It's an annual event. Once a year, the Midwest Capuchin Vocation Office and the friars from Milwaukee and Mt. Calvary host new inquirers and veteran candidates on a whirlwind tour of their ministries in Southeast Wisconsin. This is an important experience for anyone seriously interested in learning about the province. It includes St. Lawrence Seminary, which is the oldest still functioning Capuchin establishment in North America and a host of Milwaukee ministries anchored in an incredible past but always adjusting in fascinating creativity.
We begin in Milwaukee where we are hosted by the the friars of St. Conrad Friary, which hosts the Postulancy Program. Accompanied by many of the current postulants, we will visit four sites renown in Milwaukee for their Catholic outreach to African-Americans, including the historic St. Benedict the Moor where the first Catholic parish, grade school, high school, and hospital in Milwaukee were dedicated to the service of African-Americans. Today, inspired by the Catholic Worker Movement, St. Ben's continues to sponsor a 40-year-old hot meal program, as well as shower, bus ticket, and ID programs. Perhaps the most exciting event of the year for St. Ben's has been the grand opening of the Capuchin Apartments whose residents, with the help of case managers, keep their lives together to avoid probable homelessness.
 |
Milwaukee Archbishop
Jerome Listecki
recently visited the
House of Peace. |
St. Martin de Porres and St. Francis Parishes continue to serve the African-American community, and St. Francis has a particularly creative pastoral plan to reach out to diverse groups around the parish, including a growing young-adult ministry.
Our Milwaukee visits are rounded out with a visit to the well known House of Peace. Founded by the beloved Capuchin Bro. Booker Ashe, the House of Peace slowly evolved from a storefront situation to an ample modern facility serving people in Milwaukee's near Northwest neighborhood. Besides operating food package and clothing distribution programs, the HOP also hosts a legal clinic staffed by professors and students of Marquette University Law School, and a medical clinic staffed by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Nursing School. The facility also serves as an affordable location for many neighborhood organizations that help to build cohesion and stability for all.
After this whirling Saturday morning, we pick up a quick lunch and head north to St. Lawrence Seminary High School and Friary located in Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin, a beautiful hour and fifteen minute ride to the north. This "Hill of Happiness" is the oldest still-functioning Capuchin establishment in North America. Begun as a business school for poor German immigrants, St. Lawrence slowly evolved into the country's largest Catholic high school seminary. Touting students from nineteen different countries, it is among the most diverse high schools to be found anywhere. Dedicated to academic excellence and spiritual depth, the school provides the safe environment needed for students to develop social skills and a spirit of service for a life-time.
Saturday afternoon will include a tour given by Rector/President Fr. Dennis Druggan. That evening, we'll spend a holy hour processing and praying about our experiences. On Sunday morning, we'll participate in one of the most moving Eucharists you can experience with the student body, many parents and staff members.
This weekend is a great introduction to Capuchin ministry for any new inquirer. It is a necessity for any veteran candidate who has yet to visit Wisconsin Capuchin Ministries.
Prior registration is required to attend this weekend. Please contact Vocation Director Bill Hugo at 313-595-2182 or
WilliamHugo1253@gmail.com
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