Living the Gospel Through Franciscan Prayer and Service
For more than two decades, Tau Maria Franciscans have gathered laypeople and clergy to pursue holiness through prayer, penance, poverty, and compassionate service within the Catholic Church’s Franciscan tradition.
Rooted in the earliest Franciscan sources, our Rule expresses penance through prayer, poverty, and humble fraternity. It shapes daily choices, sanctifies ordinary duties, and helps members mirror Christ’s mercy in modern society.
Begin Your Franciscan Journey Today
If you sense the Holy Spirit stirring your heart toward a life of deeper conversion, come visit a monthly gathering. Meet brothers and sisters who joyfully wrestle with the same everyday challenges while encouraging one another to cling to Christ. Discernment begins with listening, learning the Rule, and praying with the fraternity. No prior theological study is required—only openness to grace and a willingness to be formed. Your presence could be the next chapter in our unfolding Franciscan story.
Our Franciscan Origin Story
Born in 1999 under the guidance of the Franciscans of Primitive Observance, our association began as a lay response to the Holy Spirit’s call for deeper fidelity to Saint Francis. When re-established as Tau Maria in 2008, we retained the same passion for simplicity, minority, and evangelization. Today, fraternities across New England, Ohio, Michigan, Maryland, and Oklahoma meet for monthly prayer, retreats, and formation, supporting one another in a lifestyle rooted in Eucharistic devotion and joyful charity.
Three Paths of Commitment
The Tau Maria journey unfolds through Cordbearers, members in Formation, and Perpetually Professed Franciscans, each path inviting a deeper embrace of the Rule. Guided by experienced ministers, candidates progress from initial discernment to lifelong vows, continually nourished by study, liturgy, and fraternity that keep the Gospel at the center daily.
Larry Giroux
Minister General
Guides our community with wisdom and humble service.
Eric Bell
Spiritual Adviser
Offers pastoral insight rooted in Franciscan spiritual tradition.
Jane Miller
Area Minister
Supports regional fraternities and nurtures ongoing member formation.
Living the Franciscan Rule Daily
Embracing the Rule means weaving prayer, penance, and charity into every circumstance. Members attend daily Mass when possible, pray the Divine Office, recite the Rosary, and practice frequent confession, allowing grace to transform families, workplaces, and parishes into living testimonies of Christ’s peace and compassionate presence throughout the wider world.
Authentic Franciscan Gospel Spirituality
Grounded in the early charism of Francis.
Structured Lifelong Formation Path
Guides members from inquiry to perpetual vows.
Nationwide Faithful Community Network
Local fraternities meet regularly for prayer together.
Begin Your Franciscan Journey Today
If you sense the Holy Spirit stirring your heart toward a life of deeper conversion, come visit a monthly gathering. Meet brothers and sisters who joyfully wrestle with the same everyday challenges while encouraging one another to cling to Christ. Discernment begins with listening, learning the Rule, and praying with the fraternity. No prior theological study is required—only openness to grace and a willingness to be formed. Your presence could be the next chapter in our unfolding Franciscan story.
Step Into a Life of Joyful Simplicity and Share Christ’s Peace With Others Daily
Embrace prayerful action today.