NEW YORK — Do you know someone who might make a good friar? The HNP Vocation Office is holding four fall events — the first in late September — for men to meet the Franciscans and explore their own call to serve God.
Three Come and See Weekends in different locations throughout the Province — including Boston, Silver Spring, Md., Wilmington, Del. — have been scheduled as well as an opportunity to experience the Transitus with the friars in New York City.
“I think it is important to offer a variety of ministerial experiences of our Province to prospective candidates,” said Brian Smail, OFM, vocation director. “The weekend that includes Wilmington, Camden, and Philadelphia will highlight the important work the friars do to assist the inner-city poor. It also offers men the opportunity to meet the postulants and the Franciscan volunteers.”
The first event, a Come and See Weekend from Sept. 22 to 23 at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston, invites interested men to visit the friar community to get a taste of Franciscan life. Visitors will share meals and conversations, pray and celebrate the Eucharist with the friars, and learn about their ministries. Registration is required by Sept. 14.
The vocation office also invites visitors to meet Brian and other men discerning a call to Franciscan life at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 3 before experiencing the Transitus at St. Francis of Assisi Friary in New York City. Interested persons should register by Sept. 26.
The two other Come and See Weekends will be held at St. Paul Friary in Wilmington, Del., and Holy Name College in Silver Spring, Md., respectively. The Delaware event will take place Oct. 27 to 28 and will include trips to ministries in Camden, N.J., and Philadelphia. Applicants are encouraged to register prior to Oct. 19. The Maryland event will occur Nov. 17 to 18 and registration should be completed by Nov. 9.
Because space is limited at vocation events, participants must register ahead of time. For further information or to register, contact the Franciscan Vocation Ministry at 800-677-7788 or vocation@hnp.org. Details about vocation events appear on the “Join Us” page of the Province’s website.
— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.