THE ANGLICAN GREYFRIARS
FAQ
DO I HAVE TO BE AN ANGLICAN TO BE A GREYFRIAR?
In a word, yes - and with very good reason. We are rooted to serve our ministry from our local Parish Church. Christ commanded St. Francis to rebuild His Church, for it was falling down.
We are solitary religious, attached to our respective Parish(es). This is where we live: praying, evangelising, serving the poor and needy, and are accountable to the incumbent and the Diocese.
WHAT IF I AM A PRIEST IN AN EXISTING SOCIETY (E.G. SOCIETY OF CATHOLIC PRIESTS; THE SODALITY OF MARY) - CAN I BE A GREYFRIAR?
In principle yes, as you are not in vows. You would need to explore your vocation with us in conjunction with your local chapter.
WHAT IF I AM A MEMBER THE SOCIETY OF SAINT WILFRID & SAINT HILDA (I.E. "THE SOCIETY")?
We are an inclusive Fellowship, fully embracing the ministry of women to the Diaconate, Priesthood, and Episcopate. We are affirming of those who are LGBTQIA+ (including those who are in faithful, committed, same-sex relationships) . Members of the Fellowship will be serving in all aspects of the community, including presiding at the Eucharist.
ARE THERE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THOSE UNDER ALTERNATIVE EPISCOPAL OVERSIGHT?
We are an inclusive Fellowship, fully embracing the ministry of women to the Deaconate, Priesthood, and Episcopate. We are affirming of those who are LGBTQIA+ (including those who are in faithful, committed, same-sex relationships) . Members of the Fellowship will be serving in all aspects of the community, including presiding at the Eucharist.
WHAT ABOUT EXISTING FRANCISCAN ORDERS (E.G. TSSF; CFC)?
Following a discernment process, you would need to be released from vows by your relevant governing organisation (e.g. TSSF General Chapter) - this would also be the case for any other Vowed Communities (e.g. OSB; Carmelites; Poor Clare). You would not be received into Postulancy until this discernment process has happened.
IF I AM A RETIRED PRIEST OR LICENSED LAY MINISTER, DO I REQUIRE PERMISSION TO OFFICIATE ("PTO")?
Yes - you cannot be clothed in the Grey Habit without the approval and endorsement of your Bishop.
WHAT ARE THE SAFEGUARDING REQUIREMENTS?
You must be up-to-date with all aspects of Safeguarding in your Parish and Diocesan contexts. Any person who is currently under an Ongoing Safeguarding Agreement or on the Sex Offenders' Register would not be considered for membership of the Fellowship.
DOES THE FELLOWSHIP HAVE ASSOCIATES AND/OR OBLATES?
No, but you could be one in another group (e.g. the Companions of St. Francis; the Pilgrims of St. Francis) and still explore a vocation with the Greyfriars.
PRAYER AND PRAYER LITURGIES
We encourage Greyfriars to attend the daily prayer rhythm of their Parish Church. The "normal" liturgical prayers when not praying with the Parish are to be found in the SSF Office Book, though you may of course select other prayer resources to help in your daily prayers. At Gatherings of the Fellowship, we use the SSF Office Book and follow the Lectionary. We do not publicly use resources not from the Anglican Church (e.g. Liturgy of the Hours).
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
We heartily encourage you to avail yourself of a spiritual director before applying to join the Fellowship. Greyfriars regularly meet and engage with their spiritual directors, and in several cases are themselves spiritual directors.
DOES THE FELLOWSHIP USE COMMUNITY NAMES?
In brief, no. Whilst we know this is common practice in other religious groups, we use the names given at our Baptism. Exceptions to this would be those who have transitioned their gender, or those who have changed their name by Deed Poll.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
You must be over 18 years of age. Whilst we have no upper age limit, you must be able to physically conduct yourself in public ministry, and be able to come to our Fellowship Gatherings twice a year. Whilst you may be in a temporary illness, leave would be granted - however, you do need to be well enough to live the life of the Greyfriar.