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.

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.

The Order of Ecumenical Franciscans

Early in his ministry Francis of Assisi recognized the need to include within his movement of reform and renewal people from all walks of life. The work of following Christ in simplicity, love and joy, which is the vocation of all Christians, could not be restricted to the traditional religious life of the Friars Minor or the Little Sisters of Poor Clare. This was true for Francis' day and remains true of our time.