Around the Province
![Around the Province](/content/images/size/w960/2023/12/Capuchin-Franciscan-Province-of-St-Joseph---Color-Logo---MASTER---OUTLINES---PMS-476C-01.jpg)
![Friars share an embrace at the Profession of Vows in Detroit.](https://www.sandalprints.online/content/images/2023/12/IMG_0558.jpg)
New Capuchin Fraternity Fund Ensures the Future
The newly-established Capuchin Fraternity Fund at the Catholic Foundation of Michigan is an endowment yielding sustainable income in perpetuity for the friars and their ministries. To donate, visit: ofmcap.cc/fraternity-fund
![Photograph of the 50th SOCK Dinner fundraiser with the SOCK logo superimposed.](https://www.sandalprints.online/content/images/2023/12/Copy-of-SOCK-2023-Banner.png)
51st SOCK Dinner Draws Support for Soup Kitchen
Thank you to all who attended our annual SOCK (Support Our Capuchin Kitchen) Dinner fundraiser at Huntington Place in Detroit on November 10. We especially thank Gretchen Valade from Carhartt who chaired this year's event.
![Students from St. Lawrence Seminary High School serve a meal at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit.](https://www.sandalprints.online/content/images/2023/12/399889433_826071912858487_5791317353931191094_n.jpg)
St. Lawrence Students Visit Michigan Ministries
In early November students from our St. Lawrence Seminary High School visited our Michigan ministries to both learn about the various services provided by the Capuchins and to gain a deeper appreciation of the Capuchin Franciscan charism.
![Staff and volunteers work together with community partners such as the Milwaukee Bucks to distribute turkeys and holiday food boxes at the House of Peace in Milwaukee.](https://www.sandalprints.online/content/images/2023/12/untitled-18.jpg)
Community Partners Together in Milwaukee
Thanks to our friends at the Milwaukee Bucks and Gruber Law who donated and distributed 150 Thanksgiving turkeys and food boxes this year at Capuchin Community Services in Milwaukee! Kroger and Roundy’s joined in the holiday giveaway as well, giving away gift cards!
![Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square.](https://www.sandalprints.online/content/images/2023/12/ashwin-vaswani-55k45BgfUF8-unsplash.jpg)
Pope's Laudate Deum Calls for Climate Action
Earlier this year, Pope Francis published his latest apostolic exhortation on the climate crisis, Laudate Deum. The letter addresses the global climate crisis and the need for meaningful action to avoid the worst effects of climate change. It is the follow-up to Laudato Sì.
![Fr. Mike Bertram at his farewell Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Milwaukee](https://www.sandalprints.online/content/images/2023/12/405123333_733946652102625_5332120067172450629_n.jpg)
St. Francis of Assisi Parish bids Farewell to Pastor
Following 20 years of ministry, parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Milwaukee celebrated long time pastor Friar Mike Bertram, OFM Cap. Fr. Mike retired from his role in November to take on the full- time duties of ministry director at Capuchin Community Services.