DISCERNING A CALLING TO RELIGIOUS LIFE

If you are a single man between the ages of 21-35 who is discerning a calling to religious life, and particularly to a community focused on evangelization, we invite you to learn more about our community.

Since 1987, when we were founded by Mother Angelica, as a community of priests and brothers we have sought to live an authentic renewal of consecrated life in the Franciscan tradition. Living in obedience, without anything of our own and in chastity, we share a common life of prayer before the exposed Blessed Sacrament and in Total Consecration to the Mother of God according to St. Louis Marie de Montfort. As consecrated friars, we bear new names in religion of various Saints or Blesseds as well as our Blessed Mothers.

How Do I Know If God Is Calling Me?

“You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you” (Jn 15:16).

Each of us has a vocation or a call from God – a calling to holiness of life! Therefore, every one of us should start by asking the Lord what He wants us to do with our lives.

Then, we must listen for His voice and for His inspirations as we discern what God’s will is in our lives. Some are called to give themselves entirely to God with an undivided heart and to heed His call to follow Him by entering the priesthood or the consecrated life.

If you sense a desire to give more generously of yourself to Christ and to live as he lived – poor, chaste, and obedient – you should waste no time in contacting a religious order faithful to the Magisterium or your diocesan vocation office. After making contact, try to set up a visit. You should have a good idea after making a visit if that particular community or diocese is where God may be calling you to serve Him and His Church unreservedly for the salvation of souls.

ARE YOUR READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP?

Catholic men between the ages of 18-35, who would like more information about our community or are interested in setting up a visit, are invited to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.”

STAGES OF FORMATION

Postulancy

Postulancy is the first stage of formation. This is a period of living in community, whereby the candidate experiences our way of life and prepares for entrance into the novitiate. The postulant’s knowledge of Catholic doctrine, the vowed life, our apostolate and spirituality are fostered during this period. The postulancy is for a period of nine to twelve months.

Novitiate

The novitiate is the second stage of formation and lasts for one year. The beginning of the novitiate is marked by the joyful occasion of receiving the Franciscan habit as well as a new religious name and title. The time of novitiate is for one to be more thoroughly instructed in the way of life and the works of our community, while at the same time cultivating that union with Christ which must be the wellspring of every apostolic activity.

Temporary Vows

The period of temporary vows begins when the friar makes his first profession of the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and binds himself to observing the Rule and Constitutions of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word. During this time, the goal is to perfect the formation begun in the novitiate, thus preparing for final vows. The friar renews his temporary vows once a year, generally from four to six years, while continuing to be engaged in the various areas of our apostolate.

It is also during this period that priesthood candidates take their philosophy courses in our House of Studies before beginning theology in the Seminary. Philosophy courses are also available for permanent brother candidates who show an interest

Final Vows

When a friar makes his final profession of vows, he consecrates himself to God for the whole of his life. When a friar pronounces his perpetual vows, he should have reached the degree of spiritual and affective maturity required, so that the religious state to which he is committing himself, in a stable and certain manner, may really be for him a means of perfection and greater love

PRIESTLY FORMATION

Brothers discerning and pursuing the priesthood begin their formation/education at the St. Joseph’s House of Studies in Irondale, Alabama. There they study philosophy for two years. The program is accredited through the Pontifical University of Puerto Rico. After, the friar is sent to Mount St. Mary’s University and Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Friars with an undergraduate degree begin four years of intense graduate theology studies and those without bachelors’ go into the two-year pre-theology degree completion program. Following the third year of theology, the friar is usually ordained a deacon. At the conclusion of seminary academics he is ordained to the priesthood.

VOCATION RETREATS

COME & SEE DISCERNMENT RETREAT: TBD

Ever wondered what it would be like to serve at the largest Catholic media outlet in the world, as a Franciscan Brother or a Priest?

If you are discerning a vocation to the consecrated life, here is your chance to discover the life of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word.

If you are interested in attending and are between the ages of 18 – 35, please fill out our vocation inquiry form.

Please tell any family members, friends, or fellow parishioners that may be interested!