THE ANGLICAN GREYFRIARS
FORMATION
FORMATION IS LIFELONG
It begins as a Candidate, where we seek to discern a call to religious life. This is not just a personal decision, but also one that is is discerned by us, with us, and by those in our individual contexts and the Greyfriar Fellowship. Candidacy is a time where we would take up references and talk with your incumbent (or Bishop, in the case of clergy) about receiving your ministry as a Greyfriar in your context. We would also inquire as to your general suitability, and seek evidence of relevant safeguarding training.
The journey continues as below:
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Postulancy
As a Postulant, we explore becoming a Franciscan, particularly the vocation to solitary Religious life with the Anglican Greyfriars. We spend time learning about the founders of the Charism, Franciscan life, spirituality, and history, along with aspects of Franciscan theology. At this stage we would expect you to be serving in your Parish context in some capacity. This stage will last approximately a year, after which you will be clothed in the Grey Habit of Penance at one of our Chapter Gatherings and welcomed into the Novitiate.
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Novitiate
As a Novice, we begin to live the way of life of fellowship. You would be clothed in the Grey Habit - from this time, you are in a place of public ministry, representing both the Fellowship and your Parish. We would want to know from your context that your Parish is ready for you to minister in the public eye, as you are accountable to them. During this time, you will be keeping the disciplines of the Way of Life (e.g. formation in the daily office, retreat, alms giving, mission), and be accompanied by a Novice Guardian. You will attend weekly prayers and all other gatherings (e.g. at Pentecost and Francistide). During this time, you will be reading and reflecting on our Way of Life, the Early Franciscan writings, and further aspects of Franciscan theology. At some stage during this time, we would actively encourage a pilgrimage to a Franciscan centre such as Assisi. This stage will last approximately two years, after which - by mutual agreement, and at one of our Chapter Gatherings - you will make your Life Vows and be welcomed as a Professed.
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Profession
At profession of vows, we begin our journey that never ends towards the love of God and all: it is the doorway to minority, and where we begin our active ministry as a Greyfriar. As a Professed member of the Fellowship, you will be expected to adhere to the Way of Life, attend the various gathering of the Fellowship, and to actively contribute to our life together as well as to your Parish context. In terms of formation, we will gather regularly - both in-person and online - to explore aspects of our faith and ministry, and to pray, study, and mutually edify one another.
Formation is not always linear in its progression, and it is certainly not a way of promotion: on the contrary, it is a journey to minority, which may be why so few desire to walk this path. We encourage compilation of an annual personal report of one's life and ministry (compulsory once Professed) to track one's journey and development.
The Franciscan charism is a "letting go" of our power, in order that we might know god's self-giving loving power living through us. It is a lifelong journey towards the Trinity of Love, and we grow in that not only by the disciplines above (and as found in our Way of Life), but also by responding to the love of God in us and one another. Each of us is unique, and the journey of formation is to see you fully in love with God, and to grow in maturity in your vocational and spiritual life.
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We welcome queries from anyone discerning a Franciscan vocation - contact details are available on our "Contact Us" page.