The Residential Candidacy program is presently situated at St. Francis Friary in Wilmington, DE. This
program is designed for candidates who feel they might have a calling to Capuchin life but for
some reason are still not ready to apply to the Postulancy Program. This may include the need to
pay off debts, the desire to complete studies, or the desire for further discernment and guidance
regarding a candidate’s vocation. During this time the residential candidate may live in the friary and
participate as much as he is able in the life of the friars while also accomplishing the purpose for
which he came. There are many opportunities for work and continued education near the
Residential Candidacy friary in Wilmington, DE.
 

“The postulancy is the first period of initiation when one makes the choice to adopt our life.
During this period, the postulant comes to know our life and makes a further and more careful
discernment of this vocation.” (Capuchin Constitutions, Chapter II, art. IV.30)
This is usually a period of one year in which the Postulant lives with the friars, participating in
our life of prayer, fraternity, and ministry. Classes during the week help to nurture his spiritual
life, his knowledge of the faith, and his acquaintance with the Capuchin charism and way of life.
When a candidate applies to the Postulancy program, he is not yet making a lifelong
commitment. The purpose of Postulancy is to help the postulant and the formation team discern
if the Lord is calling him to live Capuchin life. Our Postulancy Program is run in collaboration
with three other provinces in Milwaukee, WI.

“The novitiate is a period of more intense initiation and more profound experience of the
Capuchin Franciscan gospel life in its fundamental demands. It requires a free and mature
decision to try out our form of religious life.” (Capuchin Constitutions, Chapter II, art. IV.31)
The Novitiate is part of a collaboration between all the Provinces of the North America and
Pacific Capuchin Conference. This includes: the United States, Australia, Canada, and Guam. Currently, the Novitiate is situated at San Lorenzo Friary in Santa Ynez, CA.
This is the year when the postulant receives the novice's habit ('clothes of probation') and the title
"Brother." Even though he does not take the religious vows he is expected to begin to live the
vowed life. There are continuing classes on religious subjects and Capuchin life, with limited
external ministry and ongoing spiritual direction and supervision. Much time is allowed for prayer
and meditation.

Friars may engage in studies after the time of initial formation to assist in their fraternal and
ministerial lives. Most commonly, friars who will be ordained study at a seminary, determined
by the Provincial Council in consultation with the Formation Council. Friars may also engage in
other studies, “some may learn skills and technical trades, while others engage in pastoral or
technical studies, especially those of a sacred character.” (Capuchin Constitutions, Chapter II,
art. VI.37)
Throughout the whole experience of initial and on-going formation, the primary concern is
assisting a candidate or friar to grow in holiness.