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 with a particular emphasis on helping young people to minister to other young people.

The friary in Raheny looks after a number of hospital chaplaincies in Dublin and there are also friars working as hospital chaplains in Cork.

Another major work for the friars is travelling out to give retreats and missions, striving to deepen people’s encounter with the Lord.   The friary in Carlow is the centre for organising missions;   and in Ards we have our retreat centre  'Ard Mhuire Retreat House'.

Parish missions and retreats are co-ordinated by Br Terence Harrington.  If you would like to get in touch to organise a retreat, the address is:

Br. Michael Duffy
Capuchin Friary
43 Dublin Street
Carlow

Tel: 059-9142543
Fax: 059-9142030


Other friars serve in various ministries in parishes and friaries in Dublin, Cork , Belfast, Carlow,  Kilkenny and Donegal.

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.