Discerning one’s vocation, religious or otherwise, is no easy task. And at a time when we have nearly endless options and choices to make, identifying God’s voice amid the din of social pressures and individual desires may be more challenging than ever – especially as we continue to deal with the implications of the global pandemic caused by COVID-19.

At the same time, there is a hunger in today’s world for the values of St. Francis of Assisi. People everywhere respond to the clarity of St. Francis’s message – to his courage as a peacemaker, to the depth of his compassion for all people and all of creation, and to his special concern for the poor and marginalized – all expressions of his profound love for Christ.

We’re here to help you on your spiritual journey, particularly as you continue to discern God’s calling.

To begin the process to become a friar, please contact the Franciscan Vocation Ministry by completing the contact form located on our website. After you complete the form, Jorge Martins, our office administrator, will contact you to discuss your interest in joining the Order of Friars Minor and put you in touch with a friar in your area. We will also send you information about the Franciscans and our initial formation program, as well as resources to assist you as you discern your call to religious life.

Our vocation director Br. Basil Valente, OFM, is available to speak with you about your interest in the friars and answer any questions that you may have. He will provide ongoing information, guidance and support to assist you with your discernment process.

In addition, we will put you in touch with local friars so that you can gain insight into everyday friar life, especially during the pandemic. Arrangements can be made for you to talk to one of our regional vocation directors rooted throughout our ministries on the East Coast, visit a friary near you, and/or engage with the friars online or by Zoom.

We also offer a variety of opportunities for you to experience our way of life and visit some of our ministries, either in person or virtually. If you live within a close proximity to one of our friaries, you are welcome to join one of our organic discernment communities. These communities provide you with an opportunity to join the friars for prayer, meals and reflections on an informal basis, and are an excellent way to get a feel for what life as a friar is like.

Should you decide to pursue a vocation, you will be invited to attend a Franciscan Discernment Weekend or a Virtual Discernment Retreat. These events are held from September through April at different friaries throughout the Province in the hope that one or more will be convenient for your schedule. During the discernment weekend, you will enter into conversation with members of the vocation team regarding your call to religious life. You will also have an opportunity to speak with student friars about their experiences in initial formation.

The Franciscan Discernment Weekend helps to inform decision-making regarding formal application with Holy Name Province. If you are invited to apply, your application will be considered by our board of admissions. Board members, who are appointed by the Provincial Minister, make determinations regarding admission into our initial formation program.

After the board reviews your application, Br. Basil will contact you to share their decision. Candidates who have been accepted will then prepare to enter the province’s initial formation program as postulants.

Whether or not you ultimately find God calling you to the Franciscan life, we promise you that the journey will be worth it. And, remember, you won’t know what God has in store for you until you take the next step. Is God calling you to become a Franciscan friar? Please contact us…