Welcome to the Vocation Pages of our Provincial web site.
 
After a mere six-and-a-half weeks of Ordinary Time, we will welcome in Lent on Feb. 22. Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular days in the Church year for making sure that we get to church and receive the blessed ashes. Why? Why is it so popular and why do we receive ashes? Sarcastically, some say it is so popular because we get something for nothing. That is rather cynical, but the truth is we do get something for nothing—forgiveness of our sins! The use of ashes is an ancient symbol of repentance and humble request for God’s mercy and forgiveness.
 
St. Francis spoke of his life—and that of the Franciscan Friars—as a life of penance. What he meant was not a life of making ourselves miserable (as though that will make God love us more), but a life of repentance; a life of constantly turning more and more to God in virtue and away from sin.
 
If that vision of life appeals to you, maybe God is calling you to be a Friar. Below you can find the basic requirements for becoming a Franciscan. The Is This Life for Me? page describes the process of discernment. The Becoming a Friar page presents the stages of Initial Formation with links to our Novitiate and to the Catholic Theological Union where our men study. The Franciscan Formation page features pictures of our men in formation. How to Contact Us offers a simple form that can be sent directly to the Vocation Office in order to receive more information including a mini CD about our community. Finally, Father Don’s Vocation Blog  and our YouTube Channel (franciscanvocations) offer pictures and stories of events and happenings in the province.
 
The life of penance that captured the mind and heart of St. Francis is really a very joyful life of falling in love with God. Would you like to join us in living it?