Please read the following questions and items of interest which help to explain the various dimensions of the Order of Franciscan Hermits. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please email BrPaul@FranciscanHermits.org. Thank You
Q - Do I have to be Catholic to Join the Order of Franciscan Hermits?
A - No. While the Founder, Br. Paul, OFH is a Roman Catholic, the Order of Franciscan Hermits is as an Ecumenical Association of Franciscans. Franciscans of any Church affiliation/denomination or canonical status (vowed or not), are invited to join this Community. If you are not formally a Franciscan, the only requirement to become an Associate is that you have a desire to be part of our OFH Fraternity. We do not oversee the profession vows, so please coordinate with your Local Ordinary (Bishop) or (priest/minister if appropriate), if you would like to make a public profession or you may take private vows if you so wish.
The Order of Franciscan Hermits is not affiliated with any established legal or ecclesiastic entity. Membership does not convey ministerial authorization to perform Sacraments.
Q - What's a Hermit?
A - As Hermits, we cherish substantial silence, substantial solitude, contemplative prayer and penance. You don't have to live in a cave or on a mountaintop to be a Hermit... you don't have to be a recluse or eat grasshoppers to choose to commit to live a deeper Spiritual life in the "silence of solitude, and assiduous prayer and penance" (Canon 603). You choose to "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
As an Ecumenical Association of Franciscans, the Order of Franciscan Hermits Associate's and Member's Mission or Calling is the same as St. Francis’ given by the Crucifix of San Damiano, to “Rebuild the Church” and Promote World Peace. They primarily accomplish this through contemplative prayer, compassionate dialogue, fraternal interaction, nonviolent action, and performing the good works asked of us in the Gospel, striving to Build and Unite the Body of Christ which suffers from many divisions, fostering a more perfect life, and exercising other works of the apostolate (Canon 298).
We choose to focus on what UNITES us as Franciscans and Christians, rather than what Divides us, as St. Paul "begs" of us in Ephesians 4:1-6:
"therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all Humility and Gentleness, with Patience, bearing with one another in Love, making every effort to maintain the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace. There is One Body and One Spirit, just as you were called to the One Hope of your calling, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of All, who is above All and through All and in All."
Because there is only "One Body... One Spirit... One Hope... One Faith... One Baptism... One God and Father of All" - Franciscans of any Church affiliation/denomination or canonical status (vowed or not; single or married), are invited in the Spirit of Ecumenism and Fraternity, to be UNITED as One Greater Franciscan Community - You are invited to join the Order of Franciscan Hermits. We strive to Support and Foster a Sense of Belonging and Unity of Purpose, whatever personal Rule or background of any particular Associate or Member. Our Order provides a meeting place for like-minded Souls, Common Ground for those who feel called to the Contemplative Life, Blessed by Franciscan Charism and Spirituality.
Q - Does the Order of Franciscan Hermits Ordain Priests?
A - No. The Order of Franciscan Hermits is not affiliated with any established legal or ecclesiastic entity. Membership does not convey ministerial authorization to perform Sacraments. You will need to contact your local Priest or the Vocations Office of your Church organization to inquire about the process and requirements of becoming a Priest. On our Franciscan Websites page, there are links to many Franciscan Orders and Congregations who you can contact regarding their Vocation process.
NOTE: It is important to realize and know that the Order of Franciscan Hermits is to be considered a Secondary Affiliation for those who are already associated with canonically established Orders or Congregations. Your vows, if public, are taken in the hands of your Local Ordinary (Bishop, Provincial, etc.) and not with the Order of Franciscan Hermits. Your primary responsibility is to the Order or Congregation (or in the case of Canon 603 Diocesan Hermits, to your Bishop) of which you hold vows. The Order of Franciscan Hermits is to no way hinder your participation in your Primary Association.
Q - What is a Primary and Secondary Affiliation?
A - If you are a member of the First Order (OFMs, Conventuals, Capuchins), The Second Order (Poor Clares), Third Order (TOR, Secular Franciscans) or any other Congregation where you have taken Public Vows or Promises, or if you are a Canon 603 Diocesan Hermit (with vows under your Diocesan Bishop) that is your Primary Affiliation.
The Order of Franciscan Hermits is to be one's Secondary Affiliation below one's Primary Affiliation. It is in no way to ever interfere with the customs and requirements of your Primary Affiliation.
For those OFH Members who are not members of one of the groups listed in the first paragraph, the Order of Franciscan Hermits can be your Primary Affiliation. You may make Private Vows or Public Vows. Your vows, if public, are taken in the hands of your Local Ordinary (Bishop) or priest and not with the Order of Franciscan Hermits.
*DISCLAIMER: The Order of Franciscan Hermits is not affiliated with any established legal or ecclesiastic entity and will not be held responsible for actions of any kind of any of its independent Associates or Members. Membership does not convey ministerial authorization to perform Sacraments or to conduct business on behalf of the Order of Franciscan Hermits. Members may use the initials OFH after their names to show their Fraternal Association with the Order, but no other benefits or guarantees are implied other than use of this website and associated social media to help facilitate communication with the Members. The Order of Franciscan Hermits reserves the right to revoke Individual Membership at any time without notice. Members are expected to be respectful of the other Members and only post appropriate, non-political, information of interest to world-wide Franciscans.
Q - Does the Order of Franciscan Hermits provide Scholarships, Stipends or any other Financial Assistance to its Associates or Members?
A - No. Each Associate and/or Member of the Order of Franciscan Hermits is Independent and is responsible for his or her own financial support. We do not have scholarships for Seminarians or for any other ministerial support. Membership is voluntary and no dues or fees are ever collected to be a Member of the Order. No stipends are given to Members for being part of the Order.
Q - Does the Order of Franciscan Hermits have a Formation Program for its Associates and Members?
A - Yes. As Members and Associates of the Order of Franciscan Hermits, we are all encouraged to daily participate in Initial and Ongoing Formation in the Spiritual Life. This should be centered on a balanced understanding of Sacred Scripture, church teachings, spiritual writings of the Church Fathers and Mothers, and Franciscan studies. All Members are expected to spend some time each day in religious study. One of the greatest disservices to yourself would be to neglect your personal formation program.
Please CLICK HERE for our OFH Formation Page
Q - When are you going to open a Monastery or Hermitage in India... Africa... Philippines...???
A - Since the Order of Franciscan Hermits is not affiliated with any established legal or ecclesiastic entity, it does not have authority as an organization (nor funding) to establish Hermitages or Monasteries anywhere.
Individual Members are free to open their homes and/or existing Hermitages and Monasteries to other OFH Members... The OFH, however, will not accept any responsibility for the management, funding or liability for any of its Members choosing to do so. All OFH Associates and Members are Independent and are responsible for their own financial support.
Q - Can I be a Member of or Join Another Religious Community and Also be an Associate or Member of the Order of Franciscan Hermits?
A - Absolutely. Please read the FAQ above about "Primary and Secondary" Affiliations. Because you do not take vows within the Order of Franciscan Hermits (if you choose to take vows they are in the hands of your Local Ordinary - Your Bishop or a priest), you are completely free to choose any Order or Congregation to Profess your Vows.
If the other organization asks you to Leave the Order of Franciscan Hermits, you are free to leave at any time without any hard feelings. You will ALWAYS be part of our Franciscan Family and Brother or Sister in Christ.
Q - What are the Requirements to Join the Order of Franciscan Hermits?
A - Most people in our OFH Family are "Associates" and will remain so due to their commitment level to the OFH and their outside responsibilities either to their Primary Affiliation, spouses, children etc. Associates have joined and should regularly participate in the Order of Franciscan Hermits Facebook Group by posting in our daily Prayer Requests. (This does NOT mean you need to post daily, but remember to share your special Prayer Requests when you have them.)
If, after a period of discernment and participation in the Order of Franciscans Facebook Group (typically 6 months to a year), if an Associate feels that they have found a "Home" in the OFH, they can contact Br. Paul (BrPaul@FranciscanHermits.org) to discuss their desire to become a Member of the Order of Franciscan Hermits. Discernment is a process between the Associate, the Guardian (Br. Paul) and the Holy Spirit. The Associate should be inspired by the Life and Spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi, live a life of substantial silence, substantial solitude, contemplative prayer and penance and be over the age of 18. You may already be a member of another Primary Affiliation (please see the FAQ above on Primary and Secondary Affiliations), and of any Church affiliation/denomination.
Please Read ALL of the FAQs on this page and also understand agree to the following Disclaimer...
*DISCLAIMER: The Order of Franciscan Hermits is not affiliated with any established legal or ecclesiastic entity and will not be held responsible for actions of any kind of any of its independent Associates or Members. Membership does not convey ministerial authorization to perform Sacraments or to conduct business on behalf of the Order of Franciscan Hermits. Members may use the initials OFH after their names to show their Fraternal Association with the Order, but no other benefits or guarantees are implied other than use of this website and associated social media to help facilitate communication with the Members. The Order of Franciscan Hermits reserves the right to revoke Individual Membership at any time without notice. Members are expected to be respectful of the other Members and only post appropriate, non-political, information of interest to world-wide Franciscans.
If at any time you wish to leave the Order of Franciscan Hermits, please email BrPaul@FranciscanHermits.org and he will remove your profile and contact information from the website. You will always be part of our Franciscan Family.
Q - What is the Difference Between an Associate and a Member of the Order of Franciscan Hermits?
A - An "Associate" of the Order of Franciscan Hermits is someone who wishes to lovingly support and pray for the Members of the Order of Franciscan Hermits, much like Oblates of Benedictine Communities. They are considered a part of the OFH Family and are included in the daily prayers of the Members of the Order. They do not have a personal profile on this website, but they are typically members of the Order of Franciscan Hermits Facebook Group. It is also requested that they Join our Email List, so they can receive our occasional Newsletters.
"Members" of the Order of Franciscan Hermits have participated in the Order of Franciscans Facebook Group (typically 6 months to a year) as an Associate and, after prayerful discernment with the Guardian (Br. Paul), has determined that they have found a "Home" in the OFH. They should be inspired by the Life and Spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi, live a life of substantial silence, substantial solitude, contemplative prayer and penance and be over the age of 18. They may be a member of another Primary Affiliation (please see the FAQ above on Primary and Secondary Affiliations), and of any Church affiliation/denomination. They are listed in our OFH Directory and have an OFH Member Profile created which gives basic information about the Member and his/her contact details they wish to share. They are free to use the initials "OFH" after their name to show their Fraternal Association with our Order. They are asked to pray for all OFH Associates and Members each day.
Q - Can I be Married and Still be an Associate or Member of the Order of Franciscan Hermits?
A - Yes. Associates and Members are accepted for whatever state in life they are in, whether Single or Married.
Q - Do the Associates and Members of the Order of Franciscan Hermits Wear a Habit or have a Symbol to Wear?
A - Associates and/or Members who wish to wear a Symbol of their affiliation with the Order of Franciscan Hermits are encouraged to wear either the San Damiano crucifix which was what spoke to St. Francis and gave him his mission to "Rebuild the Church" or the Tau Cross as either a pendant or a lapel pin. Wearing a Symbol is optional and up to each person. Note: These are only samples of many designs available on Amazon.com. Lapel Pins are difficult to find and may be smaller than expected.
A - No. While the Founder, Br. Paul, OFH is a Roman Catholic, the Order of Franciscan Hermits is as an Ecumenical Association of Franciscans. Franciscans of any Church affiliation/denomination or canonical status (vowed or not), are invited to join this Community. If you are not formally a Franciscan, the only requirement to become an Associate is that you have a desire to be part of our OFH Fraternity. We do not oversee the profession vows, so please coordinate with your Local Ordinary (Bishop) or (priest/minister if appropriate), if you would like to make a public profession or you may take private vows if you so wish.
The Order of Franciscan Hermits is not affiliated with any established legal or ecclesiastic entity. Membership does not convey ministerial authorization to perform Sacraments.
Q - What's a Hermit?
A - As Hermits, we cherish substantial silence, substantial solitude, contemplative prayer and penance. You don't have to live in a cave or on a mountaintop to be a Hermit... you don't have to be a recluse or eat grasshoppers to choose to commit to live a deeper Spiritual life in the "silence of solitude, and assiduous prayer and penance" (Canon 603). You choose to "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
As an Ecumenical Association of Franciscans, the Order of Franciscan Hermits Associate's and Member's Mission or Calling is the same as St. Francis’ given by the Crucifix of San Damiano, to “Rebuild the Church” and Promote World Peace. They primarily accomplish this through contemplative prayer, compassionate dialogue, fraternal interaction, nonviolent action, and performing the good works asked of us in the Gospel, striving to Build and Unite the Body of Christ which suffers from many divisions, fostering a more perfect life, and exercising other works of the apostolate (Canon 298).
We choose to focus on what UNITES us as Franciscans and Christians, rather than what Divides us, as St. Paul "begs" of us in Ephesians 4:1-6:
"therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all Humility and Gentleness, with Patience, bearing with one another in Love, making every effort to maintain the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace. There is One Body and One Spirit, just as you were called to the One Hope of your calling, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of All, who is above All and through All and in All."
Because there is only "One Body... One Spirit... One Hope... One Faith... One Baptism... One God and Father of All" - Franciscans of any Church affiliation/denomination or canonical status (vowed or not; single or married), are invited in the Spirit of Ecumenism and Fraternity, to be UNITED as One Greater Franciscan Community - You are invited to join the Order of Franciscan Hermits. We strive to Support and Foster a Sense of Belonging and Unity of Purpose, whatever personal Rule or background of any particular Associate or Member. Our Order provides a meeting place for like-minded Souls, Common Ground for those who feel called to the Contemplative Life, Blessed by Franciscan Charism and Spirituality.
Q - Does the Order of Franciscan Hermits Ordain Priests?
A - No. The Order of Franciscan Hermits is not affiliated with any established legal or ecclesiastic entity. Membership does not convey ministerial authorization to perform Sacraments. You will need to contact your local Priest or the Vocations Office of your Church organization to inquire about the process and requirements of becoming a Priest. On our Franciscan Websites page, there are links to many Franciscan Orders and Congregations who you can contact regarding their Vocation process.
NOTE: It is important to realize and know that the Order of Franciscan Hermits is to be considered a Secondary Affiliation for those who are already associated with canonically established Orders or Congregations. Your vows, if public, are taken in the hands of your Local Ordinary (Bishop, Provincial, etc.) and not with the Order of Franciscan Hermits. Your primary responsibility is to the Order or Congregation (or in the case of Canon 603 Diocesan Hermits, to your Bishop) of which you hold vows. The Order of Franciscan Hermits is to no way hinder your participation in your Primary Association.
Q - What is a Primary and Secondary Affiliation?
A - If you are a member of the First Order (OFMs, Conventuals, Capuchins), The Second Order (Poor Clares), Third Order (TOR, Secular Franciscans) or any other Congregation where you have taken Public Vows or Promises, or if you are a Canon 603 Diocesan Hermit (with vows under your Diocesan Bishop) that is your Primary Affiliation.
The Order of Franciscan Hermits is to be one's Secondary Affiliation below one's Primary Affiliation. It is in no way to ever interfere with the customs and requirements of your Primary Affiliation.
For those OFH Members who are not members of one of the groups listed in the first paragraph, the Order of Franciscan Hermits can be your Primary Affiliation. You may make Private Vows or Public Vows. Your vows, if public, are taken in the hands of your Local Ordinary (Bishop) or priest and not with the Order of Franciscan Hermits.
*DISCLAIMER: The Order of Franciscan Hermits is not affiliated with any established legal or ecclesiastic entity and will not be held responsible for actions of any kind of any of its independent Associates or Members. Membership does not convey ministerial authorization to perform Sacraments or to conduct business on behalf of the Order of Franciscan Hermits. Members may use the initials OFH after their names to show their Fraternal Association with the Order, but no other benefits or guarantees are implied other than use of this website and associated social media to help facilitate communication with the Members. The Order of Franciscan Hermits reserves the right to revoke Individual Membership at any time without notice. Members are expected to be respectful of the other Members and only post appropriate, non-political, information of interest to world-wide Franciscans.
Q - Does the Order of Franciscan Hermits provide Scholarships, Stipends or any other Financial Assistance to its Associates or Members?
A - No. Each Associate and/or Member of the Order of Franciscan Hermits is Independent and is responsible for his or her own financial support. We do not have scholarships for Seminarians or for any other ministerial support. Membership is voluntary and no dues or fees are ever collected to be a Member of the Order. No stipends are given to Members for being part of the Order.
Q - Does the Order of Franciscan Hermits have a Formation Program for its Associates and Members?
A - Yes. As Members and Associates of the Order of Franciscan Hermits, we are all encouraged to daily participate in Initial and Ongoing Formation in the Spiritual Life. This should be centered on a balanced understanding of Sacred Scripture, church teachings, spiritual writings of the Church Fathers and Mothers, and Franciscan studies. All Members are expected to spend some time each day in religious study. One of the greatest disservices to yourself would be to neglect your personal formation program.
Please CLICK HERE for our OFH Formation Page
Q - When are you going to open a Monastery or Hermitage in India... Africa... Philippines...???
A - Since the Order of Franciscan Hermits is not affiliated with any established legal or ecclesiastic entity, it does not have authority as an organization (nor funding) to establish Hermitages or Monasteries anywhere.
Individual Members are free to open their homes and/or existing Hermitages and Monasteries to other OFH Members... The OFH, however, will not accept any responsibility for the management, funding or liability for any of its Members choosing to do so. All OFH Associates and Members are Independent and are responsible for their own financial support.
Q - Can I be a Member of or Join Another Religious Community and Also be an Associate or Member of the Order of Franciscan Hermits?
A - Absolutely. Please read the FAQ above about "Primary and Secondary" Affiliations. Because you do not take vows within the Order of Franciscan Hermits (if you choose to take vows they are in the hands of your Local Ordinary - Your Bishop or a priest), you are completely free to choose any Order or Congregation to Profess your Vows.
If the other organization asks you to Leave the Order of Franciscan Hermits, you are free to leave at any time without any hard feelings. You will ALWAYS be part of our Franciscan Family and Brother or Sister in Christ.
Q - What are the Requirements to Join the Order of Franciscan Hermits?
A - Most people in our OFH Family are "Associates" and will remain so due to their commitment level to the OFH and their outside responsibilities either to their Primary Affiliation, spouses, children etc. Associates have joined and should regularly participate in the Order of Franciscan Hermits Facebook Group by posting in our daily Prayer Requests. (This does NOT mean you need to post daily, but remember to share your special Prayer Requests when you have them.)
If, after a period of discernment and participation in the Order of Franciscans Facebook Group (typically 6 months to a year), if an Associate feels that they have found a "Home" in the OFH, they can contact Br. Paul (BrPaul@FranciscanHermits.org) to discuss their desire to become a Member of the Order of Franciscan Hermits. Discernment is a process between the Associate, the Guardian (Br. Paul) and the Holy Spirit. The Associate should be inspired by the Life and Spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi, live a life of substantial silence, substantial solitude, contemplative prayer and penance and be over the age of 18. You may already be a member of another Primary Affiliation (please see the FAQ above on Primary and Secondary Affiliations), and of any Church affiliation/denomination.
Please Read ALL of the FAQs on this page and also understand agree to the following Disclaimer...
*DISCLAIMER: The Order of Franciscan Hermits is not affiliated with any established legal or ecclesiastic entity and will not be held responsible for actions of any kind of any of its independent Associates or Members. Membership does not convey ministerial authorization to perform Sacraments or to conduct business on behalf of the Order of Franciscan Hermits. Members may use the initials OFH after their names to show their Fraternal Association with the Order, but no other benefits or guarantees are implied other than use of this website and associated social media to help facilitate communication with the Members. The Order of Franciscan Hermits reserves the right to revoke Individual Membership at any time without notice. Members are expected to be respectful of the other Members and only post appropriate, non-political, information of interest to world-wide Franciscans.
If at any time you wish to leave the Order of Franciscan Hermits, please email BrPaul@FranciscanHermits.org and he will remove your profile and contact information from the website. You will always be part of our Franciscan Family.
Q - What is the Difference Between an Associate and a Member of the Order of Franciscan Hermits?
A - An "Associate" of the Order of Franciscan Hermits is someone who wishes to lovingly support and pray for the Members of the Order of Franciscan Hermits, much like Oblates of Benedictine Communities. They are considered a part of the OFH Family and are included in the daily prayers of the Members of the Order. They do not have a personal profile on this website, but they are typically members of the Order of Franciscan Hermits Facebook Group. It is also requested that they Join our Email List, so they can receive our occasional Newsletters.
"Members" of the Order of Franciscan Hermits have participated in the Order of Franciscans Facebook Group (typically 6 months to a year) as an Associate and, after prayerful discernment with the Guardian (Br. Paul), has determined that they have found a "Home" in the OFH. They should be inspired by the Life and Spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi, live a life of substantial silence, substantial solitude, contemplative prayer and penance and be over the age of 18. They may be a member of another Primary Affiliation (please see the FAQ above on Primary and Secondary Affiliations), and of any Church affiliation/denomination. They are listed in our OFH Directory and have an OFH Member Profile created which gives basic information about the Member and his/her contact details they wish to share. They are free to use the initials "OFH" after their name to show their Fraternal Association with our Order. They are asked to pray for all OFH Associates and Members each day.
Q - Can I be Married and Still be an Associate or Member of the Order of Franciscan Hermits?
A - Yes. Associates and Members are accepted for whatever state in life they are in, whether Single or Married.
Q - Do the Associates and Members of the Order of Franciscan Hermits Wear a Habit or have a Symbol to Wear?
A - Associates and/or Members who wish to wear a Symbol of their affiliation with the Order of Franciscan Hermits are encouraged to wear either the San Damiano crucifix which was what spoke to St. Francis and gave him his mission to "Rebuild the Church" or the Tau Cross as either a pendant or a lapel pin. Wearing a Symbol is optional and up to each person. Note: These are only samples of many designs available on Amazon.com. Lapel Pins are difficult to find and may be smaller than expected.
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Members of the Order of Franciscan Hermits who have a Primary Affiliation in another organization are to wear that Community's habit. Optionally, they can wear the San Damiano Crucifix or Tau Cross pendant or lapel pins above or one of their choosing to show their affiliation with the OFH.
Members who have the Order of Franciscan Hermits as their Primary Affiliation can wear a habit of their own choosing for private devotion or when gathering with other OFH Members, but must receive the permission of their Local Ordinary (Bishop or Priest) to wear the habit in public. Members must always follow the customs and guidance of their church denomination regarding the wearing of religious garb. For more insight into the wearing of the Franciscan Habit, please visit our Habit Design Forum Post where Members of the order give their opinions. Associates do NOT wear a habit.
Members who have the Order of Franciscan Hermits as their Primary Affiliation can wear a habit of their own choosing for private devotion or when gathering with other OFH Members, but must receive the permission of their Local Ordinary (Bishop or Priest) to wear the habit in public. Members must always follow the customs and guidance of their church denomination regarding the wearing of religious garb. For more insight into the wearing of the Franciscan Habit, please visit our Habit Design Forum Post where Members of the order give their opinions. Associates do NOT wear a habit.
