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, 2025

Registration is requested by August 18, 2025, or until capacity is reached

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 11, 2025
Francis Of Assisi, His Culture and Times - October 16, 2025
Clare of Assisi & the Franciscan Family - November 13, 2025
Incarnation - December 11, 2025
Contemplative Sharing - January 8, 2026
Community/Relationship - February 12, 2026
Conversion/Penance - March 12, 2026
Humility/Minority - April 9, 2026
Morning of Reflection-Contemplation - Saturday, May 2, 2026
Summer 2026 - Optional Book Study & Community Deepening
Creation - September 10, 2026
Peace and Non-violence - October 8, 2026
Joy - November 12, 2026
Wheaton Franciscan Charism - December 10, 2026
No session in January 2027
Servant Leadership of Francis & Clare - February 11, 2027
Trinity - March 11, 2027
Discernment, Living Gospel Values - April 8, 2027
Living the Franciscan Way of Life Today - Saturday May 6, 2027 (Hybrid)

L earn more about this offering at Wheaton Franciscans

Registrations are closed

Exploring the Franciscan Way of Life - Cohort 9