The primary ministry of the Capuchins is to preach the Gospel at all times, with our words, but primarily with our actions. The Capuchins seek to serve Christ, poor and crucified, in the most needy and vulnerable among us. Chapter two of the Capuchin Constitutions states:

"[The Capuchins] follow the poor and humble Christ, and spread His message to all people, especially to the poor, wherever they may be."

Conscious of this mandate, the Capuchins seek to serve the bodily and spiritual needs of the poor in a variety of ways. Friars have had an abiding and constant presence at Denver’s largest Catholic homeless shelter, Samaritan House. Over the years, the Capuchins have served as administrators, chaplains, nurses, and through a variety of direct, hands-on services to the poor.

Also in Denver, friars have worked at Twin Parishes, a ministry of Annunciation Catholic Church, a Capuchin Parish in the inner city neighborhood. Open two days a week, Twin Parishes provides food and clothing to some of the community’s poorest residents.

In nearby downtown Denver, the Capuchins have been involved in Haven of Hope, a small day shelter and soup kitchen, since its beginnings in 2007. Men in temporary vows work serving meals, cleaning, handing out clothing, and talking with many of Denver’s poor and homeless.

Our newest ministry to those living on the streets is the Capuchin Food Truck. Twice a week throughout the year, rain or shine (or snow), the Capuchins hit to the streets with their food truck, bringing not only healthy meals to the homeless, but also the gift of brotherhood.

Postulants in their first years of Capuchin formation serve at Marian House in Colorado Springs. This day-shelter and soup kitchen. They work in direct contact with the poor: serving meals, handing out lunches, praying, and providing clothing to the city’s homeless and needy.

The Capuchins of the St. Conrad Province do not own and run large outreaches to the poor and homeless. Rather, following the call to serve as brothers among brothers, the friars serve simply in those ministries already caring for the neediest among us.