- Stages of Formation -

Aspirancy/Discerning Stage

Aspirancy is an informal stage where men may inquire about who the Capuchin Franciscans are. They walk with a Vocation Director who invites them to join some brothers on “Come and See” retreats as well as times for simply hanging out and getting to know the brothers in the Order. The Aspirant discerns primarily whether to apply to the Postulancy or College Program of Formation

College Program - Cleveland, OH

The Capuchin Formation Program (CFP) is a program for College-aged men who have made the choice to study in an undergraduate seminary setting while they discern the Lord's call to life as a Capuchin Friar in community. At Borromeo Seminary (Diocese of Cleveland, OH), candidates learn to appreciate the distinctiveness of a vocation to the Capuchin Franciscan life, to which a person may be called as a lay friar or an ordained friar. Students primarily study philosophy here that would fulfil the requirements later on for religious profession and/or ordination.

Postulancy - Philadelphia, PA

In Postulancy, the candidate takes the first real step in their discernment. The Postulant commits himself to live like a friar without the commitment of any vows. They spend one year living in a real fraternity, working in various ministries with the poor, and learning the basics of the Capuchin Franciscan charism through in-house instruction. The emphasis of the year deals most visibly with living out our charismatic mark of brotherhood and service to the poor—all the experiences gathered during the year aid in their discernment of continuing onto the next stage.

Novitiate - Santa Ynez, CA

The Novitiate year is the first canonical step of initiation into the Order. It is, first and foremost, a year of intense prayer. At the beginning of the year, the young novice receives the Capuchin habit along with the additional clothes of probation: the caperone (a short brown cloth in the shape of a scapular) as a sign of their dedication. The Novice still does not take any vows as a friar, but resolves to live as one for one full year. The Novice is not encouraged to do much external ministry, but is asked to prayerfully focus on their relationship with the Most Holy Trinity as they seek to do God’s Will. The Novice receives more directed classes on the Capuchin charism from friars across the country and even from around the World. The intention of the year is to help form a young Capuchin’s contemplative heart to be open and receptive to the presence of God so that it may carry him forward in his religious vocation as he discerns taking Simple (Temporary) Vows within the Order.

Post Novitiate - Washington, DC

Post-Novitiate Formation is a multi-year stage of Initial Formation. It is the last step before a friar takes Solemn (Final) Vows and enters fully into the Order of Capuchin Friars Minor. This stage begins with the conclusion of the Novitiate Year and the taking of Simple Vows. During this stage of formation, Post-novices engage in graduate studies at The Catholic University of America. A thorough understanding of Catholic theology and philosophy is indispensable for any minister of the Church. The friars study various topics such as Sacred Scripture, philosophy, theology, morality, as well as pastoral applications. Each post-novice is also assigned an apostolate ministry outside of school to continue their formation as servants and sons of St. Francis. They are asked to commit themselves more fully to this life and prepare themselves to make a life commitment to this brotherhood. The Post-Novitiate concludes with the receiving of Solem Vows and/or Holy Orders (if they are called).