The Capuchin Franciscans have been privileged to minister to St. Joseph Parish in New Paltz since 1976 and have been able to serve in many and varied ways.  Not only were they involved in parish work but they also ministered to the greater community- at the college, in prisons and juvenile detention centers, and anywhere people needed to know the incredible love and mercy of God.
             
The Capuchin Franciscans are inspired by the life and ideals of St. Francis of Assisi- dedicated to serving those in need, living a simple lifestyle together as a community of brothers, and drawing closer to the Lord through common and private prayer.

While every person is called to serve God through humble service of our neighbor, there are many ways to live out this calling.  The Capuchin Franciscans, like other Franciscan groups and other religious communities, aim to live the Gospel life in a spirit of fraternity, ministry, and prayer.  What makes the Capuchins so unique, however, is their emphasis on being contemplatives in action.

In other words, the goal of each Capuchin friar, no matter what ministry he is engaged in, is to be a contemplative.  But it does not and it cannot stop there.  Once the friar sees and experiences God's presence in every part of our world, he then works, in whatever way he is called to do, toward making sure that the light of Christ is not being obscured by ignorance, poverty, or injustice. 

The Capuchin friars, lay brothers and priests, are able to do this through an incredible diversity of ministries and opportunities that empower the people they serve and help them, through the grace of God, to become the persons God wants them to be.  

Are you interested in joining us in our life of prayer, fraternity and ministry?  Please go to our website or you can speak to any one of the friars.

http://www.capuchin.org/vocations