period of several years. During this time, you'll continue your formation, deepening your knowledge of theology and the Franciscan tradition. You'll also be involved in ministry, putting your gifts and talents to work in service of others. The period of temporary vows is a time of continued discernment and growth. You'll have the opportunity to live out the Franciscan life in a more concrete way and to see if it is truly the right path for you. Be open to feedback from your superiors and from your brothers or sisters in community. They can provide you with valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses and help you to grow as a Franciscan. Continue to deepen your prayer life and to seek spiritual direction. The Franciscan life is a lifelong journey of conversion, and it's important to stay connected to God and to seek guidance from experienced spiritual mentors. The period of temporary vows is also a time for the community to assess your suitability for permanent vows. The friars or sisters will be observing your commitment to the vows, your ability to live in community, and your effectiveness in ministry. They will also be looking for signs of maturity, stability, and joy. At the end of the period of temporary vows, you and the community will both make a decision about whether to profess perpetual vows.

Perpetual Vows: A Lifelong Commitment

Finally, after a period of temporary vows, if all goes well, you'll profess perpetual vows. This is a lifelong commitment to live according to the Franciscan Rule and to serve God and others in the spirit of St. Francis. Professing perpetual vows is a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of years of discernment and formation. It's a time of great joy and gratitude. However, it's also a time of great responsibility. By professing perpetual vows, you are making a solemn promise to God and to the community to live the Franciscan life faithfully until death. The journey doesn't end here, though! Ongoing formation is a crucial part of Franciscan life. This involves continued study, prayer, and reflection, as well as participation in community life and ministry. Franciscans are committed to lifelong learning and growth, always seeking to deepen their understanding of the Gospel and to live it more fully in their lives. Remember that embracing the Franciscan Order is a profound and transformative journey. It's a path of simplicity, service, and deep connection with God. If you feel called to this life, embrace the process, trust in God's guidance, and don't be afraid to take the first step! Good luck, and may God bless you on your journey!