Welcome to Our Website!
- Do you feel called to a Franciscan Vocation? Would you like to learn about life under a rule, or how this order connects with your particular denomination or expression of the church? Use the "Contact Us" form to send an inquiry to our Director of Formation.
- Do you want to subscribe to our newsletter or make a donation? Visit the Scriptorium.
- Are you a member of OEF who wants to update or manage their membership profile? Visit the Scriptorium and log-in there.
- Want to start a great conversation about life and faith, or introduce yourself to the community? Visit the forums and log-in there.
The Zeitgeist of Our Age- A Message from the Chaplain
As we come to this year’s Chapter/Convocation, we do so at a nodal point in history. Fellow Franciscan, Richard Rohr, noted that there is a subtle but profound difference between change and transformation. The former happens whenever something new enters the culture. It can take shape slowly. Or happen literally…
Prayers for Emanuel AME Church
We stand in solidarity with you in the aftermath of this horrific racially-motivated hate crime. Know that you are not alone. We mourn with you. We pray with you. We stand with you. On Wednesday night, a gunman opened fire in a historic African American church – at least 9…
Important Documents for Chapter/Convocation 2015
As we prepare to gather in St. Louis, MO from July 16-19 please review the following documents to prepare for the meeting. If you are able to save these documents on a tablet/laptop or print out a copy and bring it with you, this will dramatically save on the copying…
A Few Spots Remaining! (Updated)
UPDATE: Registration is now closed! Thanks to everyone who signed up. Start planning now to attend Chapter 2016 in Indianapolis, IN There are 7 spots remaining for the 2015 Chapter/Convocation. If you’re wondering whether God is calling you to explore this community, consider this your sign! Registration will be held open…
Chapter/Convocation 2015
Please be aware, time is running out to register for the 2015 Chapter/Convocation in St. Louis. Open registration closes on June 1. Attending a Chapter can be one of the best ways to engage with the Order, discern your call to religious life, and experience the joy of living, learning…
GreatLakes Lighthouse Regional Gathering
The Great Lakes Lighthouse Conference met on April 30-May 2nd at Assisi Heights in Rochester, MN. Those in attendance were Sr. Chris Petersen, Br. Craig Robert Miller, Br. Keith Downey, Br. John, son of Syvert and Sr. Dale Carmen. The theme of the weekend was celebrating our Brother and Sisterhood…
Chapter/Convocation 2015 Open Registration
Beginning today until June 1st, there will be Open Registration for the annual Chapter/Convocation (July 16-19) which will be held in St. Louis, MO this year. Attending a Convocation is one of the best ways to investigate whether or not God is calling you to pursue a vocation with OEF. During…
Liturgy for the Butterflies
Dear siblings, I am posting here the “butterfly” liturgy that Brother Coyote and I prepared for our 2014 Chapter. Coyote wrote it originally for Earth Day last year, and he asked me to edit it and make it more ecumenical, and then lay it out. For Chapter we tweaked it…
Franciscan Leaf of Hours
Dear siblings, Here is a layout of the Franciscan Leaf of Hours, written by Brother Coyote, one of your JPIC animators, and laid out by Katie, your other JPIC animator. This will be familiar to some of you. Coyote led us with the matins and compline part of this at…
Reflections on Formation
Posted for Br. Richard LeFevre, n/OEF who hopes to make life vows this summer. I will begin to say that my religious formation was at times difficult, but at all times necessary. It challenged me and loved me at the same time. I found that the key is to remain open…