It looks like fifteen or so inquirers and candidates will descend on Capuchin Detroit the weekend of October 26-28th. By van, car, bus, and airplane, we'll arrive at St. Bonaventure Monastery in time for Friday supper, where the local friars will welcome us into their home and invite us to share in their joy as Capuchins.
The purpose of this weekend is to acquaint ourselves with the diverse Capuchin ministries in Metro-Detroit. Ministry is only one part of being a Capuchin, but an important part. That's why we devote this entire weekend to learning about and
experiencing those ministries.
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| Solanus Casey |
We start immediately after Friday supper by visiting the Solanus Casey Spirituality Center, attached to the Capuchin Friary. The Center is now 10 years old as a building, but it's spirit goes back to the revered Capuchin Solanus Casey who died in Detroit in 1957 and is buried in the center. Spending a lifetime meeting people at the door of numerous friaries where he lived, he heard their stories and felt their pain and fears. Yes, he offered hope, but also challenged them to thank God in the midst of their trials. It was a spiritual approach that changed people and led them to call for his canonization after his death. Fr. Larry Webber, the director of the Solanus Center, will unfold the life and memory of Solanus Casey so that we too can discern our vocation.
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| On The Rise Bakery |
Bro. Jerry Smith is our fervent guide Saturday morning as we experience numerous sites of the historic and famous Capuchin Soup Kitchen. We'll visit meal halls, eat produce from Earthworks Urban Garden, unite ourselves with volunteers preparing food boxes for families, share the biggest cookies imaginable from On the Rise Bakery staffed by former felons, and, later in the day, learn of the freedom from addiction experienced by indigent men at Jefferson House. Jerry will introduce us to other staff and Capuchins collaborating to make the Capuchin Soup Kitchen possible: Bros. Joe Monachino, Bob Malloy, and Ray Stadmeyer. And of course, this list doesn't include the friars and collaborators who help raise money for this ministry, work with volunteers, or help those who come into contact with this ministry to move forward in their Christian lives.
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| Capuchin Retreat |
We take a break Saturday afternoon to drive an hour north of the city to Capuchin Retreat in Washington Township. I arranged this visit with Fr. Ken Reinhardt, who has been the director in recent years. Fr. Ken died last May. But I'm sure he will be with us as we soak up the peace and joy found in his haven full of reflection. Ken worked as a Capuchin formator for many earlier years. He surely will want to support those today considering the vocation so important to him. Fr. Jim Andres and the Capuchins left behind by Ken will step into his shoes and share with us their ministry of preaching and prayer. We'll take some time at Capuchin Retreat to enter into our own silence as well.
Returning to St. Bonaventure Monastery, we join the Capuchin community there for a relaxing supper. We'll need it. Every group that makes this weekend is exhausted by Saturday supper. But we'll take some time to gather ourselves in prayer to reflect on our experiences of the day, after which we'll kick back in more social relaxation.
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Bro. Larry LaCross prepares
the most unforgettable brunches! |
Sunday morning, we join the worshiping community that gathers at the Solanus Center to praise and thank God every Sunday. Bro. Larry LaCross promises us a luscious brunch afterward so we have the energy to return to our cars, buses, vans, and airplanes to return home. But not as the same people. Rather, people transformed by the experience of Capuchin ministry in Detroit.
An interview with Fr. Bill Hugo, Midwest Capuchin Vocation Director, is required before attending this weekend. So, call early if you've never met Fr. Bill and want to attend. Inquirers and Candidates who already know Fr. Bill can sign up for the weekend also by contacting him at:
WilliamHugo1253@gmail.com
313-595-2182
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