Vocation of a Catholic Brotherhood -- Franciscan Brothers
Vocation of a Catholic Brotherhood -- Franciscan Brothers

The Brothers of the Poor of St. Francis
Vocation of a Catholic Brotherhood -- Franciscan Brothers
We Franciscans are challenged to live an integrated life through prayer, community, and our ministry to serve the poor, neglected and disadvantaged youth, the powerless, people in need, and the elderly. We live by our vows of poverty (living in simplicity), chastity (living in love with all), and obedience (living and witnessing the Gospel).


Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you live in a cloistered monastery?

No, Franciscans are not monks but are friars, going out and about doing the Lord's work. We do gather twice daily for prayer and attend daily Mass, and live fraternally in small communities of 2 or 3 members.

• What are the qualifications for a candidate for the Brotherhood?

Ideally, we are looking for men to join us who...

* are active Roman Catholics

* believe they are being called to become a religious brother

* are at least 21 years of age and are in good spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health

* have a college degree or some past secondary professional diploma and two years of satisfactory and consistent work experience.

* are capable of living a chaste, obedient and simple lifestyle and have good people-skills

• How are you involved in the Church?

Most of the Brothers are educators or catechists. Other Brothers work with the elderly, serve as parish ministers or do youth work. Most of us -- even our elderly Brothers -- actively volunteer to assist the poor and those in need.

• Are your Brothers priests?

Our Brothers are men called to live the religious life as vowed Brothers. In the USA Community, the Brothers are not permitted to pursue the diaconate or priesthood.

• Do the Brothers attend a seminary for training?

A seminary is for those called to Holy Orders. Instead, our Brotherhood conducts its own school called a Novitiate which is a program of formation lasting two to three years. it's goal is faith and spiritual formation in the Franciscan tradition.


Vocation of a Catholic Brotherhood -- Franciscan Brothers
Home Page
Who are the Brothers of
the Poor of St. Francis?
What do we do?
What does it mean to be
a Brother?

St. Francis, Our Namesake

Bro. John Hoever, Our Founder

Catholic Religious Vocation

Franciscan Order, the Congregation of the Brothers of the Poor of St. Francis

• Newsletters Available Upon Request
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Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

How do I know if I have been called by God to serve as a Brother?

Do you wish to take the challenge of becoming a member of the Congregation of the Brothers of the Poor of St. Francis?

An Inquiry Form

Produced under the auspices of the Leadership 2004
(513) 924 - 0111

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Vocation of a Catholic Brotherhood -- Franciscan Brothers

Franciscan web page, vowed life, Fransciscan Brotherhood, Brothers of the Poor of St. Francis