Vocations
Joining the Order of Saints Francis and Dominic requires serious thought, prayerful discernment, and a bit of patience tempered with love. The Order is also constantly discerning itself, and in that light, we recognize there is diversity in all facets of life; religious life should be no different.
Prayer-filled
Discernment in Action
- Commitment We look for members who are committed to the unique charism of the Order especially as it relates to the Anglo-Catholic and Emergent movement. We look for dedication and resilience in those who might be in remote locations. We know, some of us firsthand, how difficult it is to live in remote locations away from Sisters and Brothers and we know how challenging continuing a vocation can be in such circumstances.
- The AFCI The Order does NOT operate independent of the Body of Christ, and as such supports and is responsible for serving the People of God within the Anglican Free Communion International. Once we’ve gotten to know you, ALL applications for Holy Orders are made through the Anglican Free Communion International.
- Bivocational We do not pay stipends to Sisters or Brothers, nor do we cover other expenses. Most clergy within the Anglican Free Communion International support themselves through a combination of ministerial and secular work, although a few do support themselves through full-time ministry. We also do not, at this time, have communal living facilities.
- Good Fit We look for a good fit between the applicant and the Order/Church, so that a long-term and productive relationship can be assured. Before you make application we need to hear from you. The application process itself actually begins with prayer and careful discernment and with contacting either a representative near you or our Servant General through our Contact Page. We will NOT accept applicants if we don’t know who you are or have never spoken with you.
Requirements
Education
You must be, at the very least, a high school graduate.
If you are a college graduate or have taken college courses, you will be required to supply official transcripts as proof of your educational background. These will need to be sealed and sent by the education institution and will need to be in English.
Transcripts from online diploma mills will NOT be accepted and will result in automatic denial of application (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diploma_mill).
Education credits from non-accredited institutions may be considered so long as they are not from diploma mills.
You will be required to continue your education:
We are continuing to update and create new education opportunities through our partnerships. However, you are still required to engage in independent reading, external studies, or continuing education through other entities.
Background
As part of the application process with the Anglican Free Communion International, you will be required to submit to a background check.
You may be asked to supply your own background check or we may ask you to pay for a national background check.
Incardination
If you are already a clergy member from another Anglo/Catholic or religious institution, you will be asked to supply copies of all certificates of ordination and post-secondary theological training – both formal and informal.
We WILL accept training from non-accredited institutions; however, as stated in the education section above, we will NOT accept candidates who have purchased degrees from “diploma mills”.
The Order of Saints Francis and Dominic will not accept ministerial credentials from internet-based churches or similar institutions that offer “instant” or “online” ordination, and we will complete a thorough investigation on each candidate.
Connect With Us:
For other requirements, please contact our Servant General through our Contact Page.
