Central Minnesota is home to a vibrant Franciscan family that includes Secular Franciscans, Franciscan sisters in the Third Order Regular, Poor Sisters of St. Clare, and Franciscan Associates. Each of these parts of the Franciscan family live out their Franciscan charism and commitments in ways that are distinct from each other, and in ways that support each other and bring diversity and vitality to the Franciscan family. You can visit and learn more about the Franciscan family in Central Minnesota with the links below.
“The Franciscan family, as one among many spiritual families raised up by the Holy Spirit in the Church, unites all members of the people of God — laity, religious, and priests — who recognize that they are called to follow Christ in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi. In various ways and forms, but in life-giving union with each other, they intend to make present the charism of their common Seraphic Father in the life and mission of the Church.”
Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order, 1
The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls is a Roman Catholic congregation of women religious of the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi. They are: dedicated to living the Gospel joyfully through the Franciscan values of conversion, contemplation, poverty and minority; committed to a life of prayer, simple living, and service to those in need; and dedicated to promoting human rights, building community wherever we live, and healing the sources of Mother Earth’s wounds.
The Franciscan Associates of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls are women, men and families who proclaim their call from God to live the spirit, charism and mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota. They commit to a formally recognized mutual relationship and live the commitment within their own lifestyle.
The Poor Clares of the Primitive Observance, located in Sauk Rapids, are a cloistered, contemplative order, seeking union with God through a life of prayer and sacrifice, in the spirit of St. Clare, to whom St. Francis was mentor and guide.
The Engaging Franciscan Wisdom Podcast is produced at the Franciscan Welcoming House in St. Cloud, (MN), and is published on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Each episode explores the challenge and beauty of life through the lens of Franciscan stories, writings and values that can illuminate and inspire our own lives of faith today. Join Sister Michelle L’Allier and her guests for times of shared reflection and conversation.
St. Cloud Fraternity of Secular Franciscans 