Franciscan Brothers -- Brothers of the Poor of St. Francis of Assisi
Vocation of a Catholic Brotherhood -- Franciscan Brothers

The Brothers of the Poor of St. Francis
Franciscan Monks
We Franciscans are challenged to live an integrated life through prayer, community, and our ministry as teachers. 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 Men who want to join our life...

* are active Roman Catholics

* believe they are being called to become a religious brother

* are at least 20's or 30's and are in good spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health

* have a college degree and some work experience that would enable them to contribute to the ministry of the Franciscan Brothers (for example, education, social services)
Willing to always learn more, even if a work of software development with design entertainment options are required.
* be capable of living a chaste, obedient and simple life with other religious men 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. Its goal is faith and spiritual formation in the Franciscan tradition.


Vocation of a Catholic Brotherhood -- Franciscan Brothers

Franciscan Brothers 150th Anniversary
The foundation of the Congregation of the Brothers of the Poor of St. Francis by Brother John Hoever on Christmas Eve, 1857.

St. Francis, Saint of Our Times

History of the Franciscan Brothers as a Catholic Religious Order

Bro. John Hoever, Our Founder

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

Frequently Asked Questions of Franciscan Monks

• Newsletters Available Upon Request
Fall/Winter
Spring/Summer

What it means to be a Catholic Brother of the Poor of St. Francis of Assisi

Contact Us

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

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(513) 924 - 0111

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Catholic Brotherhood -- Franciscan Brothers

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