Frequently Asked Questions:
(For those visiting us in New York)
Q: Iām flying into New York City, which airport should I choose?
A: St. Joseph Friary is closest to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and is about one hour and fifteen minutes away by public transportation. JFK is about two hours by public transportation, and Newark, NJ (EWR) is about an hour and a half. Public transportation is safe and inexpensive.
Q: When should I arrive?
A: We ask everyone to plan on arriving at the friary by 4pm on Wednesday, and you are free to depart after 12 noon on Sunday.
Q: How can I prepare for my visit?
A: It might be helpful to read up on sections of our constitutions, namely, our life of prayer, fraternity, and the vows (found here). This can help you evaluate our life based on what we profess to live. Also, you might consider reading a biography on St. Francis.
Q: What should I bring for the Come and See?
A: We provide sheets and towels and your meals during your stay. Please pack your clothes (no shorts while in the Chapel please!) personal effects, and items for prayer (bible, rosary, journal, spiritual reading, etc.).
Q: What will I be doing during the Come and See?
A: You will be living our normal life for a few days. You will have a chance to pray and share meals with the brothers, experience our ministry with the poor and pro-life work, and enter into our day of prayer on Fridays. There will be informal talks throughout the weekend on such topics as discernment, prayer, and our way of life. You will also have the chance to speak one on one with a member of the vocation team.
Q: Can I arrive earlier or stay longer?
A: Before booking extra days in New York City, please contact the vocation office directly to discuss your travel plans and the availability of the house. Do not book extra days without asking us first.
Travel Instructions:
From La Guardia Airport:
1) Follow signs for public transportation
2) When you reach the curbside, ask for where you can purchase a ticket for the M60 Bus.
3) Purchase your M60 ticket ($2.75) and take the receipt with you before you board.
4) After crossing the Triboro/RFK Bridge the M60 travels west on 125th Street. Get off at Amsterdam Ave and cross the street and head north on Amsterdam. There you can transfer to the M100 or M101 Bus heading north. Get off between 140th & 141st Streets. Cross Amsterdam and turn left onto 142nd Street, walk one and a half blocks. The friary will be on the right side of the street, if you make it to Broadway, you've gone a half of a block too far.
From JFK Airport:
1. Take the Air-train ($5) to the subway A line / Howard Beach Station.
2. Take the A Line subway train ($2.75) to 145th Street Station (uptown Manhattan). You will exit at the intersection of St. Nicholas and 145th Street; walk west on 145th Street (going uphill).
3. Left onto Broadway (going South), Left onto 142nd Street, and the friary is half way up the block on your left.