Midwest Capuchins Promote Black Catholic Vocations
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"To discern a vocation as a religious can be a gut-wrenching process," Father John Holly, Capuchin Midwest vocation co-director explains. "Choosing which religious order to explore can be equally taxing."

"We want our African American and African brothers to know that the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph (also known as Capuchins Midwest) is open to men from all cultural backgrounds and can help you with your discernment process," Fr. Holly continues.

"We are involved in a variety of ministries in parishes, schools, soup kitchens, and spirituality centers. A lot of our friars are involved in work that promotes social justice and many of our ministries involve direct service to our brothers and sisters who are poor and marginalized. If a candidate is looking for a hands-on experience that benefits others, we hope he will contact us."

"We have served in the African American community for decades and believe that our community and the wider Church would be enriched and our ministry enhanced if we had more men of African descent living and serving with us as Capuchin friars."

"Our research has shown that it often only takes one person to ask, 'Have you thought about life as a religious brother or priest?' As the candidate discerns, we would also like him to more intentionally explore the Capuchin Franciscan life."

Currently, there are 18 friars in initial formation in the Province. There are eleven friars in post-novitiate studies in Chicago; two in the novitiate located in Allison Park, PA, and five postulants beginning their year in Milwaukee.

"We have built a second formation house in Chicago and we anticipate needing more room soon," Fr. Holly explains.

The initial stages of a journey to a religious vocation involve a discernment process with a balance of academic study, community life, prayer, direct service ministry, and spiritual direction. The postulant year includes the beginning of studies, including basic theology and Franciscan history and spirituality, and direct ministry with those who are poor and on the margins of society (e.g., people who are homeless, addicted, immigrants, etc.). The novitiate year is more contemplative and includes more classes, limited ministry and an emphasis on personal and communal prayer, silence, and spiritual direction.

"It is a carefully structured program that is aimed to deepen the individual's faith and to assist in the exploration of vocational choices," Fr. Holly continues.

After his first profession of religious vows (poverty, chastity, and obedience), the friar moves to St. Clare Friary, the post-novitiate formation house located in Chicago, for continued religious and ministry formation. For some this will first involve undergraduate studies at a Catholic college or university. Those who already have a bachelor's degree may begin graduate studies, most often at Catholic Theological Union (CTU).

Throughout this time, the friars continue to integrate prayer, community life and ministry work with their studies. Typically, a friar will make his final or perpetual vows 3-5 years after his first vows.

"It's an on-going spiritual journey," Fr. Holly reflects. "Capuchin formation is a continual and lifetime process."

Capuchin friars and vocation directors John Holly and Jerry Johnson encourage those who wish to learn more about the Midwest Capuchins to call either Br. Jerry or Fr. John in Chicago at (773) 475-6206 (Chicago) or email vocation@capuchinfranciscans.org.

"Please visit our website, www.CapuchinFranciscans.org," Fr. Holly encourages. "We have weekend events listed where a candidate can meet other guys who are going through the same discernment process. It's a great experience to learn that others have the same questions."

The Capuchins are an international community of approximately 10,500 friars modeling themselves after St. Francis of Assisi. The brothers of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph are headquartered in Detroit serve in a variety of ministries including social service, schools, chaplaincies, retreat houses and parishes in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, Minnesota, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nicaragua, and Panama. Established at Mt. Calvary Wisconsin in 1857, there are currently 184 members in the St. Joseph province. www.thecapuchins.org www.CapuchinFranciscans.org.