"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.
News From The Sisters...We rejoice in having our Chapel open to the public.
We look forward to seeing you!
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!
"BEST PARTS"Could a Franciscan Vocation be in your future?Michaela Farm, a ministry of the sisters of St. Francis for over 160 years, is now under the direction of the Greenacres Foundation.
To learn more about this educational and agricultural organization, please visit: WWW.GREEN-ACRES.ORG |
PRAY WITH US
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READINGS AND REFLECTION
FOR JANUARY 29, 2023 FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME |
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First Reading: Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13
Psalm: 146: 6-7, 8-9, 9-10 Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12 |
Our Weekly Reflection...
REFLECTION: In the readings today, we are told to seek the Lord, and then conveniently, we are told how to do that. We seek the Lord by seeking justice and righteousness, peace, and humility.
The Gospel today is about the Beatitudes. I'm struck by how radically counter-cultural it is trying to live them out according to Jesus. Jesus suggests that we follow a road through life that contradicts nearly every message our culture sends us about what we should want and do to be happy. We're taught from birth how to achieve "the good life, the American Dream." If we work, study, and save for what we want, the "American Dream" can be achieved no matter whose toes we step on to get there. But, the good life is achieved more often than not through the instant gratification. Corporate America does not want us to think about self-denial of "stuff" because it lowers its profit margins. We need to get out of that "me" concept and start thinking about what matters in life to achieve a better life beyond this world.
What is missing can't be bought. Love, compassion, concern for others, and justice for the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the powerless. What about peace or the joy of giving, happiness, or hope? What Jesus points to in the Beatitudes involves much more than the American Dream can offer us. No one in their right mind seeks suffering, but it's unavoidable. We all walk through our own dark night of the soul at one time or another. But Jesus assures us that our suffering for our actions here on earth is only temporary. The beatitudes are norms of holiness because it is in our weakness, difficulties, and suffering that we hear the "good news" Jesus brings to us and where we find God. Our rewards will be great in heaven. If our compensation is not in this imperfect world, it will be in the next perfect one.
PRAYER
Lord, we are reminded today that your blessings do not necessarily follow the world's logic. Open our eyes and hearts, Lord, that we may see and feel as you do. Grant us the compassion to reach out to our sisters and brothers in their time of need. Those suffering may be seen as the lowly and the despised. We pray for a more just world where all have enough, and none are left behind. Help us to be the light of the world, sharing with others what we have received, boldly proclaiming the good news of your love. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Kathleen Branham, OSF
The Gospel today is about the Beatitudes. I'm struck by how radically counter-cultural it is trying to live them out according to Jesus. Jesus suggests that we follow a road through life that contradicts nearly every message our culture sends us about what we should want and do to be happy. We're taught from birth how to achieve "the good life, the American Dream." If we work, study, and save for what we want, the "American Dream" can be achieved no matter whose toes we step on to get there. But, the good life is achieved more often than not through the instant gratification. Corporate America does not want us to think about self-denial of "stuff" because it lowers its profit margins. We need to get out of that "me" concept and start thinking about what matters in life to achieve a better life beyond this world.
What is missing can't be bought. Love, compassion, concern for others, and justice for the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the powerless. What about peace or the joy of giving, happiness, or hope? What Jesus points to in the Beatitudes involves much more than the American Dream can offer us. No one in their right mind seeks suffering, but it's unavoidable. We all walk through our own dark night of the soul at one time or another. But Jesus assures us that our suffering for our actions here on earth is only temporary. The beatitudes are norms of holiness because it is in our weakness, difficulties, and suffering that we hear the "good news" Jesus brings to us and where we find God. Our rewards will be great in heaven. If our compensation is not in this imperfect world, it will be in the next perfect one.
PRAYER
Lord, we are reminded today that your blessings do not necessarily follow the world's logic. Open our eyes and hearts, Lord, that we may see and feel as you do. Grant us the compassion to reach out to our sisters and brothers in their time of need. Those suffering may be seen as the lowly and the despised. We pray for a more just world where all have enough, and none are left behind. Help us to be the light of the world, sharing with others what we have received, boldly proclaiming the good news of your love. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Kathleen Branham, OSF
