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Bethany Ministries is a spiritually diverse community, based in Middleburgh, NY. Included in this community of households are lay people and religious leaders of various religious traditions and spiritualities. They work with each other and with Friar Peter Chepaitis, OFM and Sister Anna Tantsits, IHM. Download the Bethany Ministries brochure

The stories of Jesus in relationship with Martha, Mary and Lazarus of Bethany, as mirrored in the lives of Clare and Francis of Assisi, provide the inspiration for the existence and activities of Bethany Ministries.

The Beginning

Bethany Ministries began in 1995, when Fr. Peter moved to Middleburgh, New York, a community about an hour southwest of Albany. In collaboration with several others, Fr. Peter and Sr. Anna saw their vision grow to one that integrated the ministries of prayer, proclamation and hospitality.

The history of Bethany Ministries' growth from a seed to a fruit-bearing web of relationships, is warmly and honestly documented in the Ministries' annual newsletters. You can find other pictures on the Franciscan Ministry of the Word at Bethany Ministries facebook page.

Ecumenical Partnership

The Prayer House Community of Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania provides a spiritual support system for Bethany Ministries. This unique ecumenical partnership was established at the founding in 1995.

Serving the People of God from Canada to the Gulf Coast

The ministry of Proclamation, led by Fr. Peter and Sr. Anna, is called "The Franciscan Ministry of the Word at Bethany Ministries."

They lead retreats, parish missions, days of renewal; workshops and presentations in various parishes, congregations and retreat centers. They work with adults, college students, youth groups, children and intergenerational groups, both in Catholic and ecumenical settings.