As Franciscan Hermits,
We Work and Pray to “Rebuild the Church” and Promote World Peace.
We Cherish Substantial Silence, Substantial Solitude, Prayer and Penance.
We Focus on what UNITES us as Franciscans, Christians & God's Children,
Rather than what Divides Us.
We Work and Pray to “Rebuild the Church” and Promote World Peace.
We Cherish Substantial Silence, Substantial Solitude, Prayer and Penance.
We Focus on what UNITES us as Franciscans, Christians & God's Children,
Rather than what Divides Us.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 [email protected]. Thank You
Q - How did the Order of Franciscan Hermits get started?
Inspired by our beloved Popes Francis, St. John Paul II, and Benedict XVI’s ecumenical outreach (especially with Pope Benedict’s erection of the Personal Ordinariates established in accordance with the apostolic constitution Anglicanorum coetibus of 4 November 2009), and the Order of Friar Minor’s "Decision 7" of the 2015 General Chapter regarding Hermitage Fraternities, Br. Paul, OFH, a Roman Catholic, founded The Order of Franciscan Hermits (OFH) on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, May 31, 2015, as an International Franciscan Private Association of the Christian Faithful - Contemplative Community. Our Associates and Members have a specific Mission to Rebuild the Church and Pray for WORLD PEACE, through contemplative prayer, compassionate dialogue, fraternal interaction, nonviolent action, and performing the good works asked of us in the Gospel. Our Associates and Members strive to follow the Rule of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi according to their state in life (single or married). We live a life of substantial silence, substantial solitude, contemplative prayer and penance. We Focus on what Unites us as Franciscans and Christians, rather than on what Divides us. The Lord has blessed our Community with Associates and Members who live in over 90 countries worldwide.
Q - What is an Associate of the Order of Franciscan Hermits?
A - The Order of Franciscan Hermits has a network of non-Member "Associates" - lay persons within the Church, much like an "Oblate" of a Benedictine Community, who strive to follow the Rule of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi according to their state in life (single or married). They identify with and begin to live our specific Mission to Rebuild the Church and Pray for WORLD PEACE, through contemplative prayer, compassionate dialogue, fraternal interaction, nonviolent action, and performing the good works asked of us in the Gospel. They also strive to live a life of substantial silence, substantial solitude, contemplative prayer and penance. They begin to Focus on what Unites us as Franciscans and Christians, rather than on what Divides us. They also participate in our Formation studies. Through their association, they agree to lovingly support and pray for the Members of the Order of Franciscan Hermits. All Associates are included in the daily prayers of the Members of the Order.
We welcome all baptized Christians, in the Spirit of Ecumenism and Fraternity, who are able to strive towards St. Francis' requirement of the Brothers to be "Obedient to the Pope and his successors" and who are committed to Rebuild the Church and Pray for WORLD PEACE, to join the Order of Franciscan Hermits as an "Associate." We work to support and foster a sense of belonging and Unity of Purpose - providing a meeting place for like-minded souls, common ground for those who feel called to the Contemplative Life, Blessed by Franciscan Charism and Spirituality.
For those non-Catholics who wish to work towards Christian Unity, but do not yet agree with or wish to strive towards St. Francis' requirement of the Brothers to be "Obedient to the Pope and his successors," the OFH is not able to extend an invitation for them to become an Associate until they are in alignment with this requirement of Association. We are all still "One Body" as Christians, but they are not yet not in alignment with St. Francis' vision for living the Gospel Life.
All Roman Catholic Members and Associates believe and profess all that the Catholic Church presents to us through our Holy Father, Pope Francis and his successors, the Magisterium (the teaching authority of the Church), Sacred Apostolic Tradition (which includes the Apostle and Nicene Creeds of the Faith defining our belief in the One, Triune God) and Sacred Scripture. Throughout the world, the OFH honors and prays daily for the intentions and wellbeing of their Diocesan Bishops, Ordinaries, and the Holy Father.
The OFH includes non-Catholic Christian participants in a way that respects and ensures the integrity of the religious beliefs and freedom of all, according to the norms of the Roman Catholic Church.
If you would like to be an Associate, please join our Email List and Facebook GROUP, which is the best way to meet with all the other OFH Associates.
Q - What are the Requirements to Join the Order of Franciscan Hermits as an Associate?
A - In Order to Join the Order of Franciscan Hermits as an Associate, You Agree that you have Read ALL of the FAQs on this page and also understand/agree to the Disclaimer below...
The Order of Franciscan Hermits is an International Franciscan Private Association of the Christian Faithful - Contemplative Community, founded by Br. Paul, OFH who is Roman Catholic. Most of our Associates and Members in our OFH Family are Roman Catholic, but we welcome all baptized Christians who are able to strive towards St. Francis' requirement of the Brothers to be "Obedient to the Pope and his successors" and who are committed to Rebuild the Church and Pray for WORLD PEACE, through contemplative prayer, compassionate dialogue, fraternal interaction, nonviolent action, and performing the good works asked of us in the Gospel. Our Associates and Members strive to follow the Rule of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi according to their state in life. We live a life of substantial silence, substantial solitude, contemplative prayer and penance. We Focus on what Unites us as Franciscans and Christians, rather than on what Divides us.
To become an OFH Associate, please join and actively participate in our Order of Franciscan Hermits Facebook Group AND Join our OFH Email List. Your Facebook profile will be reviewed for the types of content you post on your Timeline/Profile. If your Facebook profile contains profanity, hate speech, bigotry, violence, inappropriate sexual references, contains more political posts than Spiritual posts, has multiple "Selfies" or has not been in existence for at least 6 months, you will not be approved become an Associate. Our Associates and Members should be primarily focused on Spiritual matters and the evidence is shown by what is posted on their personal Facebook timeline. If you have inappropriate posts, please remove them BEFORE you ask to Join our Facebook Group. You are welcome to post items of a political nature on your own timeline, but NOT within the OFH Facebook Group... the purpose and function of the OFH Facebook Group is to provide Spiritual Support and "Ongoing Formation" to its Associates and Members and is where we "meet" as a community on a daily basis. CLICK HERE for additional Formation materials.
To be considered "Active" as an Associate of the Order of Franciscan Hermits, each person must post at least 1 Prayer Request or Spiritual article of interest to Franciscans at least once per week for six months, then ongoing in the OFH Facebook Group (unless other provisions are made with the Guardian due to illness etc.). (This does NOT mean you need to post daily, but remember to share your special Prayer Requests when you have them.) Inactive Associates within the Facebook Group may be removed without notice, but can request to become an Associate again when they have more time to commit to the Community.
Please limit your posts within the OFH FB Group to your daily Prayer Requests and uplifting Spiritual posts of interest to Franciscans. NO POLITICS; NO posts of hate of any kind; NO Controversial Topics which may spark Debates; NO Requests for people to Sign Petitions; NO fundraising posts unless to directly support the OFH and approved by [email protected] in advance; NO Promotion of other non-OFH FB Groups or Pages... posts of these nature will be deleted immediately as the OFH is not to support any political agenda, violence of any kind or topics which distract us from our purpose here and/or may cause Division/Separation within our Group. St. Francis promoted LOVE and PEACE.
Our Facebook Group is very active... Please DO NOT feel you have to read or comment on EVERY post! If you are reading every post, you are spending too much time on the Internet and should return to the "Silence of Solitude and Prayer." Our daily Prayer Requests are our most important posts to participate in each day... sharing your Prayer Requests and praying for all the others. The other posts are very good and part of our ongoing Formation, but we really only need 1 good message or thought for the day to ponder. When you've found a good post, let that be enough to feed you and leave the rest. If the post is in another group, feel free to Share it to our OFH Group so the rest of us can enjoy. If you find a post in our Group you like, feel free to Share with other FB Groups or on your personal Timeline.
Associates of the Order of Franciscan Hermits, 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. One of the greatest disservices to yourself would be to neglect your personal formation program.
Please CLICK HERE for our OFH Formation Page
*DISCLAIMER: Each Associate and/or Member of the Order of Franciscan Hermits is Independent and is responsible for his or her own financial support and are not employees of the Order. The Order of Franciscan Hermits will NOT be held responsible for actions of any kind of any of its Independent Associates or Members. Being an Associate or Member does not convey ministerial authorization to perform Sacraments or to conduct business on behalf of the Order of Franciscan Hermits. Members (not Associates) 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 and/or change and amend the terms of membership at any time without notice. Associates and Members are expected to be respectful of others and only post appropriate, non-political information of interest to world-wide Franciscans.
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 and the OFH is a "de facto" International Franciscan Private Association of the Christian Faithful within the Roman Catholic Church, we welcome all baptized Christians, in the Spirit of Ecumenism and Fraternity, who are able to strive towards St. Francis' requirement of the Brothers to be "Obedient to the Pope and his successors" and who are committed to Rebuild the Church and Pray for WORLD PEACE, to join the Order of Franciscan Hermits as an "Associate." We work to support and foster a sense of belonging and Unity of Purpose - providing a meeting place for like-minded souls, common ground for those who feel called to the Contemplative Life, Blessed by Franciscan Charism and Spirituality.
For those non-Catholics who wish to work towards Christian Unity, but do not yet agree with or wish to strive towards St. Francis' requirement of the Brothers to be "Obedient to the Pope and his successors," the OFH is not able to extend an invitation for them to become an Associate until they are in alignment with this requirement of Association. We are all still "One Body" as Christians, but they are not yet not in alignment with St. Francis' vision for living the Gospel Life.
The OFH includes non-Catholic Christian participants in a way that respects and ensures the integrity of the religious beliefs and freedom of all, according to the norms of the Roman Catholic Church.
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 and are not employees of the Order. We do not have scholarships for Seminarians. Being an Associate is a voluntary act.
Q - Does the Order of Franciscan Hermits have a Formation Program for its Associates?
A - Yes. Associates of the Order of Franciscan Hermits are 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. One of the greatest disservices to yourself would be to neglect your personal formation program.
Please CLICK HERE for our OFH Formation Page
Q - Can I be Married and Still be an Associate of the Order of Franciscan Hermits?
A - Yes. Our Associates strive to follow the Rule of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi according to their state in life. Associates 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 DO NOT WEAR A HABIT. Associates 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.
Q - How did the Order of Franciscan Hermits get started?
Inspired by our beloved Popes Francis, St. John Paul II, and Benedict XVI’s ecumenical outreach (especially with Pope Benedict’s erection of the Personal Ordinariates established in accordance with the apostolic constitution Anglicanorum coetibus of 4 November 2009), and the Order of Friar Minor’s "Decision 7" of the 2015 General Chapter regarding Hermitage Fraternities, Br. Paul, OFH, a Roman Catholic, founded The Order of Franciscan Hermits (OFH) on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, May 31, 2015, as an International Franciscan Private Association of the Christian Faithful - Contemplative Community. Our Associates and Members have a specific Mission to Rebuild the Church and Pray for WORLD PEACE, through contemplative prayer, compassionate dialogue, fraternal interaction, nonviolent action, and performing the good works asked of us in the Gospel. Our Associates and Members strive to follow the Rule of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi according to their state in life (single or married). We live a life of substantial silence, substantial solitude, contemplative prayer and penance. We Focus on what Unites us as Franciscans and Christians, rather than on what Divides us. The Lord has blessed our Community with Associates and Members who live in over 90 countries worldwide.
Q - What is an Associate of the Order of Franciscan Hermits?
A - The Order of Franciscan Hermits has a network of non-Member "Associates" - lay persons within the Church, much like an "Oblate" of a Benedictine Community, who strive to follow the Rule of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi according to their state in life (single or married). They identify with and begin to live our specific Mission to Rebuild the Church and Pray for WORLD PEACE, through contemplative prayer, compassionate dialogue, fraternal interaction, nonviolent action, and performing the good works asked of us in the Gospel. They also strive to live a life of substantial silence, substantial solitude, contemplative prayer and penance. They begin to Focus on what Unites us as Franciscans and Christians, rather than on what Divides us. They also participate in our Formation studies. Through their association, they agree to lovingly support and pray for the Members of the Order of Franciscan Hermits. All Associates are included in the daily prayers of the Members of the Order.
We welcome all baptized Christians, in the Spirit of Ecumenism and Fraternity, who are able to strive towards St. Francis' requirement of the Brothers to be "Obedient to the Pope and his successors" and who are committed to Rebuild the Church and Pray for WORLD PEACE, to join the Order of Franciscan Hermits as an "Associate." We work to support and foster a sense of belonging and Unity of Purpose - providing a meeting place for like-minded souls, common ground for those who feel called to the Contemplative Life, Blessed by Franciscan Charism and Spirituality.
For those non-Catholics who wish to work towards Christian Unity, but do not yet agree with or wish to strive towards St. Francis' requirement of the Brothers to be "Obedient to the Pope and his successors," the OFH is not able to extend an invitation for them to become an Associate until they are in alignment with this requirement of Association. We are all still "One Body" as Christians, but they are not yet not in alignment with St. Francis' vision for living the Gospel Life.
All Roman Catholic Members and Associates believe and profess all that the Catholic Church presents to us through our Holy Father, Pope Francis and his successors, the Magisterium (the teaching authority of the Church), Sacred Apostolic Tradition (which includes the Apostle and Nicene Creeds of the Faith defining our belief in the One, Triune God) and Sacred Scripture. Throughout the world, the OFH honors and prays daily for the intentions and wellbeing of their Diocesan Bishops, Ordinaries, and the Holy Father.
The OFH includes non-Catholic Christian participants in a way that respects and ensures the integrity of the religious beliefs and freedom of all, according to the norms of the Roman Catholic Church.
If you would like to be an Associate, please join our Email List and Facebook GROUP, which is the best way to meet with all the other OFH Associates.
Q - What are the Requirements to Join the Order of Franciscan Hermits as an Associate?
A - In Order to Join the Order of Franciscan Hermits as an Associate, You Agree that you have Read ALL of the FAQs on this page and also understand/agree to the Disclaimer below...
The Order of Franciscan Hermits is an International Franciscan Private Association of the Christian Faithful - Contemplative Community, founded by Br. Paul, OFH who is Roman Catholic. Most of our Associates and Members in our OFH Family are Roman Catholic, but we welcome all baptized Christians who are able to strive towards St. Francis' requirement of the Brothers to be "Obedient to the Pope and his successors" and who are committed to Rebuild the Church and Pray for WORLD PEACE, through contemplative prayer, compassionate dialogue, fraternal interaction, nonviolent action, and performing the good works asked of us in the Gospel. Our Associates and Members strive to follow the Rule of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi according to their state in life. We live a life of substantial silence, substantial solitude, contemplative prayer and penance. We Focus on what Unites us as Franciscans and Christians, rather than on what Divides us.
To become an OFH Associate, please join and actively participate in our Order of Franciscan Hermits Facebook Group AND Join our OFH Email List. Your Facebook profile will be reviewed for the types of content you post on your Timeline/Profile. If your Facebook profile contains profanity, hate speech, bigotry, violence, inappropriate sexual references, contains more political posts than Spiritual posts, has multiple "Selfies" or has not been in existence for at least 6 months, you will not be approved become an Associate. Our Associates and Members should be primarily focused on Spiritual matters and the evidence is shown by what is posted on their personal Facebook timeline. If you have inappropriate posts, please remove them BEFORE you ask to Join our Facebook Group. You are welcome to post items of a political nature on your own timeline, but NOT within the OFH Facebook Group... the purpose and function of the OFH Facebook Group is to provide Spiritual Support and "Ongoing Formation" to its Associates and Members and is where we "meet" as a community on a daily basis. CLICK HERE for additional Formation materials.
To be considered "Active" as an Associate of the Order of Franciscan Hermits, each person must post at least 1 Prayer Request or Spiritual article of interest to Franciscans at least once per week for six months, then ongoing in the OFH Facebook Group (unless other provisions are made with the Guardian due to illness etc.). (This does NOT mean you need to post daily, but remember to share your special Prayer Requests when you have them.) Inactive Associates within the Facebook Group may be removed without notice, but can request to become an Associate again when they have more time to commit to the Community.
Please limit your posts within the OFH FB Group to your daily Prayer Requests and uplifting Spiritual posts of interest to Franciscans. NO POLITICS; NO posts of hate of any kind; NO Controversial Topics which may spark Debates; NO Requests for people to Sign Petitions; NO fundraising posts unless to directly support the OFH and approved by [email protected] in advance; NO Promotion of other non-OFH FB Groups or Pages... posts of these nature will be deleted immediately as the OFH is not to support any political agenda, violence of any kind or topics which distract us from our purpose here and/or may cause Division/Separation within our Group. St. Francis promoted LOVE and PEACE.
Our Facebook Group is very active... Please DO NOT feel you have to read or comment on EVERY post! If you are reading every post, you are spending too much time on the Internet and should return to the "Silence of Solitude and Prayer." Our daily Prayer Requests are our most important posts to participate in each day... sharing your Prayer Requests and praying for all the others. The other posts are very good and part of our ongoing Formation, but we really only need 1 good message or thought for the day to ponder. When you've found a good post, let that be enough to feed you and leave the rest. If the post is in another group, feel free to Share it to our OFH Group so the rest of us can enjoy. If you find a post in our Group you like, feel free to Share with other FB Groups or on your personal Timeline.
Associates of the Order of Franciscan Hermits, 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. One of the greatest disservices to yourself would be to neglect your personal formation program.
Please CLICK HERE for our OFH Formation Page
*DISCLAIMER: Each Associate and/or Member of the Order of Franciscan Hermits is Independent and is responsible for his or her own financial support and are not employees of the Order. The Order of Franciscan Hermits will NOT be held responsible for actions of any kind of any of its Independent Associates or Members. Being an Associate or Member does not convey ministerial authorization to perform Sacraments or to conduct business on behalf of the Order of Franciscan Hermits. Members (not Associates) 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 and/or change and amend the terms of membership at any time without notice. Associates and Members are expected to be respectful of others and only post appropriate, non-political information of interest to world-wide Franciscans.
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 and the OFH is a "de facto" International Franciscan Private Association of the Christian Faithful within the Roman Catholic Church, we welcome all baptized Christians, in the Spirit of Ecumenism and Fraternity, who are able to strive towards St. Francis' requirement of the Brothers to be "Obedient to the Pope and his successors" and who are committed to Rebuild the Church and Pray for WORLD PEACE, to join the Order of Franciscan Hermits as an "Associate." We work to support and foster a sense of belonging and Unity of Purpose - providing a meeting place for like-minded souls, common ground for those who feel called to the Contemplative Life, Blessed by Franciscan Charism and Spirituality.
For those non-Catholics who wish to work towards Christian Unity, but do not yet agree with or wish to strive towards St. Francis' requirement of the Brothers to be "Obedient to the Pope and his successors," the OFH is not able to extend an invitation for them to become an Associate until they are in alignment with this requirement of Association. We are all still "One Body" as Christians, but they are not yet not in alignment with St. Francis' vision for living the Gospel Life.
The OFH includes non-Catholic Christian participants in a way that respects and ensures the integrity of the religious beliefs and freedom of all, according to the norms of the Roman Catholic Church.
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 and are not employees of the Order. We do not have scholarships for Seminarians. Being an Associate is a voluntary act.
Q - Does the Order of Franciscan Hermits have a Formation Program for its Associates?
A - Yes. Associates of the Order of Franciscan Hermits are 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. One of the greatest disservices to yourself would be to neglect your personal formation program.
Please CLICK HERE for our OFH Formation Page
Q - Can I be Married and Still be an Associate of the Order of Franciscan Hermits?
A - Yes. Our Associates strive to follow the Rule of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi according to their state in life. Associates 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 DO NOT WEAR A HABIT. Associates 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.
