Membership in the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans is attained gradually through a formation process lasting not less than two and a half years after entering the postulancy. The stages of membership and the minimum period one ordinarily would expect to spend at each level of relationship to the Order are as follows:

1. Postulant - six months
2. Novice - two years
3. Professed member - lifetime commitment

Entering the postulancy is not automatic upon request, but takes time, work, and discernment on the part of both the inquirer and the Order.

Many of our visitors to this web site are drawn because of some fascination with Francis and Clare. Perhaps they simply want to know more about the thirteenth-century saints whose vision of the Gospel life turned their world on its head. Maybe those who stop by are trying to figure out why twenty-first century people would spend their time and energy on such nonsense. Perhaps they are simply intrigued by the romantic image of Francis after watching Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna (Brother Sun, Sister Moon). But for some reason, they come.

What about you? What brings you to franciscans.com today?

The Way of St. Francis is also known as the "blue book", a reference to the pre-Internet years of the Order, when our materials were only available in printed form. This basic booklet, containing the Principles of the Order, had a light blue cover.

The "blue book" remains an essential resource for the OEF. In addition to the Principles, it contains a copy of the first Rule of the original Third Order and the format that we use throughout the formation process for our monthly report on our personal rules.

This is an electronic version of the brochure sent to all inquirers as part of the standard 'package' on initial receipt of a letter expressing interest in the Order. Together with The Way of St. Francis, it provides the basic information needed to prepare for entering the postulancy of the OEF.

Click HERE to go to the Download page for this document.