What’s the difference between a friar and a monk?
A monk is called to the contemplative life within a monastery or abbey. Normally, a monk lives his entire religious life on the grounds of the monastery and does not undertake ministries outside the monastery. A friar lives with other friars but is usually involved in ministry among people outside the friary. Friars are called to be both contemplative and active in the world.
Is a friar “Brother” or “Father”?
The Capuchin Order is a community of lay and ordained members; all are friars, professing the same vows as Capuchins. They are brothers to each other and try to be brotherly to all people. Friars who are also priests may be called “Father.” Recently, however, the General Minister of the Capuchins asked friars to prefer the title “Brother” to “Father” even if they are ordained priests.
Do friars pray together?
Yes. They pray the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, especially Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. They also participate in daily Mass and are obliged to meditate each day. Of course, their studies of Scripture and other spiritual writings guide their prayer. Friars also pray the same devotions that Catholics frequently use, e.g., Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic adoration, the Rosary, etc. Friars must also pray privately if they are to persevere in their vocation.
How are friars assigned to a friary and a ministry?
Taking into consideration the friar’s needs, abilities and desires, as well as the needs of the Church and Order, the Provincial Minister assigns the friar to a friary and a ministry. The friar’s vow of obedience obliges him to go where he is sent.
Can friars be missionaries?
Of course! Friars are encouraged to become missionaries in foreign countries. From the earliest days of the Order, Capuchins have always had a great tradition of sending missionaries and supporting the missions with prayer and material resources. The friars’ missionary labors throughout the centuries and in many lands have resulted in the blessing of many brothers all around the world.
What is the difference between a Capuchin friar and a diocesan priest?
A diocesan priest is ordained for the service of his diocese (usually several counties within a state) and is obedient to its bishop. Many friars are not ordained, but a friar who is also a priest is ordained for priestly ministry. He lives in a community of friars, both lay brothers and priest brothers, to live the Capuchin life. A friar is not bound to a specific diocese. The superiors of friars are other friars and the Holy Father. Of course, friars are obedient to the bishop of the diocese in which they live and work.
What do friars do about money?
Most friars receive a minimum salary for their ministries. All salaries are turned over to the Guardian to pay the bills for the friary and to send what remains to the Provincial to support the retired friars, pay for the training of new members and help with other obligations of the province. Friars may request money from the Guardian for personal needs. Because the salaries of the friars are not adequate for the ordinary expenditures of the community, they are grateful for the generosity of benefactors and pray for them everyday. There is a Capuchin Development Center to assist benefactors in supporting the friars’ ministries.
What do friars personally own?
Friars may not personally own land or buildings or other assets. Most have cars, but they are owned by the Order. Friars use computers and cell phones; they may acquire such items with permission and are ultimately the common property of the community. Friars are not permitted to make wills. Because of the vow of poverty, they do not legally own anything personally.
We welcome any questions and will try to answer them in a timely fashion. Questions will be posted with the first name and city/state/nation of the inquirer. Of course, the editor reserves the right to edit questions for clarity and to ignore questions that are unseemly or nonpertinent to the subject.
