The evangelization and salvation of souls for the greater honor and glory of Christ the King through consecration of self and others to His Queen, Mary Immaculate.

In other words, the mission is to bring souls to Christ through Mary as His most effective instrument of evangelization. This mission is outlined in the life and work of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe, O.F.M. Conv. who gave up his life as a martyr of charity at Auschwitz and whose Mariology and apostolic zeal have won for him an illustrious place in the constellation of Franciscan saints. St. Maximilian is our model. His objective to win souls is intrinsically bound up with Consecration to Mary’s Immaculate Heart for each individual of our Community and the Community itself as a starting point of evangelization. This brings about reconciliation to God by prayer, repentance, and sacrifice. In order for us to be perfect instruments in Christ's hands, we must first place ourselves into the hands of Mary who places us into the hands of Christ most perfectly.

Given the mission statement, as one aspires to this life of perfection, there are several stages of discernment: Candidacy, Postulancy, Novitiate, Temporary Profession, and finally perpetual Profession.

During these stages of discernment and formation, one strives to determine, along with the superiors of the FMI, whether or not this community is God’s will for him. It is important to realize that the years and time in the beginning stages of formation are just that: a time of discernment. This may mean that a candidate might realize with the help of superiors, that his vocation is elsewhere. But with great expectation, prayer, and dedication, we pray for perseverence and look forward in hope for candidates. We hope that through formation, candidates may one day profess perpetual vows to serve God for a lifetime.

The formation of the candidate includes the study of Catholic Doctrine, prayer, documents on Religious Life, and the basics of the Latin and Polish languages. Formation also includes observing and living the daily life of the friars.

Phone, computer, and any electronic device for personal use is very limited. Activities such as email and social media are restricted to begin the process of stepping out of the world. This prepares the candidate for the next major step of entering Novitiate.

Home visits during Candidacy and Postulancy, except for immediate family weddings or funerals, are reduced to the following times: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, (for the latter two holidays, leave after the celebration of the Mass and Community meal), the Postulancy entry Ceremony (family can visit) in May, and the 4th of July.

Other visits from family or outsiders may include a feast day celebration or arranged visit through the superior. Other than ceremony days of Candidacy, Postulancy, and Novitiate, the visits are limited to home visits. Certainly, there will be occasions where encounters will occur at events in the Fargo area, Summer Camp, etc. However, it is important to understand for the lay person looking in, that although Candidacy and Postulancy are not as strict as the Novitiate formation time, it is a time of discernment to know if this Community and Religious Life is what God is calling the person to.

One begins to increasingly draw away from the world for the sake of entry into Novitiate and giving oneself wholly to Christ. The Novitiate begins on August 14th, the feast of Saint Maximilian Kolbe and concludes on August 15th of the following year when the friar professes temporary vows for one year. The formation of the Candidate includes studies of Catholic Doctrine, prayer, documents on Religious Life, and the basics of the Latin and Polish languages. Formation also includes observing and living the daily life of the friars.