No one is expected to be perfect upon entering this Association. Hopefully we can all be led to Christ more perfectly through living its Rule, which is the Rule that St. Francis himself gave us.
Applications may be rejected where the conduct or values of the inquirer are in conflict with the spirit and intent of the lifestyle promoted by the Association, or the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. If such is the case you may expect an explanation before such action is taken.
There is a formation program of four years that is a required part of
entry into the Association, if you plan to profess to the Rule of 1221 for all of your life, to allow everyone ample time to discern
their interest in committing to live the Rule of 1221 for `all of their
life? before they profess. Individuals nominally enter formation after
an
Inquirer Application is submitted and they confirm their desire to
enter formation to the BSP Communication Center. One lesson is due each
month for four years to complete the program. Always pray for the
grace to know and do God?s will.
If you are in a Third Order, and cannot profess to another Rule of Life without losing your status as a Third Order member, due to the Statutes of the Third Order, you may still enter the BSP but may have to give up your membership in the Third Order to do so. In other words, the BSP has no restrictions on membership in other groups that limit individuals from joining, but many Orders do. It is up to you to decide what to do.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at BSP Headquarters at the address listed on this page.
May the Lord bless you on your journey and reveal His will to you!
WELCOME TO THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF PENANCE!
"IN THE WORLD BUT NOT OF IT, FOR CHRIST!"
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