The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi is the oldest Franciscan congregation founded in the United States, started in 1849 by women and men who came from Bavaria to minister to the German immigrants in North America. In 1904, they founded the first Catholic residential school for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To this day, the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi sponsor ministries in multiple states to help those with special needs.
Living life in the ways of the Franciscan calling, the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi not only uphold the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, but also use their many gifts to minister in a wide variety of fields, including education, higher education, social work, art, science, and technology, just to name a few. The Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi hold strong emphasis for Consecrated life, the importance of God’s creation through the environment and sustainability, and working for social justice and peace. "We are gospel women who, strengthened by community and trusting in the providence of God, strive to meet the unmet needs of today, as we walk in the footprints of Saints Clare and Francis in mutually sustaining ways with all of creation."
We invite women of faith, generosity and courage to join us as we move into the future together.