Our Volunteer Corps

North American Capuchins sponsor two separate programs which provide ministry opportunities for young men and women interested in serving the church and the poor while living the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi.

The Calvary (Detroit-Chicago-Milwaukee) and Pennsylvania provinces sponsor a program which is unlimited in scope of ministry, called the Capuchin-Franciscan Volunteer Corps, while the New York-New England province's program is limited to formation in youth ministry and is called the Capuchin Youth and Family Ministries.

These volunteers are placed in various urban ministries, or in other ecclesiastical work and foreign missions, and live in community with other young men and women. They receive room and board, medical insurance, and a small stipend during their year of volunteer ministry. Some placements are renewable for a second year.

Capuchin-Franciscan Volunteer Corps

GOAL: The Capuchin Franciscan Volunteer Program offers men and women the opportunity to work in direct service to the poor while living a simple lifestyle in community with other volunteers. The spirit and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi are central to this experience of community and service.

PLACEMENT: Advocacy, housing, education (elementary, secondary schools and adult literacy), community development, community organizing, health care (nursing home, AIDS ministry, mental health center), social services (soup kitchen, day centers for homeless men and women, shelters, Spanish social service center), building trades.

AREA OF SERVICE: Baltimore, MD; Washington, DC; Charleston, WV; Detroit, MI; Chicago, IL. International: Papua New Guinea, Central America, Africa.

TERM OF SERVICE: 1 to 2 years (renewable); shorter terms negotiable in Midwest.

REQUIREMENTS: Men and women. Single and married without dependents. Ages 21 years and older. High school graduate with two years of work experience or college graduate. Physical examination. Interview. Desire and adaptability for living in community. Spanish required for some placements. Orientations are in August.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Room and board, stipend, medical insurance, transportation to and from work site.

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: Volunteers live in community with other volunteers.

SIZE OF PROGRAM: Approximately 25 volunteers per year, living in communities of various sizes.

TRAINING: One week of orientation to get to know each other, to explore application of the Gospel in the world with insights of Capuchin Franciscan spirituality, and to address issues arising from community living as well as from serving in racially and culturally diverse ministries. There will be ongoing interaction with the Friars throughout the year.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: None.

For more information, contact one of the following friars:

Bob Toomey, O.F.M.Cap.
4502 Park Heights Ave
Baltimore, MD 21215-6330
(410) 367-0669, fax (412) 542-6056
E-mail

Brian Braun, O.F.M.Cap., David Schwab, O.F.M.Cap., or Willa Kenoyer
301 Church Street
Mt. Calvary, WI 53057
(888) 297-2702, fax (920) 753-2907
E-mail

Capuchin Youth and Family Ministries

GOAL OF PROGRAM: Inspired by the vision of St. Francis of Assisi, Capuchin Youth and Family Ministries provide opportunities for youth to rebuild today's Catholic Church through a vibrant, well established youth ministry.

PLACEMENT: Youth ministry. Volunteers organize and lead youth retreats, provide peer ministry, teach leadership skills to teens, build homes for poor people in Appalachia, and learn how to bring effective youth ministry to parishes.

AREA OF SERVICE: Area north of New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut.

TERM OF SERVICE: One year.

REQUIREMENTS: Single men and women over 21 years of age. College graduate with aptitude and enthusiasm for youth ministry.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Room and board, stipend, medical insurance.

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: Volunteers will live in private residences.

TRAINING: Orientation and training are provided.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: None.

For more information, contact:

Robert Abbatiello, O.F.M.Cap.
St. Francis Friary
Rt 9D, PO Box 192
Garrison, NY 10524
(914) 424-3609, fax (914) 424-4403
E-mail

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