The Process of Admission into Religious Life

CONTACT – A candidate initiates the process by making contact with the Franciscan Vocation Office.  After conversation with the Vocation Director, the candidate completes the Personal Inventory Form to determine if he is a suitable candidate for our Franciscan Province.  Regular contact is continued throughout the entire process between the candidate and Provincial Director of Vocations or one of the Associate Vocation Directors.

VOCATION DISCERNMENT RETREAT – A candidate is invited to attend a Vocation Discernment retreat weekend held at different locations throughout the Province.  During this retreat experience, you get a taste of how we live and minister; pray and celebrate the Eucharist.  It is a time to share fraternity, prayer and conversation and to reflect on God's call for your life. 

FORMAL APPLICATION – At any point in the process of discernment, the candidate can request to make Formal Application into the Formation Program of our Franciscan Province.  The process of making application is done with the involvement of the Provincial Director of Vocations, and includes a wide variety of materials that assist in the assessment of readiness and suitability of the candidate.

PROVINCIAL BOARD OF ADMISSIONS – Once the Formal Application is completed, it is presented by the Provincial Director of Vocations to the Provincial Board of Admissions. This Board reviews the materials and recommendations presented and make the determination regarding admission into the Formation Program of the Province.

ADMISSION INTO INITIAL FORMATION – If positively received by the Provincial Board of Admissions, the candidate will receive a letter from the Provincial Minister informing them of their acceptance into the Initial Formation Program; as well as instructing them when and where to report.

Prayer for Vocations

O Mary Immaculate, Patroness of the Americas

and Queen of the Order of Friars Minor,

we ask you to inspire humble and chosen souls

for a  life in Christ and in the spirit of St. Francis.

With Motherly care,

foster vocations to our Order and to our Province,

so that seraphic love, labor and sacrifice

will ever flourish in this land dedicated to your protection.

Amen.