It is very difficult to discern one’s vocation in a vacuum. Jesus invites his disciples to, “come and see.” Visiting a religious order or seminary is one of the best ways to discover if God is calling you to a deeper discernment with that particular community. The Capuchins likewise invite you to come, stay with us, pray with us, and get the feel of our daily life and spirituality. There are several different possibilities available, each is described briefly below. Registration is required. Please fill out the blue form at the bottom of the page.
Rebuild My Church Discernment Retreats
The weekend vocation retreats take their name from an encounter St. Francis of Assisi once had with the Lord. While kneeling before the San Damiano Crucifix, the saint heard the voice of Jesus say, “Francis… rebuild My Church which, as you see, is in ruins… ” The full weekend discernment is for men seriously discerning the Lord's will for their life and open to a religious vocation. Men will have the opportunity to learn about the Franciscans origins of the order as well as the importance of the Capuchin reform in addition to meeting many of the younger friars. These retreats require a $150 refundable deposit. Registration is required!
Available dates:
October 3-5, 2025: Denver, CO
January 23-25, 2026: San Antonio, TX
La Verna Discernment Days
St. Francis would often take time away from his service to the poor to renew his prayer life. It was on one such occasion, as he was praying at La Verna, that Francis received the stigmata. La Verna Discernment days are intended to provide men who are at the early stages of discernment with a brief introduction to the Capuchins. The days begin with prayer and Mass at 8am and culminates with Compline (night prayer) at 9pm. Men will have the opportunity to meet friars and ask questions. Registration is required!
Available dates:
August 2, 2025 - Denver, CO (St. Anthony Friary)
September 20, 2025 - San Antonio, TX (San Lorenzo Friary)
November 22, 2025 - Denver, CO (St. Anthony Friary)
December 13, 2025 - Denver, CO (St. Anthony Friary)
February 21, 2026 - Denver, CO (St. Anthony Friary)
March 14, 2026 - San Antonio, TX (San Lorenzo Friary)
Private Friary Visits
The life of our community is very important to us and it can be a disruption to have constant visitors at our friaries. For this reason, we offer private friary visits only to young men who are serious about discerning a religious vocation and who have already participated in a discernment day or retreat. Again, these visits are by appointment only and registration is required!
