How to become a member
Step 1: Read through the Aims and Principles and see if you feel a strong pull towards them.
Step 2: Contact us. We will let you know more about what it means to become a member and what is expected of you. For example you will need to draw up your own Rule of Life within nine prescribed areas including: Holy Eucharist, Penitence, Personal Prayer, Self-Denial, Retreat, Study, Simplicity, Work and Obedience -- which you will do under guidance from a Spiritual Director. While you are considering this Vocation, you may want to read up more about St Francis or Franciscan spirituality or attend local chapter meetings. You will learn what may be required from you in terms of financial support for the Order, daily Obedience, regular meetings with your Formation Guardian, etc.
Step 3: If your application is successful, you will be a postulant for a minimum of six months, after which your Regional Counselor (or provincial Formation Guardian) will ask you whether you want to become a Novice to test this Vocation within this religious Order and see whether it is a calling. You remain a Novice for at least two years, after which you may choose to become ‘Professed’ during a Eucharist service renewing your vows to uphold your personal Rule of Life.