A Structured Path to Grow in Holiness
Disciple Members seek holiness by living the AFC’s charism and spirituality in their unique state in life—whether married or single.
An Extended Spiritual Family
Disciple Members of the AFC are single or married Catholic lay faithful who respond to a call to advance the Social Reign of the Holy Family.
They do this particularly by committing to live the spirituality of the AFC and help carry out its ministry and governance.
They don’t leave behind their work, family, and other responsibilities, but offer everything to God through the intercession of the Holy Family.
Called to join the AFC spiritual family, Disciple Members unite themselves to this mission by serving and evangelizing in their own communities.
JOINED IN PRAYER
Living the AFC’s Charism & Spirituality
Disciple Members seek to fully live their baptismal consecration by offering everything to Jesus, through Mary, in union with St. Joseph, and encouraging others to do the same.
Prayer & Sacramental Life
AFC members’ six daily prayers, daily examination of Conscience, frequent meditation on Sacred Scripture, Mass on Sundays & holy days, monthly confession.
Spiritual & Personal Formation
Disciple Members realize that holiness is a journey. They continue to grow in virtue, learn the truths of our Catholic Faith, and deepen their awareness of God’s presence throughout their lives.
A Worldwide Community
Disciple Members are spiritually united with AFC Members in the USA and around the world. Together, they share in the graces obtained by the Masses, prayers, and good works of the AFC.
UNITED IN MISSION
Evangelizing at Home
Disciple Members participate in the AFC’s mission through service to the AFC and in their own communities. They especially look for ways to promote the AFC and support other families in the Catholic Faith.
Opportunities for Leadership
Once they have discerned and made a life commitment, Disciple Members are eligible to be elected to leadership positions within the AFC. Their servant leadership has a powerful impact on this mission.
Member-Only Gatherings
All Disciple Members are expected to participate, if possible, in member-only gatherings. Some gatherings foster community, while others are focused on the AFC’s governance.
Sacrificial Giving
Sacrificial giving of time, talent, and treasure looks different for each Disciple Member. Members might serve in a leadership role, support the AFC financially, or offer up their physical sufferings for the good of families.
DISCIPLE MEMBERSHIP FAQ
Discernment Process
If you think God might be calling you to become a Disciple Member, or if you’d like to learn more about our way of life, here’s what to do next.
1
Fill out an application
When you are ready to begin the journey of discernment, just fill out an application here.
In order to complete your application, you will need:
• Dates and verification of your sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Matrimony (if applicable)
• Recent picture of yourself
• A letter of recommendation from your pastor sent to [email protected].
2
Discern a call to lifelong membership, one step at a time.
After your completed application has been reviewed and approved by AFC leadership, you can begin discerning Disciple Membership one step at a time.
- Discernment Cooperator Commitment: one-year commitment, renewed annually over a period of 1–2 years
- First Degree Commitment: one-year commitment, renewed annually over a period of 2–6 years
- Second Degree Commitment: one-year commitment, renewed annually over a period of 3–6 years
- Life Commitment: annual commitment for life or transition to Life Member Emeritus when active participation is no longer possible
At any point in the process, if you discern that God is not calling you to lifelong membership, that’s okay. We welcome your involvement in the AFC’s mission, whether or not you are a Member!