Stages of Formation
Living as brothers in the spirit of Jesus and St. Francis and being brothers to each other, loving as Jesus loves...this is our call, this is our vocation and we strive to be....
Living the Gospel...Making a Difference
CANDIDATE:
“Candidates should prepare themselves interiorly for the future renunciation of goods and condition themselves for the service of all peoples, especially the poor.”
Capuchin Constitutions 18:4
Our friars in formation experience fraternal brotherhood in their earliest stages, beginning with our non-resident candidate program. At this stage a candidate would attend discernment weekends, participate in ministries to the poor, receive spiritual direction and visit various friaries for prayer, fraternal and ministerial experiences. If one feels called to our resident postulant program they make a formal application in January or February of the year they would like to apply.
POSTULANT:
"The formation of Postulants aims primarily at completing their catechesis in the faith and includes an introduction to Liturgy, methods of prayer, Capuchin Franciscan instruction and an initial experience of apostolic work. It must also reinforce and promote human maturity, especially emotional maturity, and an ability to discern the signs of the times in light of the Gospel." Capuchin Constitutions 28:2
In August our newly accepted postulants begin their 9 month resident postulant program at St. Michael Friary in Brooklyn, NY. They live with professed Capuchin Franciscans; participate in daily Mass and daily prayers as well as attending classes/workshops on religious life, Franciscan spirituality and the vows. All of the postulants participate daily in various ministries to the poor, share in fraternal gatherings and continue to visit our many Capuchin friaries and ministerial sites. To read about some of our postulants and their vocation journey thus far please
click here.
PRE-NOVITIATE:
"The formation of the Novice should be based on the values of our consecrated life as known and lived in light of the example of Christ, the Gospel insights of St. Francis, and the sound traditions of the Order." Capuchin Constitutions 29:3
Upon their completion of the postulant program our brothers then enter into our 9 week pre-novitiate program presently being conducted in Victoria, KS, joining postulants from the United States, Canada and Australia. As they get to know each other our pre-novices attend classes and workshops, serve the poor in various ministries in the area and fully participate in prayer and fraternal celebrations.
NOVITIATE:
“Let the rhythm of the Novitiate respond to the primary aspects of our religious life, particularly through a special experience of faith, contemplative prayer, fraternal life, contact with the poor and work”. Capuchin Constitutions 29:4
Our one year collaborative novitiate program includes all the provinces of the United States, Canada and Australia. The novitiate program is conducted in Allison Park, PA and concentrates on developing our brother’s spiritual life even more intensely. Our novices receive their habit, cord, rosary and sandals. They focus on inner spiritual growth, minister to the poor and marginalized during the week as well as attending work shops and conferences with other congregations. During the year the novices meet with their formation director to discuss their desire to continue their studies as a religious brother or priest. This decision is finalized at the conclusion of the program when professing Simple Vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. To read about some of our novices and their vocation journey please
click here.
POST-NOVITIATE:
“The Post Novitiate is the period in which the brothers, progressing further in maturity, prepare themselves for the definitive choice of our Gospel life that is undertaken through Perpetual Profession” Capuchin Constitutions 30:1
“Let the brothers, according to each one’s gifts and grace, apply themselves to a more profound study of sacred Scripture, spiritual theology, Liturgy and the history and spirituality of the Order; let them also exercise various forms of the apostolate as well as domestic work” Capuchin Constitutions 30:3
Our Formation Program in Jamaica Plain helps our post novices prepare for Solemn Vows and full time service in the church as priests and brothers. Immediately after completing the novitiate our brothers live at San Lorenzo Friary. After making Solemn Vows, they live at St. Francis of Assisi Friary both in Jamaica Plain, MA. Our brothers in San Lorenzo Friary progress in their call to service with God’s people and prepare for their Solemn Profession to confirm before God and His people their life as a brother or priest with the Capuchin Franciscans. During this time they study at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry or Emmanuel College as well as serve the wider community in the Boston area by visiting the sick in hospitals, and helping those in prisons and schools. Many of the brothers are involved in the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization, a broad based community group, which trains people, especially the poor, to be leaders thus giving them a voice in civil society. Our brothers also minister to youth; especially those in gangs, helping the young discover peaceful alternatives to violence. Perhaps most fundamentally, the brothers gather daily for prayer and meals. They also gather monthly as a group to discuss how they can grow spiritually and fraternally as well as what they can do to be Peacemakers in the neighborhood. These gatherings are called “house chapters”. The brothers also participate monthly in a formation conference meeting or spiritual direction. Additionally, some use their summers to develop their language and cultural skills by immersing themselves in another culture. Simple Vows are renewed each year for a minimum of three and maximum of six years which then leads to Solemn Profession. If the newly solemnly professed brothers have not completed their academic preparation for priesthood or other ministries, they move to St. Francis Friary in final preparation for ordination and full time service in the church. To read about some of our post novitiate brothers and their vocation journey please click here.
We are very grateful for our Call to the Capuchin Franciscan way of life