Discerning?

Discerning a vocation

  • Consider

    Consider your life. What is going right, and what isn’t? Do you find yourself aimless and wanting to do God’s will? Do you find fulfillment from what you’re doing with your life?

  • Pray

    Praying is absolutely essential for good discernment. Totally and sincerely opening your heart to God has always led the saints to do extraordinary things.

  • Come and See!

    Join us for a visit! There’s no commitment and no harm to it! Plus you get a taste of what life can look like as a friar! The Lord doesn’t waste anything you give Him.

- Discern -

Fr. Mike Herlihey OFM Cap.

Fr. Mike is the Vocation Director for the Province of St. Augustine. He is more than happy to walk with any man who is considering joining the Capuchins. It takes a great deal of intentionality to discern well and wisely. An ancient custom of Christians is to find a mentor in the faith. In this case, it’s necessary for anyone seeking answers to their vocation to walk with someone who has been through it. Even if you aren’t ready to make any type of decision, Fr. Mike is just a good guy to talk things through with! (no strings attached.)

Vocation Director Email: vocation@capuchin.com

Come and See

We offer monthly opportunities for you to spend 3-4 days with the Capuchins to experience a sample of our life to aid in your discernment. Send Fr. Michael an email for more info.

Join us for a Weekend!

College Level Formation Program

Thinking about transferring or getting ready to graduate high school and go to college? See about opportunities to receive your undergraduate degree and discern Capuchin life in a strongly Catholic environment. Send Fr. Michael an email for more info.

Check Out the Seminary

FAQs

  • People have been asking that about us for about 500 years now. For the story, click the link to read more. The Capuchin Reform

  • Nope. But thats the point.

    Aside from serving at the Sacred Liturgy, a priest will not look any different from a lay brother in our Order because we see each other as equals. Francis started an order of brothers. It’s because of this that we can truly rely on each other for support in our journey towards holiness.

  • Is it hard to live the christian life? Of course, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from trying. Professing the Evangelical Councils of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience come with many graces as well as challenges. Like with any vocation, the Lord always walks with you and gives you exactly the grace you need to keep going.

  • The most famous one is probably St. Padre Pio. We are blessed with many saints in our reform’s 500 year history, but just to name a few others, theres:

    • St. Lawrence of Brindisi

    • St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen

    • Bl. Solanus Casey

    • St. Felix of Cantilice

    • St. Conrad of Parzham

    • St. Leopold Mandic

    etc.

  • The Capuchin reform emerged out of a greater desire for contemplation. This can still be seen even today between the other Franciscans.

    Capuchins receive a love for communal contemplative prayer that they share together as brothers multiple times a day, before returning to their ministries.

  • According to our Constitutions,

    “Our habit, according to the Rule and custom of the Order, consists of a tunic with a hood, chestnut in color, a cord and sandals, or, for a just cause, shoes.” - (Chapter 2, a. 33)

    Though, many friars according to traditional custom wear a side rosary as well.

    In the winter, brothers for centuries have been permitted to wear a wool mantle that goes down to the waist.

“Speak Lord,

for your

servant is listening.”

- (1 Samuel 3:9)