Discernment Weekends

There are a number of ways in which we attempt to show interested Candidates our fraternal, ministerial and prayerful Capuchin Franciscan life-style.   Being welcomed in our friaries for prayer gatherings and meals, Being invited to attend various Liturgical celebrations. Being given an open invitation to visit our friaries when in the neighborhood. The single most meaningful occurrence, however, is our Discernment Weekends which we offer 5 times during the academic year in our New York and New England parishes. The purpose of these gatherings is to give Candidates the opportunity to meet with our Capuchin brothers. To give Candidates the opportunity to witness our Capuchin priests and brothers in ministry.  To give Candidates the opportunity to get to know and support each other.  Each of our Discernment Weekends offer a different theme.  They are presented by a number of Capuchins, well known and respected in their field.  Our 'Come and See' weekends are exactly that, an opportunity to come and see and meet other men discerning where the Lord is leading them, meet our Capuchin Franciscan brothers, visit their ministries, speak with them about their vocation journey, learn more about our varied ministries in New York and the New England area, enjoy some good, relaxing fellowship with our Capuchin brothers and get to know each other better. Attending a discernment weekend does not obligate a person but offers them an opportunity to know more about our Capuchin Franciscan brotherhood.

A Few Comments From a Candidate Who Recently Attended a Discernment Weekend. Over the past year, God has guided me to meet you and share an afternoon. After that moment, it feels as if God has pulled me closer to Franciscan life...To the freedoms of poverty & obedient life and chastity; To the intimate relationship each brother has the potential to gain with Christ via contemplative prayer; To the simple liturgical joys of celebrating the Liturgy of the Hours; To the camaraderie & conflict that arises from community life; To the potential to serve the poor & disenfranchised; To the life of service to God's people. With each passing day, I feel a call to religious life. With each session in contemplative prayer, I feel called to the footsteps of St. Francis. With each reflection, I feel called to the way of the Capuchins, should Mary and Christ's face shine upon me and those of the admission board.   

Please contact:Brother Tim Jones, O.F.M., Cap., Director of Vocation Ministry Saint Michael Friary - 225 Jerome Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207  Phone: 718-827-6990$0  brotimjonesofmcap@gmail.com

“Come and See Discernment Weekend”
4  during the academic year, offered in various Capuchin Franciscan friaries and ministerial sites with a variety of themes with the 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. 

“Come and Share Evenings”
Offered frequently throughout the year in each friary with 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. 

“Come and Be Weeks”
Offered throughout the year in certain friaries with the 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. 

 “Come and Pray Weekends”
Offered throughout the year in retreat centers.  The 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. 
 
“Come and Do Experiences”
Offered twice during the year in two locations. The 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. 

“Come and Relax Weekends”
Offered once during the year (summer). The 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.