Capuchin Journey. the. Ministry in Africa. Plus: Capuchin Appalachia Mission 2012 Feast of St. Padre Pio

Transcription

1 Capuchin Journey the Capuchin Mission and Development Office Fall 2012 Ministry in Africa Plus: Capuchin Appalachia Mission 2012 Feast of St. Padre Pio

2 Magazine of the Capuchin Franciscans of the Province of St. Mary Provincial Minister s Letter The Capuchin Journey is our way of letting you know how the Province of St. Mary fulfills its mission. You, as part of our community, share this vision of service to those in need. Through this magazine, we want you to know how we use the resources you so generously provide. We hope this magazine shows you the work we do and how valuable your contributions are to us and our ministries. Please feel free to contact us with your comments and suggestions. VOLUME 10, ISSUE Capuchin Mission & Development Office Editor in Chief Dina V. Montes Publisher Fr. Francis J. Gasparik, OFM Cap. Design/Art Direction Dina V. Montes Photography and contributions: Br. Christopher Iwancio, OFM Cap. Br. George McCloskey, OFM Cap. Ariel Pimentel Fr. Jack Rathschmidt, OFM Cap. Andrew Skoniecsky Donna Smith Kresel Contact us: Province of St. Mary of the Capuchin Order Mission and Development Office 210 W. 31st Street New York, NY news@capuchin.org Province Mission Living the Gospel according to the Rule of St. Francis of Assisi, the friars of the Province of St. Mary proclaim God s reign through: 2 Service to others and mutual service to our brother friars. Continuing Our Mission, Today and Tomorrow This year, the Province of St. Mary celebrated 60 years of serving the New York and New England region. We re very proud in reaching this milestone, and excited about what lies ahead in the next 60 years. Since our establishment in 1952, the Province of St. Mary has grown and we now have ministries in many communities throughout the Northeast and abroad. And we continue to fulfill St. Francis vision of living the Gospel by comforting the poor and the sick. In this issue, you will learn about the work Capuchins are doing in Africa. In addition to spreading the Gospel in many communities, our African brothers in Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe and other African countries are helping youth receive an education and start vocational careers that will help support their families in a region plagued by chronic poverty. We also highlight the Capuchin Youth & Family Ministries (CYFM) recent trip to Appalachia. This annual summer mission to Harlan, Kentucky, has become a tradition for our province. Each summer, dozens of youth from New York State set up a vacation bible school for local children and help families with clothing and book supplies, and by providing much needed labor for their home repairs. These projects are just some of the few ministries done by the Province of St. Mary. We will be celebrating these works and many others at our upcoming Annual Capuchin Dinner on November 15 at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. We hope you can join us to commemorate the past 60 years and toast to the next 60 years as we continue spreading the Good News to the New York and New England region and beyond. The Capuchin Franciscan friars would like you to know how very grateful we are for your support and prayers. Each and every one of our donors has been instrumental in helping us reach our 60th anniversary and allowing us to do God s work here on earth. May God bless you and your loved ones with peace and every good thing. In This Issue: FEATURES 6 6 Feast of St. Padre Pio 8 Ministry in Africa 12 Capuchin Appalachia Mission Cap Corps Volunteers 2012/ Jubilees 2012, Part 2 18 Annuities 101 DEPARTMENTS News Briefs Province Directory On the cover: Fr. Jack Rathschmidt and Br. Celestino Arias meet with women from the Damietta Peace Initiative in Nairobi, Kenya. Yours in Christ, Embracing and supporting the needs of the diverse communities among whom we live and minister. Responding to the needs of our time through our service to the underserved of our church and society, the economically challenged and the shunned and forgotten. Capuchin Journey the 16 Fr. Francis J. Gasparik, OFM Cap. Provincial Minister 3

3 News Briefs Investiture 2012 at Santa Ynez Novitiate rency, OFM Cap. will continue their religious studies in preparation for Solemn Vows at the Province of St. Mary s post-novitiate house of formation, San Lorenzo, in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. CYFM Alumni Ordination Novices Linneker Marin, Anthony Zuba, William Tarraza, Johnny Alvarado, and Gavin Diego from the Our Lady Star of the Sea Vice Province. This summer, two women who previously worked for Capuchin Youth & Family Ministries (CYFM) professed their vows as sisters of Catholic orders. Sister Mary Naccarato, the former CYFM Associate Director from 2005 to 2008, professed her vows on Saturday, August 18, as a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Based in New Windsor, New York, the Sisters of the Presentation have ministries in education, pastoral work, health care, and social services in the United States and in Four men from the Province of St. Mary were invested in the Capuchin habit on Sunday, July 22 at the San Lorenzo Novitiate in Santa Ynez, California. They joined 20 other young men in formation from North America, Guam, and Australia in a special investiture ceremony, where they received their Capuchin Franciscan habit, cord, rosary and sandals for the first time. Maryland. The Daughters of Charity serve in many different types of ministry such as healthcare, social services, teaching, counseling, prisons, and pastoral ministry. CYFM would like to congratulate both women. Our prayers are with you. Friar to Publish Poetry Book Br. Robert Phelps, a published poet in literary journals, will have his first poetry book published early next year. The poetry collection, titled EVER is a look at finality and mystery. It is being published by Finishing Line Press, a small press in Georgetown, Kentucky, and is set to be released by March Br. Robert is a Queens, Br. Robert Phelps New York native and has been a Capuchin Franciscan friar for 53 years. Over the years, he has had about 35 poems published in various poetry journals. General Chapter in Rome The 2012 Province of St. Mary novices are William Tarraza of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; John Alvarado of Queens, New York; Linneker Marin of Queens, New York; and Anthony Zuba of Long Island, New York. For the next year, they will live, study and pray with their fellow novices at the San Lorenzo friary. In August, 170 Capuchin Franciscan provincial ministers from around the world came together in Rome for the Capuchin General Chapter, which is held every six years. During this international meeting, provincial ministers re- First Profession After completing the NAPCC Novitiate Program in Santa Ynez, CA novices return to their respective provinces where they profess Simple Vows of poverty, chastity and obedience also known as First Profession. Our brothers, Alex Prado, OFM Cap. and Scott Sur- Top photo: Sister Elizabeth Ann Liz Sjoberg professes her vows as a Daughter of Charisty. Bottom photo: Sister Mary Naccarato professes her vows as a Sister of the Presentation. Bolivia. Br. Alex Prado, Fr. Francis Gasparik, and Br. Scott Surrency. 4 Sister Elizabeth Ann Liz Sjoberg, a 2004/2005 CYFM Cap Corps Volunteer, professed her vows as a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Walter O Brien The First 100 Years On October 20, Fr. Walter O Brien, the province s eldest friar, turned 100. Fr. Walter celebrated this very special milestone with family and fellow friars at the Schools of the Sacred Heart. The New York City native entered the Capuchins in In addition to reaching 100, Fr. Walter is also celebrating 75 years of priesthood this year. Fr. Walter O Brien His ministries included serving as a chaplain in the United States Army, as pastor at St. Pius Church in Middleton, Connecticut, and as parochial vicar at St. John the Baptist Church in New York City. Fr. Walter currently resides at St. Clare Friary in Yonkers, New York. The Province of St. Mary wishes Fr. Walter another 100 years. Installation of Ministries On September 24, three Capuchin friars were installed in the ministries of lector and acolyte during a ceremony at San Lorenzo Friary in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. The Installation of Ministries, as the ceremony is known, prepares friars for priesthood by delegating a ministry in the church. Fr. Francis Gasparik, the provincial minister for the Province of St. Mary, installed Br. Victor Garcia as an acolyte, and Br. Erik Lenhart and Br. Matt Janezcko as lectors. All three friars live at San Lorenzo Friary in Jamaica Plain. Capuchin Franciscan friars during the Capuchin General Chapter in Rome. view the state of affairs of the fraternity and to elect global leadership, including the Minister General, who serves as the worldwide head of the Capuchin Franciscan Order. Fr. Mauro Johri was reelected to be Minister General, a position he has served as since In addition, the provincial ministers edited the final texts of the Capuchin Constitutions, the order s interpretation of the Rule of St. Francis. From left to right: Fr. Francis Gasparik, Br. Erik Lenhart, Br. Victor Garcia, and Br. Matt Janezcko. 5

4 D St. Padre Pio Feast in Manhattan St. John the Baptist Church honors the Italian Capuchin Saint with Midtown Feast and Procession. ozens of parishioners slowly marched down 28th Street in Manhattan and gently chanted, Pray for us Padre Pio, pray for us, in a devout procession honoring the Capuchin Franciscan saint on September 23 as part of the 13th Annual Padre Pio Festival at St. John the Baptist Church. St. John the Baptist Church is home to the only shrine to St. Padre Pio in New York one which witnesses thousands of visitors who come to see the relics of the saint, which are housed there and inspire so many. These relics include a cloth used to soak up the blood from the blessed stigmata wounds he received in the year The shrine is currently undergoing renovation to provide more space for the hundreds of visitors it draws each month. To a parish of nearly 1,000 churchgoers, the Padre Pio shrine plays a significant part of weekly mass and prayer, especially to families of war veterans. St. Pio of Pietrelcina, popularly known as Padre Pio, was well known internationally during his lifetime for helping the suffering and the sick. American soldiers stationed in Europe are known to have made pilgrimages to visit him to ask for his blessing and help. I was impressed by the number of people in attendance for the mass and procession, and by their obvious faith and sincere devotion to Padre Pio, says Br. George McCloskey who attended the procession. It was also interesting to see the reaction of bystanders as the procession exited the church and made its way through the streets of Manhattan. The whole event seemed to bring a certain curiosity and happiness to the viewers, he adds. It was evident to both those participating in the procession and the intrigued spectators that there was a palpable air of faith and community on 28th Street that Sunday night. As the processional statue, banners and festival programs honoring Padre Pio s visage were held high and the acappella voices banded together for one last note, it was visible that the saint was present in the heart of believers, but perhaps more remarkable, in the minds of the curious but famously busy New Yorkers who paused and looked up at Padre Pio for the first time. ARIEL PIMENTEL From top left, counterclockwise: Parishioners march down 28th Street in Midtown Manhattan. The weekend-long feast included masses in Polish, Creole, Italian and English. Fr. John the Baptist Riordan, Fr. Thomas Franks, and Bishop Gerald T. Walsh. Parishioners inside St. John the Baptist Church, home to the only Padre Pio shrine in New York State. 6 7

5 Ministry in Africa Preparing Youth for a Better Tomorrow In Africa, the presence of Capuchin Franciscans is strong. With more than 1,200 friars, the Capuchins make up one of the largest orders on the continent. The Province of St. Mary supports its African Capuchin brothers in many ways, such as sponsoring the training and education of the friars and by contributing to local economic and development projects and ministries like the Capuchin Africa Initiative for Development (Cap-AID, see page 11). The Province of St. Mary is also helping to improve the lives of youth and future generations through initiatives that provide education and economic opportunities for young people in impoverished communities. Programs like the African Women s Education Fund (AWEF), which began under Capuchin auspices, but is now an independent nonprofit, and the Tailoring Schools for Girls in Tanzania are giving young women job and education opportunities that are normally out of their reach. These programs 8 have helped hundreds of girls earn a livelihood and help support their families. It s a success the Capuchins hope to duplicate this year with the new Carpentry Schools for Boys in Tanzania, which will offer young men the skills and ability to support themselves and their families. This past summer, Br. Celestino Arias, who helped found Cap-AID, and Fr. Jack Rathschmidt, who helped start AWEF, accompanied seven lay people to observe the programs progress. As Fr. Jack explains, what makes Capuchin programs different from most nonprofit programs in Africa is that they are administered and managed by native African Capuchin friars and local civilians, giving communities a true sense of ownership and investment in these programs. Too often, individuals and groups talk among themselves about the plight of Africans, instead of in conversation with Africans, says Br. Celestino Arias, Director of Cap-AID. Even my own Capuchin From top, clockwise: Children at St. Bridget School, a Capuchin Franciscan school in Nairobi, Kenya. Br. John Sulle at the Widows and Orphans Legal Assistance in Tanzania (WOLAT) center, which provides legal assistance to widows and orphans in Dar es Salaam. Students, Fr. Jack Rathschmidt, and Br. Joseph Kigalu at the Tailoring School for Girls in Dar es Salaam. 9

6 Capuchin Programs in Africa Left to right, clockwise: School children at St. Bridget School in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants of the African Women s Education Fund (AWEF) in Nairobi, Kenya. brothers in Africa were often told what was best for them by Rome, Geneva or New York with little or no input from them. We need to accompany and journey with our sisters and brothers, to listen, and to hear their stories. Financial Independence for Women In East Africa s poor communities, it s very difficult for girls to find work, especially if one or both parents have died from the many diseases that ravage the countries. With little or no education or job choices, girls are sometimes pushed into the sex industry, putting their lives and health at risk. To counter this problem, the Capuchins opened the Tailoring Schools for Girls. In Tanzania, 80 percent of clothes in the countryside are locally made and tailors are always in demand. The Tailoring Schools for Girls equip young women with the skills of the trade so that they can support themselves and their families. During the two-year program, girls learn to sew clothes that can be sold in local markets, and once they graduate, they receive their own sewing machine to start their own tailoring business. The first Tailoring School for Girls opened in 2007 in the country s northern province of Morogoro and has had over a dozen graduates, each now supporting their own families. The success of the school led to opening a second school in the country s capital of Dar es Salaam, which is managed by Br. Joseph Kigalu. Br. Konrad Ng ongolo manages the school in Morogoro. Fr. Jack Rathschmidt was able to witness the skills girls learn within their first year of the program. During his visit, he was presented with a handmade vestment, the traditional robe worn by priests, that had been tailored by first-year students. These girls started the program last year, and they have since learned how to sew well-made school uniforms and religious clothing, Br. Jack said. This past June, Capuchin friars began another vocational program, this one focusing on carpentry and boys. Much 10 like girls, many boys in Tanzania face bleak prospects when it comes to an education or jobs. The new Carpentry School will be teaching about eight young men, many orphans or who have dropped out of school, how to make furniture, which they will sell throughout the program to help fund the carpentry school and keep the program sustainable, so that other boys in the future can also learn a valuable trade that will help support their future families. How You Can Help To support the missions of the Capuchin friars in Africa, you can make a contribution by mailing your gift in the enclosed envelope included in this magazine, or by donating online at To learn more about how to support AWEF, visit Educate a Woman and You Educate a Nation Much like Cap-AID s vocational programs, the African Women s Education Fund s (AWEF) goal is to provide young people and future generations with a brighter future. AWEF is rooted in the belief that the single best way to attack poverty is by educating women. Numerous studies have shown that educated women have a higher percentage of raising healthy children, not falling into poverty, and ensuring that their children receive an education. AWEF provides a formal education for girls by paying their annual school tuition and fees, which are roughly $700 a year and beyond the financial means for many famcontinued on page 15 Since 2007, the Capuchin Africa Initiative for Development (Cap-AID) has helped support the ministries of over 300 Capuchin friars working in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. The program s projects work to prevent diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria, foster social development, help widows and orphans and promote local economic projects that provide job opportunities for youth and families. Cap-AID s approach in helping communities is different for every community it serves. But in every community, there is a constant factor a Capuchin friar s personal involvement. Below are some of the programs Cap-AID supports: The Damietta Peace Initiative The Damietta Peace Initiative was started by the Capuchin Vice-Province of South Africa as a means for reconciliation in the aftermath of apartheid at the grassroots level. Named after the place where St. Francis and the sultan of Egypt had a peaceful and respectful encounter during the Crusades, the program promotes the values of nonviolence, peace and integrity of creation, and brings together people of different faiths, cultures, tribes and clans, as sisters and brothers invested in protecting all life. It teaches youth and families the value of nonviolence and skills in conflict resolution, and promotes peace in poor villages and city neighborhoods that are often torn apart by tribalism, religious intolerance, and vendettas. Since its start, the program has grown and spread to other countries. In Kenya, the Province of St. Mary supports the Damietta Peace Initiative s Eastern Africa Office, which has grown from just a couple of grassroots groups to well over a dozen groups throughout the country. The program continues to grow and is now present in Uganda and Tanzania, where hundreds of members are spreading the message of peace and hope. Widows and Orphans Legal Assistance in Tanzania (WOLAT) In many rural and urban communities across Tanzania, widows and orphans are robbed of their property rights by extended family members once the male head of the household dies. Others fall victim to corrupted and selfserving government officials. Without legal representation, these widows and orphans are left to live in the street in abject poverty. Founded by Capuchin friar Br. John Sulle, the Widows and Orphans Legal Assistance in Tanzania (WOLAT) works to help widows and orphans rightfully regain their husband s or father s/ parents property through the legal system. It is staffed by volunteers and lawyers working pro bono and is headquartered at the Msimbazi Mission Friary in Dar es Salaam. The program has expanded to the impoverished Swahili coast and offers instructional programs over the radio. Clean, Safe Water and Prevention of HIV/ AIDS The Province of St. Mary has helped build water wells in regions without access to clean water and sponsored reforestation projects in areas affected by erosion and drought. With most Africans living off subsistence farming based on rainfall, backbreaking labor, and the fertility of the soil, the Capuchins have introduced irrigation, tractors, and modern techniques to bolster local agricultural communities. Many African communities suffer from high rates of HIV/AIDS cases that have left many children orphaned. The Capuchin friars have been trained in how the disease is spread and treated, helping both prevention efforts and enabling those living with HIV to have access to medicine, clean water, and proper nutrition so they can lead healthier lives. 11

7 CAPUCHIN APPALACHIA MISSION 2012 Teens participate in the annual CYFM mission to help families in Kentucky. Since 1991, the Capuchin Youth & Family Ministries (CYFM) in Garrison, New York, has organized the Capuchin Appalachian Mission, a nine-day program in which young volunteers travel to Harlan County, Kentucky, to distribute clothing and children s books, volunteer at a nursing home, organize a vacation bible school, and provide home improvements for low-income families. In its 21 years, more than 650 youth have participated in the program. Below is an excerpt of a letter Tom Brinkmann, Director of CYFM, sent to supporters and families of volunteers who participated in the program this July. From left to right: Youth volunteers distributing clothing and books to families in Harlan through the outreach van ministry. Br. Matthew Giles with youth volunteers and children at Vacation Bible School at Holy Trinity Parish. Br. Marvin Bearis with a resident of Harlan, Kentucky. back day after day and that allows such beautiful relationships to grow with our residents. As soon as we put your visit on our calendar, they all begin to get very excited. QUICK FACTS: Started in 1991, the mission lasts nine days. Every day during the mission in Harlan County, Kentucky, our community of 83 missionaries took time to thank God for the gifts of our supporters. Because of them, we were able to address some very real needs and enrich the lives of many of our brothers and sisters in Harlan, Kentucky. I would like to share with you some of the good things that happened through our mission. It is only a glimpse of a vast treasure. For more than 15 years, we have provided a Vacation Bible School at Holy Trinity Parish in Harlan. We had four Harlan teenagers, who grew up attending the program each summer, now helping our Vacation Bible School team. More than 60 children (a record!) came each day this summer to hear of God s love for them through the Bible stories shared, arts and crafts, and songs and prayers. Daily the children were asked, Where did you see God today? Each day the list grew longer as the children s answers were more numerous: I saw God in Maddy who was so kind to us, in my mother who brings me here to Vacation Bible School. Meanwhile, CYFM youth volunteers, who organized the Vacation Bible School, learned about serving others. Some of their reactions included, It made me happy to know that I was able to make Vacation Bible School a highlight of the summer for these children, because I know it was for me! Another unique aspect of the Capuchin Appalachian Mission is our outreach van. We collected, sorted, and packed more than 60 boxes of clothing and 20 boxes of children s books to take down with us. Each day, 13 of our missionaries loaded the cargo van with clothing and books and drove out to rural parts of the county to distribute them to those in need. Parents expressed gratitude through tears for receiving new children s clothes for the upcoming school year. We shared the joy of Christmas in July as one resident of a facility for women in recovery from addiction called it. She told us, You give us hope! People we don t even know about care what happens to us! We also continued our ministry to senior citizens, which started three years ago when eight members of our community spent each day visiting the residents of Harlan Health and Rehabilitation Center. Many residents remembered us from last year. We sat with the elderly, listened to their stories, learned of their families, and their lives. A staff member told us, Your group is different. You came Nearly 700 youth have participated in the last 21 years. Volunteers organize and manage a Vacation Bible School. 60 children participated this year. The mission s outreach van distributed more than 60 boxes of clothing and 20 boxes of children s books. Volunteers provide manual labor to help lowincome families with home repairs. Visit for more information. One resident, Jolene, has lost her ability to communicate verbally. We enjoyed speaking with her, but her communication was limited to tapping our hand as we spoke to her. Natalie, a youth volunteer, had her drum with her as we prepared to lead a sing-along, and had the idea to offer it to Jolene. Jolene s smile as she played the drum remains in our memories as one of the more beautiful experiences of our week there. Meanwhile, our five manual labor teams took on some very big projects this summer. One team worked on Bo and Jerri-Lynn s home. Their story is one of strong family love and support. Bo and Jerri-Lynn have a modest trailer home, but were trying to fix up a very run-down trailer on their property that they planned to move into so that their daughter and her baby could have their trailer home, the nicer of the two. Thanks to our donors and supporters, our team was able to provide a lot of the labor and most of the materials that allowed this family to give a warm home to their daughter and granddaughter. Our presence also made the connections for people in Harlan to help one another. One of our other manual labor teams worked on Bob s home. Bob is a very generous person. He provided us with enough green tomatoes for our whole community to enjoy this southern fried tradition. He also owned a front-end loader. When he heard that Cindy, whose home yet another team worked on, needed some work on her property that could be accomplished with his front-end loader, he insisted that we introduce him to Cindy. When we did, he offered to drive the front-end loader over and do the work for her. We are grateful for our volunteers, and the support that the Capuchin Appalachian Mission receives year after year. Thanks to them, this program continues to help families in Kentucky and help CYFM youth volunteers learn the true meaning of living the Gospel. 13

8 the University of Scranton with a bachelor s degree in neuroscience in On campus, he was involved with many aspects of ministry and helped lead many retreats. He also worked to start the weekly practice of the Jesuit Examen on campus. Robert also participated in service trips to Washington D.C. and Guyana, and led a group of students to Ecuador. In the future, Robert will be attending the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine to receive his doctor of osteopathy degree and practice medicine, hopefully in an underserved area. Robert is very passionate about youth ministry and spreading the love of God to everyone he meets. He hopes to be able to spread God s love this year and to also grow closer to God. Cap Corps Volunteers 2012/2013 Young people dedicate a year of service to reach Catholic youth. Top row: Fr. Fred Nickel, David Carvalho, Carina Scecchitano, Michael Mejia, Lauren Numrich, Robert Gadomski, and Br. Matthew Giles. Bottom row: Br. Marvin Bearis, Tom Brinkman, and Br. Lake Herman. 14 Every fall, the Capuchin Youth & Family Ministries (CYFM) welcomes young, college-age volunteers who commit a year of service in spreading the Gospel to teenagers. Known as the Cap Corps program, these young volunteers provide valuable service by helping CYFM organize and execute 85 youth retreats that reach about 4,000 young people each year. Similar to the Peace Corps, these young men and women are not paid for their service and lead a simple lifestyle that includes residing at the CYFM retreat house and sharing meals and common prayer. Last year, the Cap Corps volunteers were instrumental in helping CYFM expand their ministry to the Boston city area an expansion that has allowed CYFM to reach more youth than ever before. This year, CYFM welcomes five volunteers who will be with CYFM until the summer. Learn more about the 2012/2013 Cap Corps Volunteers in the following paragraphs: David Carvalho David was born and raised in Fall River, Massachusetts. He attended Bishop Connolly High School, where his love for youth ministry began to truly develop. After high school, David attended Siena College in Loudonville, New York where he was first introduced to Franciscan spirituality. He was part of the youth ministry in his college campus, and worked extensively with the Chaplain s Office. Off campus, David did an internship with the youth minister at St. Pius X Parish in Loudonville for a year and a half. He also assisted the Diocese of Albany with its own Christian Leadership Institute. David graduated in May 2012 with a bachelor s degree in religious studies, with minors in Latin and Franciscan service and advocacy. David seeks to bring his diverse experiences in youth ministry and Franciscan spirituality to CYFM. In the future, David hopes to prepare himself for further work in youth ministry and graduate studies in theology. Robert A. Gadomski III Robert was born and raised in WilkesBarre, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Michael Mejia Michael was born and raised in Queens, New York. He attended Regis Jesuit High School in Manhattan and is a graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, where he received a bachelor s degree in Hispanic studies. During his time at Trinity, he studied abroad in Japan and Spain, spending four months in each place. His first CYFM experience was through the Capuchin Appalachian Mission to Kentucky in 2010, which led to further CYFM retreats. Michael hopes to have a fun and fulfilling year of ministry, both as the minister and the ministered. He has already felt so much love from the CYFM community and is looking forward to the rest of the year. Lauren Numrich Lauren was born and raised in Latham, New York. She recently graduated from Siena College, receiving her bachelor s degree in religious studies, with minors in psychology and Franciscan service and advocacy. Throughout her time at Siena, she was very involved with campus ministry. She served as a liturgical minister, co-led Siena s rosary group, and was a member of the retreat team, where she was a leader on various retreats. In March 2012, Lauren attended CYFM s Saints for Youth retreat and was captivated by the love and passion that poured from both the team and participants. Through her life experience, Lauren found her calling in love and service. As a Cap Corps volunteer, she hopes to display Christ s love to those she serves. Carina Scecchitano Carina was born and raised in Fishkill, New York. She received a bachelor s degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at New Paltz in In the past, Carina participated in the formation of two local ministries: Catholic Underground North at her parish in Hopewell Junction, and IGNITE Young Adults, an archdiocesan group for faithful year-olds based in Wappingers Falls. Carina was also very involved with her Catholic campus ministry at SUNY New Paltz, helping to run retreats and coordinating ministry to the soup kitchen in Kingston. She was introduced to CYFM when she attended a Day by Day Agape encounter retreat as a high school senior in The retreat strengthened her faith and was the instrument that led her closer to Christ. She felt called to give a year of service to CYFM as an appreciation for all that the CYFM community has done for her. Ministry in Africa, continued from page 10 ilies. Started in 2004 by Fr. Jack Rathschmidt, Fr. Adelwald Itatiro (the then Provincial of Tanzania) and a group of lay people, AWEF is administered by its own board of trustees who oversee the finances of the program with no paid staff. All overhead costs are covered by AWEF s board, ensuring that every dollar collected goes to the education of young women. To be supported by AWEF, girls complete an application, with selection based on financial need. Presently, 39 young women in Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Zambia receive AWEF educational support. In Kenya and Tanzania, Fr. Jack was able to meet 34 girls, including some former graduates of the program. One of these graduates was Honorata, who is now a seventh grade teacher in Tanzania. Before AWEF s intervention, Honorata s life and future were bleak and uncertain. Honorata s parents died when she was a young girl. Her older brothers, who were then her guardians, told her that school was not an option and that she should get married because they could no longer support her. Honorata ran away from her home village and came to Dar es Salaam, where she lived on the street. She learned about AWEF through Fr. Adelwald who urged her to apply. She did and was soon enrolled in school on a full scholarship. Honorata did very well in her studies and after graduating, she was able to find a job as a teacher. She is very grateful for the program, says Br. Jack about Honorata. And she wants to help other girls receive an education. In Kenya, Br. Jack met another AWEF past participant. When Br. Jack first met Beatrice years ago, she was a cook for one of the Capuchin friaries in Kenya. At the friar s urging and with the aid of a sponsor, she went to school and recently finished her university studies. Beatrice is now a bookkeeper, and thanks to her advanced degree and skills, she has a bright future. In the years since Cap-AID and AWEF began helping youth, many of its participants, like Honorata and Beatrice, have made great strides in their lives. While not pretending to change the face of poverty in Africa, the Capuchin friars believe that programs like AWEF and Cap-AID can make a simple and direct impact that can have a positive ripple effects on other individuals and communities. 15

9 2012 Jubilees Br. Martin de Porres Schmitt 60 Years of Religious Life Birth Investiture First Profession Perpetual Profession February 22, 1924 December 7, 1952 December 8, 1953 December 8, 1956 A jubilee marks the anniversary of commitment and service for friars. The men in the following pages are celebrating anniversaries of religious life the time since they were invested in the Capuchin habit or ordained a priest. This year, the Province of St. Mary celebrates the jubilees of nine friars. In the following pages, you can learn more about the friars celebrating jubilees this fall and winter. A Brooklyn native, Br. Martin de Porres Schmitt entered the Capuchin Franciscans in He served in several Capuchin friaries including St. Lawrence in Milton, Massachusetts; St. Francis in Providence, Rhode Island; Mary Immaculate in Garrison, New York; and St. Anthony in Hudson, New Hampshire. Since 1963, Br. Martin has served as part of the Custody of Japan as a teacher of religion. He also helps manage finances for the Custody. Each of these men has dedicated his life to the charisms of St. Francis and has spread the Good News around the world. They have served in various ministries that serve those in need, renewed faith in those who were lost, and helped guide parishioners to Christ s love. Bishop Peter Baptist Ishigami 60 Years of Priesthood Birth Investiture First Profession Perpetual Profession Ordination Bishop Peter Baptist Ishigami was born in O kasari, Japan, and entered the Capuchin Franciscans in He served as pastor in different Japanese communities including Nago, Naha, Awase and Miyako. In 1973, he was named Bishop of Naha. Photos, from left to right: With Fr. Gregory Reisert and Fr. Eugene O Hara. Bishop Peter with Pope Paul VI. 16 December 1, 1920 August 31, 1949 September 1, 1950 June 2, 1952 September 6, 1952 Fr. Philip Romano 50 years of Religious Life Birth December 21, 1940 Investiture October 6, 1962 First Profession October 12, 1963 Perpetual Profession October 12, 1966 Ordination September 10, 1994 Born in Newark, New Jersey, Fr. Philip Romano entered the Capuchin Franciscans in He served as chaplain at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Fr. Philip was also part of the parish staff at Our Lady Queen of Angels, Our Lady of Sorrows, and St. John the Baptist Church in New York City. He currently resides at Holy Name Friary in Ringwood, New Jersey. Photos, top to bottom: With Fr. Barnabas Keck. With Fr. George Dash. 17

10 There are many ways to support the Province of St. Mary s good works. But one of the best options for retirees is contributing through a gift annuity. Annuities allow individuals to make a meaningful gift to the Province of St. Mary and retain a stream of lifetime payments that supplement your or a loved one s retirement income. A charitable gift annuity is a way of making a donation to charity while benefitting from it with monthly income revenue. Instead of giving your money to charity through your will, you can give it to them while you re still alive and receive part of it back every month when you are retired. Charitable Gift 1 Create a gift 2 You annuity. 3 Charitable Gift Annuity After your lifetime, remainder goes to The Province of St. Mary. How It Works Through a simple contract, you agree to make an irrevocable donation of cash, stocks or other assets to The Province of St. Mary of the Capuchin Order. In return, you receive (or someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life. The only restriction is that the initial gift must be at least $5,000 and each annuitant must be at least 55 at the time of the gift. Example Jill, 70, established a $20,000 charitable gift annuity. Based on her age, she was able to receive an annuity rate of 5.1 percent. This means that we will pay her $1,020 each year for the remainder of her life, of which $824 is tax-free to her throughout her life expectancy. She ll also receive a charitable deduction of $7,231 if she itemizes on her income taxes (assumes annual payments and a 1.4 percent charitable midterm federal rate). After her lifetime, Gift Annuities 101 If you would like to support our mission and receive steady payment during your retirement years, a charitable gift may be right for you. Receive an income tax deduction and fixed payments for life. The Province of St. Mary of the Capuchin Order the remaining amount is used to support the charity s mission. In addition to providing a gift to the Province of St. Mary of the Capuchin Order and receiving fixed payments for life, you also receive these benefits: Your initial gift is partially income tax deductible. Gift annuity payments are partially income tax free throughout your estimated life expectancy. You may also namea successor annuitant, perhaps a spouse or another loved one, who will receive the same annuity payment for life following the death of the first annuitant. If you use appreciated stock to make a gift, you can usually eliminate capital gains tax on a portion of the gift and spread the rest of the gain over your life expectancy. Your Rate Generally, the older you are at the start of your payments, the higher your payments. These rates are the maximum rates recommended by the American Council on Gift Annuities and are adjusted periodically. One Life Your Age Rate of Return % % % % % % % % Two Lives Your Ages Rate of Return 55/60 3.7% 60/65 4.0% 65/70 4.4% 70/75 4.8% 75/80 5.3% 80/85 6.1% 85/90 7.3% 90/ % Deferred Charitable Gift Annuity If you are not yet retired, a deferred charitable gift annuity may be the right charitable gift for you. You ll receive the same benefits as regular gift annuities but with considerably higher rates. Not all organizations offer charitable gift annuities at the above ages and rates. Contact the Province of St. Mary of the Capuchin Order for a personalized illustration or for more information. To learn more about gift annuities offered by the Province of St. Mary of the Capuchin Order, please contact Jennifer Demers at x256 or jdemers@ capuchin.org. New York St. Joachim Friary 61 Leonard Street Beacon, NY Phone: St. Michael Friary 225 Jerome Street Brooklyn, NY Phone: St. Joseph The Worker Friary & Parish 510 Narragansett Avenue East Patchogue, NY Phone: Capuchin Youth & Family Ministry 781 Route 9D; PO Box 192 Garrison, NY Phone: St. Fidelis Friary 7790 County Road 153 Interlaken, NY Phone: St. Joseph Friary & Parish 34 South Chestnut Street New Paltz, NY Phone: Capuchin Vocation Office 110 Shonnard Place Yonkers, NY Phone: Capuchin Mission & Development Office 210 West 31st Street New York, NY Phone: Blessed James Haddad Friary 93 Park Terrace West New York, NY Phone: Province Directory Good Shepherd Friary & Parish 608 Isham Street New York, NY Phone: Our Lady of Sorrows Friary & Parish 213 Stanton Street New York, NY Phone: St. John the Baptist Friary & Parish 210 West 31st Street New York, NY Phone: St. Conrad Friary 30 Gedney Park Drive White Plains, NY Phone: Sacred Heart Friary & Parish 110 Shonnard Place Yonkers, NY Phone: St. Clare Friary 110 Shonnard Place Yonkers, NY Phone: Massachusetts San Lorenzo Friary 15 Montebello Road Jamaica Plain, MA Phone: St. Francis of Assisi Friary 46 Brookside Avenue Jamaica Plain, MA Phone: Connecticut St. Pius X Friary & Parish 310 Westfield Street Middletown, CT Phone: New Hampshire St. Anne St. Augustin Friary & Parish 383 Beech Street Manchester, NH Phone: Maine Friar Residence 24 North Raymond Road Gray, ME Phone: Vermont St. Peter Friary & Parish 134 Convent Avenue Rutland, VT Phone: California San Lorenzo Friary 1802 Sky Drive-Post Office Box 247 Santa Ynez, CA Phone: Florida Blessed John XXIII Friary th Street North Seminole, Florida Phone: Star of the Sea Vice Province St. Fidelis Friary 135 Chalan Kapuchino Agana Heights, Guam Phone: Custody of Japan St. Francis Friary & Parish 1 Aza Oroku Naha City, Okinawa Japan Phone:

11 210 West 31st street new york, ny Non Profit U.S. Postage PAID Mailed from Zip Code Permit No. 454 Annual Capuchin Dinner 2012 Join us as we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Province of St. Mary and the 2012 Jubilarians. The event will honor Alice Sim, Province Affiliate and recipient of the 2012 Capuchin Spirit Award. November 15, 2012 Marriott Marquis 1535 Broadway New York, NY Proceeds will benefit the friars and their apostolic work at home and abroad. For tickets and event sponsorship, visit or call , ext. 256.