The Capuchin friars have always had a variety of ministries. From the
time of Francis the friars have engaged in both preaching and work with
the sick and poor. Francis wanted the Good News preached everywhere and
to every creature in word and deed. Their style of preaching was aimed
at reaching the poorest and least educated. They were also to build up
support for the local clergy and bishops. This ministry later developed
into the ‘mission,’ a kind of retreat run in the parish.
Francis felt he had been led by the Spirit to work with lepers and
since his time work with the sick, especially as chaplains to hospitals,
has been an important ministry among us. Whether celebrating the
sacrament of the sick, giving a blessing or simply sitting and talking
with those who are ill, Capuchins hope to bring the healing presence of
Jesus to those who suffer.
One important ministry that Capuchins value is the celebration of the
sacrament of reconciliation or confession. Emphasising the mercy and
compassion of God while drawing people closer to him and away from
destructive behaviour is a great way of serving God’s people. All of
our friaries offer this service as a matter of course.
Given that our society and Church has changed so much from Francis’
time it is not surprising that the ministries of the friars have changed
too. Some work as chaplains to schools trying to bring a Christian
witness into the classroom and playground. Youth ministry is seen as a
very important area that needs to be developed in the Province and so
the friary in Blanchardstown has been dedicated to focus on this work
laying particular emphasis on helping young people to minister to other
young people.
The friary in Raheny looks after a number of chaplaincies: to the
military, sailors in the merchant ships and to hospitals – there are
also other hospital chaplains in Cork.
Another major work for the friars is travelling out to give retreats
and missions, working to deepen people’s encounter with the Lord. The
friary in Carlow is the centre for organising missions and in Ards we
have a particular retreat centre. Parish missions and retreats are
co-ordinated by Br Christy Twomey, while Br Terence looks after school
retreats.
If you would like to get in touch with either to organise a retreat,
their addresses are:
|
Parish Missions
and Retreats:
Br Christy Twomey,
Capuchin Provincial Curia,
Halston St,
Dublin 7
Ph 01-8733205
|
School Retreats:
Br Terence Harrington,
Capuchin Friary,
Main St,
Blanchardstown,
Dublin 15
Ph: 01-8213364
|
Other friars serve in parishes in Dublin, Cork and Belfast caring for
the people in a particular area.
From the earliest years of the Franciscan family friars have gone to
foreign lands to spread the Good News of Jesus and establish the Church
there. This missionary work is an important and valued part of Capuchin
ministry though not all are called to go abroad. At present, the Irish
Capuchin province has vice-provinces in South Africa, Zambia and New
Zealand as well as two houses in South Korea. The Western American
province is an Irish foundation.
