I. The Vocations Director
In the past, a Vocation Director's primary responsibility was to
recruit new members into a religious order. But with major changes in
the world and the church, many people struggle with making a definitive
commitment to a person, group or ideology.
As a result, the Vocation Director's role has changed. His ministry
now includes helping others in their vocational discernment rather than
just recruiting.
Vocational discernment is generally a lengthy process. Your vocation
is an unfolding gift that God has entrusted to you. It is a journey that
can be both exciting and lonely. The Vocation Director serves as a link
of friendship, support, and information on a course only you can chart.
A third companion on this journey is the Holy Spirit, whose love and
guidance both men seek.
II. The Vocation Process
For many people, the first inclination toward religious life begins
as a feeling. This feeling can manifest itself in many ways. It might be
a desire to serve the Church, a strong feeling toward helping others, an
attraction to community life, a sense that something essential is
lacking in your life, or even a cherished childhood memory of a priest
or religious.
Whatever your particular feelings, their genuineness is attested to
by their persistence. No matter how much you may have tried to deny the
feelings, they don't seem to go away. Finally, you have decided to
explore these feelings in greater detail by contacting
the Franciscan Friars, TOR.
The initial communication between us will be through letters. This
will allow you to express your feelings and reflections in an
uninterrupted way. We may also talk on the phone. In this informal way,
we can get to know one another and grow more comfortable in our
relationship.
During this initial discernment, we may decide to meet on a more
personal basis in order to talk at greater length. The next step will be
for you to meet other members of our community in order to broaden your
perspective of our particular religious life.
III. Come & See Weekend
The Franciscan Friars, sponsor "Come & See Weekends" throughout the year for men who are interested in learning more about
our way of life. The weekend provides you the opportunity to discuss the
religious vocation with others, to share in the prayer life of our
community, to talk with the friars, to learn more about the Franciscan
way of life, and to meet privately with friars of the formation staff.
The weekend also provides times of prayer and liturgy in a relaxed
atmosphere that is conducive to personal reflection. We want to provide
you the opportunity to learn more about yourself, God, the nature of the
religious vocation, and the particular charism of our Franciscan Order.
IV. Application Process
After attending a "Come & See Weekend" and if you have
expressed an interest in joining our community, the Admissions Committee
will discuss a person’s readiness for religious life. You may be asked
to attend another "Come & See Weekend" and/or spend a few
days visiting one of our formation houses for additional interaction
with our community. This allows our community to get to know you better
so we can better understand and assist you.
If you do decide to apply to our community and permission of the
Admission Committee is given, you will need to obtain:
- Educational transcripts
- Sacramental records
- Letters of recommendation
- Physical/dental exam
- Psychological testing
Once you have submitted your application, you should continue regular
spiritual direction. If you do not yet fully qualify for admission or
you wish to delay your admission, you should continue your vocational
discernment with a spiritual director. We also encourage you to maintain
periodic contact with the Vocation Director and our community. During
this time, we would expect you to be either working or attending school.
Formation
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