"We, the Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, Oldenburg, are women of prayer,
committed to the Gospel values as lived by St. Francis and Mother Theresa Hackelmeier.
From our life in community we are sent to extend the mission of Jesus through our presence and service.
Enlivened by a spirit of justice, reconciliation and peace,
we collaborate with others in responding to the needs of the world."
We fulfill these words by being women of prayer in the ministries we do and the places where we are present. Since Vatican II opened the doors to the many needs of the world, we minister in education, parish ministry, social service, healthcare and social justice.
committed to the Gospel values as lived by St. Francis and Mother Theresa Hackelmeier.
From our life in community we are sent to extend the mission of Jesus through our presence and service.
Enlivened by a spirit of justice, reconciliation and peace,
we collaborate with others in responding to the needs of the world."
We fulfill these words by being women of prayer in the ministries we do and the places where we are present. Since Vatican II opened the doors to the many needs of the world, we minister in education, parish ministry, social service, healthcare and social justice.
We rejoice in having our Chapel open to the public. We look forward to seeing you!
News From The Sisters...THIS WHEEL OF ROCKS by S. Marya Grathwohl, OSF
In line with our Franciscan value of recognizing the dignity of each person, we, the Council signed the declaration, Beloved by God: A Catholic Commitment to Trans-Affirmation, in the name of our Community, It states that “As Catholics, we firmly believe our transgender and nonbinary community members are beloved by God. We recognize that these individuals are living into the dream God had for them long before their birth. Their unique gifts remind us that God's love is dynamic and transformative. We feel called to openly state our support for this marginalized community during these times when they are increasingly faced with violence and criticism for their identities and experiences. We pledge to make an open commitment to supporting justice, equity, and affirmation for transgender and nonbinary individuals throughout the Catholic Church and the world.”
To read the entire declaration, click on the link: https://belovedbygod.faith/ You are welcome to sign the declaration as an individual. 
CONVENT GUIDED TOURS IN 2023
Monday through Saturday 1:00-4:00 pm All tours need to be pre-arranged, but group tours should be reserved at least two weeks in advance. Groups should allow 1.5 hours for a full indoor tour, or 2 hours if a walk to the cemetery and Fatima Shrine is to be included. Contact S. Claire Whalen at 812-933-6514. Convent buildings are on the national historic site as is much of the town of Oldenburg. Tours include the Sisters' chapel built in 1898-1901 as well as earlier and later buildings. The Convent is now the retirement center for the Sisters with independent residences as well as a modern health care center providing assisted and nursing care. Franciscan Houses of Hospitality:
Questions? Email us at: hospitalityhouses@oldenburgosf.com
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Publications and Programs:
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"BEST PARTS"Could a Franciscan Vocation be in your future?Montana Missions...
The Archives of the Sisters of St. Francis is launching an online site for viewing documents and photos of the Congregation’s Montana missions. Click HERE to view the link. 
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PRAY WITH US
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READINGS AND REFLECTION
FOR SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME |
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First Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9
Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 145:2-3,8-9,17-18 Second Reading: Phil. 1:20c-24,27a Gospel: Mt. 20:1-16a |
Reflection
As we read and reflect on today’s scripture selections, we can surely agree that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and God’s ways are not our ways. While our God is generous in forgiving and abounding in mercy, we humans find It hard to let go of grievances and to forgive. We hold on to hurts and grudges and sometimes just want to “get even” rather than show mercy.
Jesus’ parable in the Gospel also causes us to question. Don’t we all think that the workers who worked all day should receive more than those who only worked an hour? It really doesn’t seem fair at all. Again, the ways of the landowner which reflect God’s ways are not ours. The landowner knew that all of the workers needed the full daily wage to provide for themselves and their families. The fact that workers were still standing in the marketplace waiting to be hired at the last hour showed that they really were desperately in need of work.
We humans seem to always want to count and measure and compare. We want to be sure to get what we think we deserve or what is coming to us. We don’t want anyone else to get or have more than we do, especially if we think they haven’t earned it or worked for it. Our gracious God lavishes us with graces and blessings, with mercy and love, whether we deserve it or not, every single day. Let’s put away our calculators and measuring tapes and try to look upon others with generosity and compassion. Gratitude for what we ourselves have been given and been blessed to experience may help us.
Prayer - A Prayer for True Generosity
Lord, teach me to be truly generous. Teach me to serve others like You did: to give, when I have little to spare; to heal, when I myself need healing; to toil, when I’d prefer to have the day off; to be grateful, when I feel underappreciated. For I’ll know then that I’ll be very much like You.
----Adapted by Dan Dixon, S.J., from St. Ignatius’ Prayer for Generosity
Maureen Irvin, OSF
As we read and reflect on today’s scripture selections, we can surely agree that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and God’s ways are not our ways. While our God is generous in forgiving and abounding in mercy, we humans find It hard to let go of grievances and to forgive. We hold on to hurts and grudges and sometimes just want to “get even” rather than show mercy.
Jesus’ parable in the Gospel also causes us to question. Don’t we all think that the workers who worked all day should receive more than those who only worked an hour? It really doesn’t seem fair at all. Again, the ways of the landowner which reflect God’s ways are not ours. The landowner knew that all of the workers needed the full daily wage to provide for themselves and their families. The fact that workers were still standing in the marketplace waiting to be hired at the last hour showed that they really were desperately in need of work.
We humans seem to always want to count and measure and compare. We want to be sure to get what we think we deserve or what is coming to us. We don’t want anyone else to get or have more than we do, especially if we think they haven’t earned it or worked for it. Our gracious God lavishes us with graces and blessings, with mercy and love, whether we deserve it or not, every single day. Let’s put away our calculators and measuring tapes and try to look upon others with generosity and compassion. Gratitude for what we ourselves have been given and been blessed to experience may help us.
Prayer - A Prayer for True Generosity
Lord, teach me to be truly generous. Teach me to serve others like You did: to give, when I have little to spare; to heal, when I myself need healing; to toil, when I’d prefer to have the day off; to be grateful, when I feel underappreciated. For I’ll know then that I’ll be very much like You.
----Adapted by Dan Dixon, S.J., from St. Ignatius’ Prayer for Generosity
Maureen Irvin, OSF
