The term "initial formation" refers to that period during which a person is learning about the Secular Francsican Order and what being a Secular Franciscan means.  It consists of Orientation, Inquiry, and Candidacy.  When initial formation is complete, and both the individual and the council of the fraternity have prayed and dicerned that the person has a true vocation to the Secular Franciscan Order, then the person is professed and becomes a fully active Secular Franciscan.