I have been a Secular for over 10 years. Non-Order priests can also be Secular Franciscans. I recommend it to all who are seeking a more spiritual life. Each Secular Order (There are others-Benedictine, Dominican, and some Orders now accept Lay Associates) has a certain charism in the church. If your interest is in the poor and you would like to live a more holy simple life, you may want to check out the SFO. Some Catholics seek a lot more than the minimum of receiving Communion once a year and going to Mass on Sunday. Beware: Profession is a life long commitment. After you are sure that you want to live this life and the Order is sure that they want you, a special Mass is held. In this Mass, you will promise before God and the Brothers and Sisters in the Order that you will try to live a more holy life in keeping with that Order’s charism.
May God bless you,
Deacon Tony