We are sensitive to God's ongoing revelation which comes to us in the Gospel and unfolds itself in all living beings.
- General Constitutions #4
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can become a Sister of St. Francis?
Women who feel called to the vowed Gospel life generally begin to walk with the Sisters, develop a relationship with them. Together they discern whether or not the Call is to this Catholic Franciscan Congregation. What does it mean to become a Sister of St. Francis?
It is a journey of the heart. We evangelize and are evangelized by those to whom we are sent. We commit ourselves to Gospel life and to a genuine Franciscan identity within the Catholic Church with special concern for issues of justice and the rights of minorities, the poor, the homeless, and refugees. All of us who are members of our Congregation began this journey one step at a time. How can I know if discerning a vocation is for me?
Do you feel that you are willing to risk all and give your life to God? Do you feel called to join a community in a willingness to be sent, to serve, and to proclaim the Gospel to all? Does the willingness you sense to give your life to God include a willingness to share your life with the sisters God gives you? Has the call that you feel persisted over a period of time? If so, then an openness to discern this with some of the Sisters will help you decide about a vocation to the vowed Gospel life. What should I know about becoming an associate?
Associates are lay persons, single or married, who seek a deeper relationship with God through a formal relationship with the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity. Associates join the community of the Sisters to deepen their relationships with themselves, others and God. Many seek to work with a community that is actively involved in seeking peace and justice, reaching out to the poor and the disadvantaged. Others join to discover a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. Involvement with the community's ministries often simplifies one's life, providing a core sense oneself and the community of creation.With what organizations do the Sisters work?
The organizations with which the sisters work are as diverse as the Sisters themselves. Our tradition is that together we bear witness to Christ's message through any activity which answers to a genuine human need. Some Sisters are working in parishes, others in health services and education both in and outside school settings. Spiritual direction and retreat work, solidarity with immigrants, peace education and activities, chaplaincy and hospice work, wood carving, art and body work... the list is nearly endless! What is the relationship between the three provinces?
The provinces are linked in a relationship of collaboration, friendship, shared vision. We come together across provinces in a variety of projects, we meet every few years in convocation to share and deepen our sense of Franciscan Presence in North America. Together we support the Mission in Chiapas, Mexico.
I would like to make a donation to the provinces, who do I contact?
On the Collaboration page you will find contact person listed for each province. Financial donations as well as donations of time and prayer are very welcome.
What defines the Franciscan way of Life or Franciscan Spirituality?
A commitment to living and witnessing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is fundamental to the Franciscan way of life. A sense of God's goodness expressed in all of creation is characteristic of Franciscan Spirituality. I know of an organization that is in need. Can I contact the Sisters about this?
Certainly. The same person who is listed as a contact for donations of time and money can give you information. 
