Franciscan Post-Novitiate Formation, Charisma and Ministry (video)

Fr. Stephen's Explanation about Franciscan Post-Novitiate Formation, Charisma and Ministry.

After the year of continued discernment and development, the novice takes the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These temporary vows are lived for a minimum of four years, after which the friar may profess permanent or "solemn" vows. Along with continued Franciscan formation, the friar enters a program of formal studies and ministry training that corresponds to his own abilities, and prepares him to serve the Church as either a Franciscan brother or priest.

A major element of Franciscan formation is the development of the ministerial capabilities of those in initial formation. The formation director assists individuals in finding placements that will build foundational ministry skills while engaging their personal abilities and interests. On-site supervision is required, and a formal evaluation of the ministry experience will be given. Each student learns to develop his ministerial goals in light of the Church's mission of evangelization, and the needs of the Provincial Delegation and Order.

St. Francis wanted his brothers to be known as Friars Minor "so that... from the very name itself his disciples might realize that they had come to the school of the humble Christ to learn humility." Our friars are united in a conventual fraternity, in the proper sense of that term, so as to foster greater dedication, a more regular life, a more fervent divine office, a better formation of candidates, the study of theology, and the other works of the apostolate in the service of the Church of God so that, especially under the guidance of Mary Immaculate, the Kingdom of Christ may be extended throughout the world.

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