Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart...

Awakening hope

"Merciful Franciscans, 

joyous and poor, 

doing works of neighborly love."


      With deep joy

   we awaken hope

    in our neighbors

through works of love.

Confronting Racism

Being anti-racist does not require a bullhorn, pulpit, microphone, or podium. It means being an ally in the struggle for equal justice and an agent of racial healing. I'm registered for "Confronting Racism," are you? Don’t miss this great opportunity offered by Andrew Lyke at our Portiuncula Center for Prayer on Sunday, Oct. 24, 1:30-4:00 PM, via Zoom.  Donation requested. If the time doesn’t work for you, tell us & receive a recording link. Register or call 815 464 3880. 

Three-Year Synod Begins

On October 10, Pope Francis inaugurated “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission.” It is a three-year synod which begins with a local consultation between pastors and faithful around the world, which takes place from October 2021 to April 2022. The second phase is from September 2022 until March 2023 during which the continental bishops’ conferences will compile the results of the diocesan consultations. From this, a working document will be drafted for the Ordinary Synod of Bishops scheduled for October 2023 in Rome, which is the third phase of the synod.


The Vatican said that this synod carries out the Second Vatican Council’s vision. It “enables the entire People of God to walk forward together, listening to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, to participate in the mission of the Church in the communion that Christ establishes between us.” It gives the faithful the opportunity “to imagine a different future for the Church and her institutions, in keeping with the mission she has received.”


Jesuit Father Dario Vitali, a Synod of Bishops’ consultor, said, “For the first time, we can say the whole church is involved in the synodal process through these steps.” He added that synodality has been integral to Pope Francis’ papacy— “listening, walking together, a church that shares.”

                              (Crux, “As pope opens synod, experts extol ‘synodality’ but struggle to define it” Oct 9, 2021)

Emerging from the pandemic...

Thank you, Sr. Cristina Soyao, for your witness in Global Sisters Report! Sr Cristina's Story

Sr. Cristina's story is about her ministry during the pandemic and how she, as a religious, served the people in her care as well as how she cared for herself.

Franciscan Challenge:
Give Something Away!
Send us your story

Have you given something away recently? Has it been difficult to let certain possessions go? Tell us your "Letting Go" story in a few sentences and send it to SISTERS@FSSH.NET  


What was it like to let these things go and to share the items with others? We may share your story or a portion of it in an FSSH publication or social media. If you wish, we can share just your first name and/or city or you can remain anonymous.


Even if you find just one thing to part with, it can be a meaningful and powerful choice. Our Franciscan Challenge began with National Give Something Away Day (July 15), which raises awareness about our abundance and our ability to share it with others. But the challenge continues daily as we are all called to let go of attachments and focus increasingly on loving one another.


In an America Magazine article, (https://tinyurl.com/yuwbncx3), Daniel P. Horan, OFM, explains that saints are not made through achieving perfection, but by overcoming their struggles--and their own egos--to make a difference.​ St. Francis of Assisi once begged forgiveness of his brothers after fleeing into the forest during a fire at the friary. He fled instead of helping them because he did not want his favorite blanket to be destroyed. When he came back to apologize, he then gave away the blanket--one of his few possessions--as a penance. Which of our own possessions possess us? How might our sharing of things that we own by God's grace bless others today and bring us closer to Him? 

Welcome back to St Francis Woods!

Our hearts our joy-filled that we can once again welcome our neighbors and friends to Mass in our Queen of Angels Chapel at the Motherhouse. Take note of the Mass schedule change and precautions that still need to be taken to protect the health of the Sisters at Updated reopening guidelines. Mass is available at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday-Sunday. 


It will be wonderful to see you and worship with you! We will keep you updated about any changes as they happen. See you Sunday!  


Regarding visits with Sisters at the Motherhouse, we once again welcome you, when following these guidelines.

Choices as Merciful Franciscans

We hope you enjoy our latest video and get to know us!

LOADING PLAYER…

“The truly poor in spirit, following the example of the Lord, live in this world as pilgrims and strangers.” 

 (TOR Rule Ch. VI-22)


Like Francis and Clare, we journey in the footprints of Jesus through simple, Gospel living...

  • discerning God's dream for us personally and communally
  • gathering in fraternitas (community) with Jesus as our brother
  • being a welcoming and joyful presence
  • placing our incompleteness in God's transforming heart
  • embracing diversity in our life and ministries
  • furthering the new reign of God

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  • With so many ways to be involved, discover the ways you you can belong here!



    INSPIRATION TO BELONG

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  • Come to this peaceful, 50-acre wooded campus where you can be refreshed in body and soul.


    Unwind by walking our outdoor labyrinth, Cosmic Walk (walking meditation) and Stations of the Cross. Explore our winding wooded paths, benches for resting and enjoying nature, and sacred places graced by inspiring statuary.


        

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Anti-Racism Resources

Why are so many people angry? Here is a quick summary, which is about 15 minutes into this video, but we do hope you will go back to hear it all!

Understanding the Anger 


Maybe you had some of the same reactions and questions that others did when they watched the video about why so many people are angry. See how those questions are answered here:

Answers to Questions raised from first video


Here is an excellent reading list for articles on anti-racism. They have the potential to open our hearts to a greater love for ALL our sisters and brothers. 

Anti-Racism reading list 



Congregational Statement on the Death Penalty


We, the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, affirm our stance against the death penalty made in 2000. As followers of Jesus and Francis of Assisi, we hold the dignity of each person as sacred. Every person is the image of God and has the right to the breath of life.


  • We are against both federal and state executions.
  • We believe in the power of restorative justice.
  • We work in harmony with organizations holding parallel views.
  • We pray for peace first in our hearts and for our world.

Women Religious: Our Commonalities

Congregations of women religious around the world have common goals. This is just a sampling.

  • Lives of Women Religious

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  • LCWR Call to Resettle Refugees

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  • LCWR Pledge to Heal the Nation

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