Formation in the Third Order Regular begins with the pre-novitiate, sometimes called postulancy. This nine-month formation period introduces you to religious life, initiates you into Franciscan spirituality, and emphasizes human development. During this time, you'll live at our pre-novitiate house in Loretto, Pennsylvania, and may be enrolled at St. Francis University as a part-time student. Most postulants take two courses each semester, which might include philosophy, religious studies, or pastoral ministry, and they are engaged in a weekly volunteer ministry. As a postulant, you'll be responsible for health and hospitalization insurance and other incidental expenses. The TOR community will pay for your room and board along with tuition costs at St. Francis University. Once you are admitted to the novitiate, all expenses will be paid by the TOR community.