Individuals interested in pursuing Capuchin life need to be men between 18 and 40 years of age, in good physical and emotional health, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and are of the Catholic faith.

The only other requirement is a willingness to develop habits of service.

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In the United States, there are six geographical areas called provinces. Each province has a Vocation Director who will help you in your discernment process. The "formation program" of each province may vary... your Vocation Director can explain the program in his province and answer any questions you may have regarding the Capuchin way of life.

The guidelines below explain the formation program of the Western American Province whose territory covers the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona. The province also has missionaries in Northern Mexico and hope to expand further.

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Discernment

A person interested in becoming a Capuchin Franciscan remains in contact with the Vocation Director. The Director helps him discern his call, and also introduces him to the friars. This period of discernment can be as long as needed. If a person decides he does want to join, he begins the application process. If he is accepted, he then moves into the Postulancy.

Postulancy

The postulancy is the first stage of formation as a Capuchin Franciscan Friar. The postulancy lasts for ten months and takes place at St. Conrad Friary in Berkeley.

Postulancy is a time for candidates to get to know the Order better by living and working with the friars. The postulants pray with the community, and participate in household duties. They also spend time in ministry, especially to the poor. During Postulancy there are also classes and discussions on our faith, the religious life, and St. Francis of Assisi and the Capuchin Order. Postulants may also attend some classes at a local college or hold a part-time job.

Postulancy is a time of discernment; postulants are free to leave at any time, but are very much part of the community.

Novitiate

Novitiate is a time of intense prayer and reflection. Novices are encouraged to deepen their life of prayer and move toward a definite commitment to the religious life as Capuchins. The novices live at St. Conrad Friary in Pennsylvania. Besides prayer and classes, they also serve in the ministry of hospitality and other limited ministries in the local area. After one year of novitiate the novices make their first vows as Capuchin Franciscan Friars.

After Novitiate

After novitiate the friars in formation move back to the San Francisco Bay Area, to the Capuchin House in Berkeley. The first year there is a time of further deepening of our Franciscan life of contemplation and action. During this time the friars also get to experience life and ministry in various houses in the province and our mission in Northern Mexico.

Depending on their program, the friars in the formation are then involved in studies and ministries in preparation for their solemn vows, by which they commit themselves to the Order for the rest of their lives.

Specialized Studies

Those friars who feel called to the priesthood study philosophy and theology at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Other programs are available such as religious studies, counseling, carpentry, etc., depending of the interest of the friar and the needs of the province.