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Become a friar

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Step into Franciscan life

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In service and simplicity

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Life in the spirit of St. Francis
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The journey of becoming a friar

Our formation process

 

God's calling is just the beginning. As you deepen your relationship with Christ, we are here to guide you—providing Franciscan formation, education, and unwavering support as you discern your vocation, and if you choose, embrace the life of a friar. 

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Step 1

Discover a brotherhood that gives life purpose

The submission of your initial form connects you with our vocations team.  You are welcomed into a Franciscan brotherhood—sharing prayers, meals, Mass, laughter, honest conversations, ministry, and the daily rhythm of religious life. Time in community may lead to a discernment retreat where your call becomes clearer.
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Step 2

Step into the brotherhood

Discernment results in an invitation to submit a formal application. Once accepted, you'll spend a year in postulancy in Silver Spring, Maryland, living as a brother among brothers—praying, serving, and learning Franciscan life. No vows yet—just space to grow, listen, and discern where your heart belongs.
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Step 3

Forge your life of brotherhood

Your novitiate year in Santa Barbara is a transformative season. You receive the Franciscan habit, a visible sign of deeper calling. Fraternity becomes a living reality through prayer, reflection, study, shared work, and daily life. At year’s end, you profess simple vows and commit to the journey ahead together.
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Step 4

Live the Mission

In this formative season, mission and fraternity become one. You and your brothers serve in diverse cultural settings, living among the poor and the marginalized. You are not doing the work alone—you are doing it as a band of brothers rooted in prayer, service, and shared purpose. 
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Step 5 

Ministry that strips you down and builds you up

Before solemn profession, a friar may spend an internship year immersed in provincial ministry. In San Antonio, you begin theological studies, discern priestly ordination if you feel called, and continue to grow within a strong fraternity and into your identity as a Franciscan brother in the world. 
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Step 6

Into the study hall of the saints 

Formation deepens through years of study that shapes your whole life as a man of prayer, community, and mission. You balance coursework, ministry, and service while studying theology, philosophy, spirituality, and pastoral practice. An internship year follows, testing and strengthening your call and leading you toward final vows — solemn profession. 
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Qualifications for becoming a friar

A candidate for our way of life is:
Eligibility
  • 21-45 years old and single
  • A practicing Roman Catholic for at least 2 years after the completion of his Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation) with a healthy, balanced spiritual life
  • A citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States
  • Free of significant financial and family obligations
LifeStyle
  • Open to living a Franciscan life in community
  • Willing to work with the poor and marginalized
  • Involved in some kind of service work to the local Church or local community; ideally working with the poor and marginalized
  • Committed to living the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience
SpirItual
  • Prayerful with a desire to mature in his spiritual life
  • Rooted in a desire to deepen his love for Christ in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi
  • A mature and realistic understanding of the world, the Church, and Franciscan life
  • Sensitive to the demands of living among men of diverse personal, cultural, educational, and ministerial backgrounds
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Start the journey

Discerning one’s vocation is no easy task — identifying God’s voice amid life’s distractions is more challenging than ever. We have more than 70 friars dedicated to Vocation Ministry, and they are ready to support you on your journey as you consider what God is calling you to do with your life.
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Meet the Vocation Directors in your area.

Click the dot in your region to find Vocation Directors, contact information, and events.

Click the button below to see the friar’s global reach.

Western Vocation Director

Br. Antonio Luevano, OFM

Western Region Vocation Director

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Central Vocation Director

Br. Gregory Plata, OFM

National Vocation Director & Central Region

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Eastern Vocation Director

Br. Henri Djojo, OFM

Eastern Region Vocation Director

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Caribbean Vocation Director

Br. Luis Rosado, OFM

Caribbean Region Vocation Director

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Administrative Staff

Mr. Jorge Martins

Business Director

Mr. Will Bernal

Office Administrator

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Frequently asked questions

As Franciscans, we see ourselves as brothers to one another, living in community. In this sense, all friars are “brothers” first and foremost. Some friars are called to the ordained ministry of priesthood and use the title “Father.” Other friars who do not feel called to ordained ministry use the title “Brother.” Many people are not aware that St. Francis himself was not a priest. Francis’ focus was always on “the brotherhood.”

The designation comes from St. Francis, who called the first Franciscans “lesser” or “minor” brothers as a sign of humility in service to Christ. We use this still today to remind us that we are never “above” those we serve – a key principle in our relationships with others. When people spot a Franciscan in our brown habit, we want them to know right away that they’ve found a true friend in Christ, and a trusted equal whom they can approach without fear or hesitation.

St. Francis of Assisi, son of a wealthy cloth merchant, sought to clothe himself in the simplest rags available as a sign of his humility. Over 800 years later, Franciscans wear the habit for the same reason – not to separate us from the public or to signify authority, but for quite the opposite goal – as a sign to all people that we are their humble friends in Christ. From the Latin word habitus meaning “to put on a new way of life,” the habit is an outward symbol of an inward commitment.
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Explore our YouTube channel and learn more about the life of the friars

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