Capuchin Franciscans are priests and brothers, who have been chosen to follow the poor Christ as their brother St. Francis of Assisi did. Inspired by the Good News of the Gospels, they first seek to encounter Jesus Christ in a personal and intimate relationship through a life of prayer and then to share Christ’s love with their brothers and all they are privileged to serve.

Capuchin Franciscan brothers and priests share the Good News of Jesus in many ways. We serve those in need in inner city, urban, suburban and rural parishes; in prisons and hospitals; in elementary, high schools and colleges; in social work, retreat work and in the missions. Wherever there is a need, especially with the poor, we are ready to serve.

If you feel you would like to “Live the Dream and Make the Difference” what follows is a summary of our Initial Formation Process.

…are those men who contact us with a desire to learn more about the Capuchin Franciscan way of life.
We respond with a phone call, literature and a promise to visit within a week…if the person would desire a personal visit.

…attend a 'Come and See' Discernment Weekend which are held five to six times during the academic year.

…are those men who have attended one or two ‘Come and See’ Discernment Weekends

During this period the individual is asked to enter into spiritual direction, reflect upon Scripture and spiritual readings daily, participate more fully in their parish Liturgical celebrations and also to reach out in service to the poor.

…are those men who have attended three or more ‘Come and See’ Discernment Weekends and are close to deciding whether they feel called to taking the next step in our initial formation program which is a ‘live in’ Postulancy Program.

…5 to 6 during the academic year, offered in various Capuchin Franciscan friaries and ministerial sites with a variety of themes.

…main goal is to allow the Aspirant / Candidate to meet a number of Capuchins as well as other men pursuing a similar Call. Also, the many ministries of the Capuchins are explored.

…offered frequently throughout the year in each friary.

…main goal is to give the Aspirant / Candidate an opportunity to share in the evening prayer and meal of the Capuchin fraternity closest to where they live.

…offered throughout the year in certain friaries.

…main goal is to give an interested man a more in depth experience of a typical week in Capuchin life. The Aspirant / Candidate would gather for prayers and meals with the local fraternity as well as ‘shadow’ brothers as they minister each day.

…offered throughout the year in retreat centers.

…main goal is to give the Aspirant / Candidate an opportunity to spend a weekend in silence and prayer. In addition to an opportunity for attendance at Liturgy, conferences are given, Spiritual Direction, and prayer services are offered. Emphasis throughout the weekend is on silence, Scripture, private prayer and Eucharistic Adoration.

…offered twice during the year in two locations.

…main goal is to offer a ‘hands on’ opportunity to serve the needs of the poor. The Aspirant / Candidate accompany Capuchins as they distribute food and clothing, assist in repairing homes, visiting and caring for the sick and elderly and other ministerial outreach programs.

…offered once during the year (summer)

…main goal is to share brotherhood in a healthy and fun environment. Enjoy God’s beautiful creation as well as each other’s company. We share prayer, meals and good times on the shores of Long Island, New York.