ABOUT US
Cap Corps is a year long opportunity for young adults to live in intentional community while serving those in need. The program was founded in 1993 by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars to extend their ministry to the poor and share the Capuchin charism.
To date, over 230 young adults have served as Cap Corps Volunteers.
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Cap Corps is centered around four pillars: Community + Service + Simplicity + Prayer.
The spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi and fellowship with the Capuchin Friars are
central to this experience of community and service.
COMMUNITY
Volunteers commit to living in intentional community with one another in the Franciscan spirit of mutuality and simplicity. Volunteers energize and support one another in their call to live the Gospel by sharing the joys and sorrows of their daily life experiences, as well as the necessary house chores such as shopping, cooking, and cleaning.
SERVICE
Cap Corps Volunteers work full-time, 40 hours a week, for one year at various non-profit social service agencies and organizations. They work with people in need, learning first hand the injustices of the poor.
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Areas of ministry include:
-- Education
-- Health Care
-- Social Services
-- Homeless Outreach
-- Immigration & Refugee Resettlement
SIMPLICITY
Cap Corps Volunteers live on a small monthly stipend in urban neighborhoods to become more aware of the daily realities of those with whom they work. Living simply helps volunteers define a lifestyle in common with the mission of the Capuchin Franciscan friars and shape their decisions on how to spend their resources. Each volunteer receives a personal stipend and commute costs; the house receives a community stipend that's used to pay for groceries and household needs.
PRAYER
Cap Corps Volunteers commit to communal prayer with each other five days a week, taking turns leading prayer. This commitment is a way they deepen their faith life and support one another in service. The year includes retreats, spiritual direction, and interaction with the friars who support and encourage the faith life of the volunteers.
FRANCISCAN SPIRIT
The Capuchin Franciscan Friars are an integral part of the Cap Corps Volunteer Year. Each house has a friar serving as the Local House Director who comes over once a week for Community Night with the volunteer community. The House Director serves as a support person for the volunteers both in faith formation and learning about Franciscan Spirituality as well as getting acclimated to a new city, job, and community. Additionally, the House Director helps the volunteers get to know the other friars in their city of service.