"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...Candle in the windowWe have begun our annual Candle in the Window Campaign to honor loved ones by lighting a candle in a window of our beautiful historic convent. Please follow this link to make a donation online for your own candle.
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:
Click the Links Below to FOllow Us on Facebook!
"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 FOR
DECEMBER 10, 2023 SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT |
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First Reading: Is 40: 1-5, 9-11
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 85: 9-14 Second Reading: 1 Pet 3: 8-14 Gospel: Mk 1: 1-8 |
Reflection:
“Countdown to Christmas”
We know we are in a countdown to Christmas because the Hallmark Channel
tells us so when they begin to show Christmas movies in mid-October. We are indeed in our own countdown to Christmas, but we call it Advent. During this time of preparation, we receive a special call: an invitation to change our lives. This is not an easy task. Changing our lives may seem almost impossible. It may have seemed this way to the Israelites when after years of servitude and exile they were to be set free. Psalm 85 tells us they had prayed for this gift of freedom for a long time and envisioned what it might be like. Prosperity, justice, peace, love and truth, and along with prosperity, good fortune. During this time of waiting and hastening we are called to remove any obstacles that stand in our way. God works in God’s own way so it’s important to be prepared.
The first reading gives us these instructions: “Make the road straight and smooth, fill in the valleys, level off the hills, smooth out the ruts, and clear off the rocks.” In doing this “cleaning out” in our lives we make ready for our encounter with God.
In Mark’s gospel we read that John the Baptist came ahead of Jesus. He baptized the people preparing them for the coming of the Messiah. By our Baptism we have been prepared to open our minds and hearts to the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
~ Associate Dot Lindsey
Prayer:
God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder
us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share his wisdom and become one
with Him when He comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen
- Author unknown
“Countdown to Christmas”
We know we are in a countdown to Christmas because the Hallmark Channel
tells us so when they begin to show Christmas movies in mid-October. We are indeed in our own countdown to Christmas, but we call it Advent. During this time of preparation, we receive a special call: an invitation to change our lives. This is not an easy task. Changing our lives may seem almost impossible. It may have seemed this way to the Israelites when after years of servitude and exile they were to be set free. Psalm 85 tells us they had prayed for this gift of freedom for a long time and envisioned what it might be like. Prosperity, justice, peace, love and truth, and along with prosperity, good fortune. During this time of waiting and hastening we are called to remove any obstacles that stand in our way. God works in God’s own way so it’s important to be prepared.
The first reading gives us these instructions: “Make the road straight and smooth, fill in the valleys, level off the hills, smooth out the ruts, and clear off the rocks.” In doing this “cleaning out” in our lives we make ready for our encounter with God.
In Mark’s gospel we read that John the Baptist came ahead of Jesus. He baptized the people preparing them for the coming of the Messiah. By our Baptism we have been prepared to open our minds and hearts to the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
~ Associate Dot Lindsey
Prayer:
God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder
us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share his wisdom and become one
with Him when He comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen
- Author unknown
