"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...
Comments from S. Noella: It was very thought provoking. One of the presenters questioned the word “embracing” instead of “embodying” because embracing has the idea of taking something in that is separate from each of us where the idea of embodying recognizes the interconnectedness of all in the Universe. One other take away was questioning the idea of “care of creation” because that puts humans in a dominant or more powerful position; perhaps it would be more honest to speak of “Sister Creation” recognizing our mutual relationship as St. Francis did.
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:
What's Happening at the Oldenburg Franciscan Center:
Click the Links Below to FOllow Us on Facebook!
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. 
"BEST PARTS"Could a Franciscan Vocation be in your future? |
PRAY WITH US
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READINGS AND REFLECTION
FOR JUNE 4, 2023 SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY |
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1st Reading: Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9
Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Gospel: John 3:16-18 |
Our Weekly Reflection...
REFLECTION:
This Sunday celebrates the central mystery of our Catholic faith: the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as God. The Psalm response is actually our best declaration to honor this day: “Glory and praise forever!” In the first reading, God identifies himself to Moses as “the Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.” God alone is the One who, despite human weaknesses, can “pardon our wickedness and sins and receive us as his own”. Knowing this, should we not be singing, “Glory and praise forever”? Similarly, St. Paul advises us to put aside our failings and live in harmony and peace, for the Father, Son, and Spirit are with us all. Finally, Jesus reminds us that he came to fill us with the very life of God – eternal life through faith. God’s love abounds in our lives and conquers all shortcomings! Together, we proclaim, “Glory and praise forever!”
PRAYER:
Gracious God, how much you love the world that you sent Jesus to reveal your goodness! Caught in our sins, we have now been freed through your mercy at work in our lives and in our world. May your continued presence among us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit enliven our faith and strengthen us to live in joyful praise and gratitude. We ask all in Jesus’s name. Amen.
--S. Delouise Menges, OSF
This Sunday celebrates the central mystery of our Catholic faith: the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as God. The Psalm response is actually our best declaration to honor this day: “Glory and praise forever!” In the first reading, God identifies himself to Moses as “the Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.” God alone is the One who, despite human weaknesses, can “pardon our wickedness and sins and receive us as his own”. Knowing this, should we not be singing, “Glory and praise forever”? Similarly, St. Paul advises us to put aside our failings and live in harmony and peace, for the Father, Son, and Spirit are with us all. Finally, Jesus reminds us that he came to fill us with the very life of God – eternal life through faith. God’s love abounds in our lives and conquers all shortcomings! Together, we proclaim, “Glory and praise forever!”
PRAYER:
Gracious God, how much you love the world that you sent Jesus to reveal your goodness! Caught in our sins, we have now been freed through your mercy at work in our lives and in our world. May your continued presence among us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit enliven our faith and strengthen us to live in joyful praise and gratitude. We ask all in Jesus’s name. Amen.
--S. Delouise Menges, OSF
