Francis of Assisi desired to live the Gospels—he did not set out to create a movement. He chose a radical way of life by seeing God in all creation. The Wheaton Franciscans are committed to sharing the Franciscan story and spirit with all. We are excited to welcome our eighth cohort to this special program. As we journey through this program, we will explore how each of us is called to live a values-based life in our world today.
Exploring the Franciscan Way of Life is a 24-month program open to people of all or no faith tradition who want to learn more about Franciscan spirituality and how to integrate the Good News of God’s love into daily life. It is designed for individuals with no experience in Franciscan spirituality, as well as those with more knowledge seeking to bond with others to deepen one another’s experience. The program is formatted to take place in monthly sessions of approximately two hours each, plus one Saturday morning, providing an opportunity for deeper reflection.
Building community is an important component of the program. A commitment to consistent participation in the scheduled sessions contributes to building a safe and caring community. Each session provides readings to prepare for the session, which includes prayer, input, reflection, and conversation. Contemplative sharing time has been built into the schedule in acknowledgment of the potential limitations of online programming.
Online registration opens June 1, 2024
Registration is requested by August 19, 2024, Registration is limited
Free will donation is optional. Online registration is required
Sessions are held the second Thursday of the month from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Central Time, except as noted. Sessions will be held via Zoom. The link will be sent to registered participants before each monthly session.
- Introduction and Call to Holiness - September 10, 2024
- Francis Of Assisi, His Culture and Times - October 8, 2024
- Clare of Assisi & the Franciscan Family - November 12, 2024
- Incarnation - December 10, 2024
- Contemplative Sharing - January 14, 2025
- Community/Relationship - February 11, 2025
- Conversion/Penance - March 11, 2025
- Humility/Minority - April 8, 2025
- Morning of Reflection-Contemplation - Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Summer 2025 - Optional Book Study & Community Deepening
- Creation - September 9, 2025
- Peace and Non-violence - October 14, 2025
- Joy - November 11, 2025
- Wheaton Franciscan Charism - December 9, 2025
- No session in January 2026
- Servant Leadership of Francis & Clare - February 10, 2026
- Trinity - March 10, 2026
- Discernment, Living Gospel Values - April 14, 2026
- Living the Franciscan Way of Life Today - Saturday May 12, 2026 (Hybrid)
L earn more about this offering at Wheaton Franciscans
