Are You Being Called?
A vocation is not a career choice — it is a response to God. If something in you is stirring, an unexplained pull toward prayer, poverty, and service among the forgotten, we invite you to sit with that question. We are here to help you find an answer.
What it means to be a Brother
A Brother is a man who offers himself entirely to God and offers his life in service to God’s people — relating to others as Jesus did: as a brother. He is not primarily defined by what he does, but by who he is becoming through a life of prayer, fraternity, and self-giving.
“Instead of having our own wealth, we share our resources with one another. Instead of marriage, we give ourselves wholly to the community. Instead of our own will, we try to listen to and follow God’s will for our lives.”
Brothers vs. Priests
A Brother’s call is to live the vows and offer non-sacramental service — education, pastoral care, direct work among the poor — while a priest’s ministry centers on the celebration of the sacraments. A Brother may also be ordained, but ordination is not the defining mark of his vocation.
Brothers vs. Monks
Monks live in monasteries dedicated primarily to contemplation. Brothers like us live in friaries and go out — into the streets, the soup kitchens, the hospital rooms. We are an apostolic community, not a cloistered one, though prayer is the heartbeat of everything we do.
Do Brothers pray all day?
Prayer is essential, but so is community and ministry. We pray the Divine Office five times daily — Matins, Terce, Sext, None, and Vespers — and carry an awareness of God’s presence into our work, our meals, and our time with one another.
The Habit
We wear a simple tunic — black, brown, or grey depending on what is available — girded with a white cord from which we suspend a rosary. We are discalced, wearing sandals only or going barefoot, following Christ’s instruction to his Apostles in Matthew 10:10.
Basic qualifications
We welcome men who feel a genuine call to this life. We do accept belated vocations on an individual basis — age is not always a barrier. Below are our general requirements for those entering the formal discernment process.
- Between 18 and 45 years of age (exceptions considered)
- A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- In good physical and mental health
- Committed to living the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience
- A practicing Catholic for at least 2 years after the completion of the Sacraments of Initiation
- Free of significant financial and family obligations
- A high school graduate or equivalent
The path into community
Formation is not a test to pass — it is a journey of mutual discernment between you and the community, listening together for God’s will. It unfolds gradually, giving you time to settle into the rhythm before making any permanent commitment.
Postulancy
A period of at least three months. You transition into our rhythm of prayer, work, and study — living alongside the brothers without yet making any formal promises. This time is as much about us getting to know you as it is about you getting to know us.
Novitiate
If both you and the community discern that it is fitting, you are formally received as a novice. You receive a habit and a new religious name. For the next twelve months you devote yourself primarily to prayer, theological study, and the ongoing discernment of God’s will for your life.
Temporary Profession
At the close of the novitiate, you may request to make temporary promises of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These are renewed at least twice before final profession — giving you continued opportunity for discernment before a permanent commitment.
Perpetual Profession
After at least three years of temporary profession, you may request final vows — a permanent, lifelong commitment to the community and the Rule. Perpetual profession may be granted sooner in special circumstances at the discretion of the Guardian and Bishop.
Eight steps of discernment
Discerning a vocation is not a moment — it is a process. There is no rush. God is patient, and so are we. These steps are not a checklist but an invitation to slow down and listen.
Be Quiet
Take time to pray and meditate in silence. A vocation rarely announces itself in the noise. Listen.
Find a Spiritual Advisor
Seek out someone who can help you develop your relationship with God and reflect honestly on what you are feeling.
Ask
Ask a religious in your parish to connect you with a vocation director, or contact us directly.
Read Up
Study what it means to be a member of a religious community. Learn about St. Francis and the Franciscan way of life.
Write to Us
Write to us and to any other communities that interest you. Putting your thoughts into words often clarifies what the heart already knows.
Visit
Come and see. Spend time at our friary. The daily reality of our life will tell you more than any webpage can.
Build a Relationship
Spend time with us. Form a bond with the community. Vocation is not a transaction — it is a relationship with God and with brothers.
Listen to God
Discernment takes time. Do not rush it. Let God guide you. We will be here when you are ready.
Contact our Vocation Office
If you are feeling called — or simply curious — reach out. We are happy to answer questions, arrange a visit, or simply pray with you as you discern. There is no obligation in asking.
Not ready to reach out yet?
That’s okay. Pray with us from wherever you are. You can join our Divine Office in spirit at any of the five daily hours, or submit a prayer request and let us carry your intention to the altar.