Ministry as Chaplains

Capuchin friars presently serve as chaplains in prisons and hospitals in New York State, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut. In order to respond to the needs of those who find themselves faced with illness, or to stand with those whose loved ones are faced with the limitations of life, those called to this ministry develop important skills. Through study and courses of training they learn to respond to the spiritual, psychological and physical needs of the people they serve.

Chaplains are typically required to be certified by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) and participate in four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Because of the demands placed on someone in this ministry, good health (emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual) is essential. Good judgment, maturity, empathy, and assessment skills in a variety of crisis situations are among the primary assets a competent and caring chaplain brings to his or her ministry.