"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.
Information on visiting the sisters:
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Effective Wednesday March 10th, outside visitors will be allowed back into the convent.
Sisters and Visitors must wear a mask at all times during their visit . No sharing of meals at this time, but food may be brought in for the Sister to enjoy after the visit. This also allows for all Sisters and Associates to come to chapel. Mask use is required in chapel. |
News From The sisters...Join us as we live stream mass:
Want to know more about different types of prayer styles?
Click HERE! 
Sisters and Associates participated in a grant-funded project to assist children in meeting their basic needs by providing pajamas, socks, underwear, books, and toiletries for the So Loved Clothing Closet.
Check out the video! CORPORATE STANCE ON RACISM...
On the 170th Anniversary of their founding January 6, 2021, the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana, promulgated the following Corporate Stance on Racism.
Recognizing the wondrous diversity, culture and color among all God’s beloved peoples, we, the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana forcefully condemn the sin of racism that is the root of so much historical and current injustice... Click HERE to read the full article. S. Pat Bietsch featured in article...
As we read about Sisters ministering to the Navajo amid the pandemic, we are reminded of our deceased S. Pat Bietsch and her ministry there with S. Marlene Kochert. Click the link below to read the article: https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/ministry/blog/sr-patricia-bietsch-shared-her-life-navajo |
Publications and Programs:
Click the image above to view our current brochure!
ATTENTION - Until further notice our programs at the Oldenburg Franciscan Center will be presented using ZOOM!
Click image to view the Spring Celebrate!
Click the Links Below to FOllow Us on Facebook!"BEST PARTS"Could a Franciscan Vocation be in your future?
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PRAY WITH US
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READINGS AND REFLECTION FOR APRIL 18, 2021
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER |
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1st Reading: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 4: 2, 4, 7-9 2nd Reading: 1 Jn 2: 1-5a Gospel: Lk 24: 35-48 |
Our Weekly Reflection...
REFLECTION:
There are three themes running through today’s readings: revealing Jesus, following God’s commands, and evangelization.
It was not known to the people of Israel, nor even to the disciples, that Jesus was the Messiah of the ancient prophets. After healing a lame man, Peter explained to the curious crowd of Israelites “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has given divine glory to His servant Jesus” (Acts 3:13). “You killed the one who leads to life, but God raised Him from death-and we are witnesses to this” (Acts 3:15). “God announced long ago through all the prophets that his Messiah had to suffer; and He made it come true in this way (Acts 3:18).
John explains in 1 Jn 2:2, “And Christ Himself is the means by which our sins are forgiven, and not our sins only, but also the sins of everyone.”
The Resurrected Jesus said to the huddled disciples “These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets and the Psalms had to come true. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Lk 24: 44-45).
Jesus mentions the Laws of Moses. The Lord expects our obedience to His Commandments. He gave us these laws not to burden us, but to make our lives joyful and ordered. How much would the world be changed if everyone obeyed the Ten Commandments?
The Psalmist writes, “How long will you people insult me? How long will you love what is worthless and go after what is false (Ps 4: 2)?” “Tremble with fear and stop sinning (Ps 4: 4).” Lasting joy doesn’t come from food, drink, alcohol or other pleasures, but from following God’s commands.
“If we obey God’s commands, then we are sure that we know Him. If someone says that he knows Him but does not obey his commands, such a person is a liar and there is no truth in him. But whoever obeys His word is the one whose love for God has really been made perfect (1 Jn 2: 3-5a).”
Jesus exhorts His disciples to evangelize. “Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures (Lk 24:45) and in His name the message about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem (Lk 24: 47).”
How did Jesus and His disciples evangelize? They used moments of curiosity, as when Peter healed the lame man. They met people where they were, asking questions and establishing common ground. They witnessed by the lives they lived in obedience and joyfulness.
PRAYER:
Jesus, we thank You this day that by Your Easter sacrifice You made a way to forgive our sins. Help us to find joy in following your commands, and to evangelize to the world by the way we live our lives. Amen
Chris Warders, Associate
There are three themes running through today’s readings: revealing Jesus, following God’s commands, and evangelization.
It was not known to the people of Israel, nor even to the disciples, that Jesus was the Messiah of the ancient prophets. After healing a lame man, Peter explained to the curious crowd of Israelites “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has given divine glory to His servant Jesus” (Acts 3:13). “You killed the one who leads to life, but God raised Him from death-and we are witnesses to this” (Acts 3:15). “God announced long ago through all the prophets that his Messiah had to suffer; and He made it come true in this way (Acts 3:18).
John explains in 1 Jn 2:2, “And Christ Himself is the means by which our sins are forgiven, and not our sins only, but also the sins of everyone.”
The Resurrected Jesus said to the huddled disciples “These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets and the Psalms had to come true. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Lk 24: 44-45).
Jesus mentions the Laws of Moses. The Lord expects our obedience to His Commandments. He gave us these laws not to burden us, but to make our lives joyful and ordered. How much would the world be changed if everyone obeyed the Ten Commandments?
The Psalmist writes, “How long will you people insult me? How long will you love what is worthless and go after what is false (Ps 4: 2)?” “Tremble with fear and stop sinning (Ps 4: 4).” Lasting joy doesn’t come from food, drink, alcohol or other pleasures, but from following God’s commands.
“If we obey God’s commands, then we are sure that we know Him. If someone says that he knows Him but does not obey his commands, such a person is a liar and there is no truth in him. But whoever obeys His word is the one whose love for God has really been made perfect (1 Jn 2: 3-5a).”
Jesus exhorts His disciples to evangelize. “Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures (Lk 24:45) and in His name the message about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem (Lk 24: 47).”
How did Jesus and His disciples evangelize? They used moments of curiosity, as when Peter healed the lame man. They met people where they were, asking questions and establishing common ground. They witnessed by the lives they lived in obedience and joyfulness.
PRAYER:
Jesus, we thank You this day that by Your Easter sacrifice You made a way to forgive our sins. Help us to find joy in following your commands, and to evangelize to the world by the way we live our lives. Amen
Chris Warders, Associate
