Growing in Community


"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)

The Capuchin friars of the Province of St. Joseph give thanks ahead of time for your prayerful stewardship as we renew our commitment to our ministries, rooted in the Gospel of Jesus as modeled by St. Francis of Assisi.

Capuchin friars at the House of Peace
Friars in ministry at Capuchin Community Services in Milwaukee, serving people experiencing poverty, hunger and homelessness.

You can partner with us as we invest in our shared Catholic patrimony by renewing some of the earliest Capuchin buildings in North America, where holy men like Blessed Solanus Casey lived and prayed. The project is an investment in current and future generations of Capuchin friars, providing an intergenerational home for our Postulants discerning a vocation, friars in ministry, while providing care for senior friars who selflessly ministered throughout the Province and in the missions.

Br. Richard Hart, OFM Capuchin and Br. MJ Groark, OFM Capuchin
Br. Richard Hart, OFM Capuchin and Br. MJ Groark, OFM Capuchin

The renovation of St. Francis of Assisi Friary mirrors what the Province accomplished in Detroit 20 years ago with the renovation of historic St. Bonaventure Monastery. St. Bonaventure serves as a focal point and spiritual anchor for Capuchin ministries in Detroit. St. Francis of Assisi will fulfil a similar role in Milwaukee.

Recommitting to Milwaukee for the next century

The Most Reverend Jerome Listecki, Archbishop of Milwaukee

"The Capuchin Friars of the Province of St. Joseph are a cornerstone to our Catholic social justice work in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Ministering in schools, parishes and programs that provide essential life needs, the friars live out our call to serve others. The projects and goals of their Growing in Community Capital Campaign will strengthen the reach of their ministries and help the friars be the hands and feet of Christ for generations to come."


The Most Reverend Jerome Edward Listecki, Archbishop of Milwaukee

Built as a residence for Capuchin friars of the Province of St. Joseph, St. Francis of Assisi served as the home and ordination site of Blessed Solanus Casey, was home to Servant of God Fr. Steven Eckert, and was the launching pad for the House of Peace, born out of the civil unrest the 1960s.

St. Francis is a special place where for generations holy men prayed, lived in community, and ministered according to the Rule of St. Francis of Assisi.

Julie and Mark Darnieder

"Mark and I are proud to partner with the Capuchin friars on this important work. As witnesses to their humble yet critical care for those in need, we feel it is equally important to provide for the friars through their years of extraordinary service."


Julie and Mark Darnieder
Campaign Co-Chairs, Milwaukee

This renovation will bring our Capuchin friars, currently spread out among aging buildings throughout Milwaukee, under one roof in service of our mission of hospitality, joyful service, and care for those struggling with poverty and other challenging circumstances. Senior friars, friars currently serving in ministry, and our postulants discerning Capuchin life will live together in community.

Included in the renovation are:

  • ADA-accessibility features, including the installation of an elevator
  • Modernized heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems
  • Guest quarters
  • Office space
  • Renovated kitchen and refectory (dining hall)
  • Community rooms
  • Skilled nursing station for senior friar care
  • Other amenities

"St. Francis modeled the Gospel through joyful service, hospitality and compassion. The Capuchin Friars of the Province of St. Joseph model those same Gospel-rooted values through service to the poor, hungry and homeless. The friars play a critical role in caring for 'the least of our brothers,' and it is my hope that their Growing in Community Capital Campaign will allow them to continue to open doors for others to encounter Christ."


His Excellency Allen H. Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit
Rendering of the renovated dining room and fireplace inside St. Francis of Assisi friary
Rendering of the renovated dining room and fireplace in the St. Francis of Assisi Friary refectory.

The renovated monastery will house the Capuchin Postulancy program, where young men discern a vocation to Capuchin life, while ministering at Capuchin Community Services among our sisters and brothers experiencing poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity.

Capuchin Center to serve as focal point for parish, community, province

Capuchin friars in prayer
Capuchin friars in prayer during Mass

In addition to St. Francis Monastery, a newly-constructed Capuchin Center adjacent to St. Francis Church will serve the needs of a vibrant and diverse parish community, offering space for religious education, meetings, and other parish and provincial functions and celebrations.

St. Francis of Assisi Capuchin Center Interior Rendering
St. Francis of Assisi Capuchin Center interior rendering

We invite you to join us in this work by pledging your support.

Suzy Gavin and Fr. Larry Webber, OFM Capuchin

"The faith and compassion of the Capuchin friars is a model for us to love God and neighbor. These devoted friars, who care for people physically and spiritually, are like family to people they serve and ministry supporters. My family and I have been blessed by their goodness and prayers."


Suzy Gavin, Campaign Co-Chair, Detroit

Financial Stewardship

  • Consolidating our Capuchin footprint in Milwaukee
  • Optimizing existing physical plant
  • Allowing us to focus on mission rather than maintenance
  • Being good stewards of the gifts shared with us by the people of God
  • Renovating existing buildings and utilizing reclaimed materials for new construction

Care for Creation

  • Focusing on historic preservation prevents many tons of building material from going to a landfill
  • Minimizing carbon footprint
  • Installing energy-efficient technologies to reduce climate impact
  • Increasing density, vitality, and walkability for a greener and more vibrant Halyard Park neighborhood
Photo of St. Francis of Assisi Church and Capuchin Center at dusk
St. Francis of Assisi Capuchin Center
 

Pledge your support today

Download our fillable pledge card

Or, click here to make a pledge by credit card.
You can also inform us of a cash, check or planned gift pledge using the form below.

Donor Information






Campaign Pledge

Yes, I/we will pledge to the Province’s Growing in Community Campaign. (pledges are payable over a three-year period.)





Timing of Gift

We intend to pay the balance as follows:

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Please print your name as you would like it to appear in any campaign recognition materials:


Please direct questions to Kristi Hassouna, Development Director (313) 939-2002, [email protected]