A Franciscan Partners Program volunteer is at least 21 years old and is in good health, both in mind and body. The volunteer must be willing to undergo a proper screening process which includes behavioral testing. A résumé, three letters of recommendation, an autobiography, as well as a listing of previous employment and ministry experience will be required.

Upon receipt and review of these items by the Partners Director, a recommendation will be drawn up and presented to the Board of Directors for their consideration and approval. If approved by them, the prospective volunteer will be invited to participate in an orientation program in one of our Southwest Missions for further evaluation and initial training in preparation for placement at one of our province ministry sites.

The Franciscan Partners Program will pay for the most economical bus or train transportation from the volunteer’s home to the orientation site. After successful completion of the orientation and upon admittance into the Partners Program at a ministry site, the volunteer will remain on probation for a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 90 days, at the discretion of the Partners Director and in consultation with the on-site coordinator. Upon completion of probation, the volunteer will be fully accepted and commissioned as a member.

A volunteer may resign from the Partners Program at any time. The Director, in consultation with the on-site coordinator, may also terminate a volunteer’s ministry assignment. Such action may or may not terminate participation in the Partners Program. The Director may reassign the volunteer.