Stages of Formation

There are three stages of formation: Initiation, Formation and Professed member.

1 Initiation: At this stage, we invite people to come to our fraternity meetings and meet the members. It is a time of discernment where you can decide if the Holy Spirit is calling your to this way of life. This period lasts for approximately 7-12 months. This gives all of us time to decide if the fraternity and the Franciscan life is a good fit for you.

2. Formation: When you enter formation, you attend monthly formation classes with our director of formation. In this time, you learn about the history of the order, more about our Rule and Constitution, about our forms of prayer and our theology. In addition, you continue to attend meetings and to be involved in apostolates. This stage lasts for approximately 12 to 18 months. Ultimately, this stage prepares you for your final profession.

3. Professed Member: After your formation, you will submit a letter to the fraternity's council asking to be professed. If accepted, you will receive the Rite of Profession. In the Rite, each member being professed renews their baptismal promises and promises to live all the days of their life "the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Secular Franciscan Order by observing its rule of life." This doesn't mean you're finished with formation. We are all in ongoing formation and every month at our meetings, we develop our understanding of the charism and how to live it more fully.