THE PROCESS OF BECOMING A FRANCISCAN TERTIARY

There are several stages to becoming a Tertiary:

THE ENQUIRER:

• You hear about us! We have sometimes been called “the best kept secret in the Anglican Church”.
• You can contact the Provincial Novice Guardian, or a Tertiary you know for more information.
• You will be sent some relevant material on the Third Order.
• You will be invited to attend a local meeting and become an “Aspirant” with a view to testing your vocation.

The next step is becoming a Postulant.

THE POSTULANT:

• You will test your vocation for a minimum period of about a year.
• A Novice Guardian will be appointed to you (probably a member of your local area) to help and guide you as a Postulant and Novice. Your Novice Guardian will do some studies with you, and will help you write your Rule of Life.
• You will be asked to choose a Spiritual Director (of you do not already have one) whom you trust and who has the skills and background to give you spiritual guidance. She or he can be someone inside or outside the Order, ordained or lay.

The next step is becoming a Novice.

THE NOVICE

• You will study with your Novice Guardian for at least two years, living with your Rule of Life as you journey towards Profession (Making vows)                                                                                                                                   

THE PROFESSED TERTIARY

• You will journey with the “Rule for the Third Order” as set out in the Principles for the rest of your life, together with your personal Rule of Life, but don’t worry, you can amend your personal Rule to accommodate changes in your life!
• You will renew your vows annually.
• You will attend a retreat each year, if possible.
• You will meet with other Tertiaries regularly.