DISCERNMENT

As a young man grows in his life and prayer and discipleship, he is encouraged to take practical and concrete steps in his discernment. After speaking to the vocation office, a man is invited to visit the Friars on a “Come & See.” A man is required to attend two “Come & See” visits, which usually are spread out over the course of a year or two, before asking for an application to join the community.  This time of discernment is important with the community as a man continues to grow in his relationship with the Lord in prayer and comes to a greater awareness of his desires.

POSTULANCY

Postulancy is a ten month period of formation in preparation for Noviate, with a particular focus on spiritual, human, and apostolic formation. During this time the young man is given an introduction to the Friars life of prayer, as he is invited to enter more deeply  into the Holy Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, silent meditation, and praying a Eucharist Holy Hour. This time is also a time to experience the gift of Franciscan brotherhood and experience what it is like to live and work in community. This period of formation is also a time to experience the various CFR apostolates in serving the materially poor and works of evangelization.

NOVITIATE

The noviate marks the beginning of one’s life in the community. The young man receives the habit of St. Francis and enters into a period of more intensive formation in the life and manner of our Franciscan charism. This includes a consistent program of prayer and study which allows a man to grow in penance and self-renunciation, continual conversion, fraternal life, apostolic ministry, and ultimately a growth in prayer leading to intimacy with the Trinity, all in light of the Franciscan charism of the Institute.

TEMPORARY PROFESSION

When noviate ends, the Friar makes a profession of temporary vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The vows are renewed one year at a time for a period of at least five years. Although he remains in formation, the newly professed friar participates fully in the life of the community. Over the course of these initial years, generally, a temporary professed Friar will have a variety of assignments and live in the NYC area and also at one of the CFR mission friaries. These diversity of experiences allows for fruitful discernment and growth for the Friar.

PERPETUAL PROFESSION

In perpetual profession, the Friar makes a definitive give of his life to the Father, to live the Holy Gospel in the footsteps of St. Francis, in the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal for his whole life.

PREPARATION FOR SACRED ORDERS

Some Friars receive a call to the ministerial priesthood. Formation for the priesthood has traditionally has taken place in New York, but can take place at any seminary of the Community’s choosing. Ordinarily, Friars begin to study for the priesthood after they have taken perpetual vows. This ensures that the Friar understands and embraces the call to consecrated life before entering into the demand of priestly studies.

FORMATION OF RELIGIOUS BROTHERS

Those called to be Religious Brothers receive appropriate formation in the religious life of the Community that allows brothers to be faithful and flourish in their vocation. Throughout Franciscan history, the questors, porters, cooks, and street evangelizers, were often the non-ordained brothers who lived out their vocation intimately connected to the poor and those in need. Ongoing formation for the Religious Brother might include: spiritual direction training, instruction in trades and administration,