Movin' 4 Missions
The School Sisters of St. Francis invite you to take part in Movin’ 4 Missions, our annual step challenge!
Every step you take from May 1 through May 31 is a step forward in our sisters’ ministries of education, social justice, care of our retired sisters, and the greatest needs of our community.
Sisters Elect New International Leadership Team
On March 19, the Feast of our patron saint, St. Joseph, the delegates at the School Sisters of St. Francis 2026 General Assembly welcomed a new International Leadership Team that will guide our congregation for the next four years. The newly elected International Leadership Team members are:
President—Sister Deborah Fumagalli, from the United States Province. Received into the community in 1977, she was elected President of the congregation in 2022 and will serve a second four-year term. She previously served two terms on the U.S. Provincial Leadership Team from 2011-2019.
First Vice President—Sister Jincy Vilayappilly, from St. Francis Province (North India). She was received into the community in 1994. She has served the congregation as vice president since her election in 2022. She previously served as a formator, teacher, and served a term on her provincial leadership team.
Second Vice President—Sister Matilde Maravi, from the Latin American Region ULAF (Latin American Union of Franciscans). She was received into the community in 1998. She has served the congregation as vice president since her election in 2022, and previously served as a teacher at St. Clare School in Paita, Peru.
Third Vice President—Sister Ann Celine Alapattukunnel, from Assisi Province (South India). She was received into the community in 1982. She previously served her province on its leadership team and is currently preaching and counseling.
The team will work to carry out the new Congregational Direction as we go forward to bring peace into the world.
Upcoming Events
St. Joseph Chapel
Since the School Sisters of St. Francis opened the doors of St. Joseph Chapel more than a century ago, this Milwaukee landmark has been dedicated to the permanent service of God. Our sacred space has nourished the lives of thousands of religious women who have prayed here daily, and today we welcome you to join us for religious services, private devotion, tours, and concerts.
Learn More
Become a Lay Associate
Lay associates share the School Sisters of St. Francis’ commitment to spiritual growth, gospel values, and social impact.
In Memoriam
We remember our sisters who have died since March 2020, when our funerals could no longer be open to the public.
Help our Mission
The School Sisters of St. Francis live the Good News of Jesus and witness to the presence of God as we enter into the lives and needs of people around the world, especially those who are poor. We strive to be a source of new life, new meaning and new hope. Our Vision is a world transformed through peace, justice and love.
Learn about:
- Ways to give
- How your donation helps our mission funding priorities
- Ways to get involved
Global Impact Around the World
United States
The School Sisters of St. Francis meet the needs of the times in the United States through their varied ministries.
Latin America
Today our sisters of the Latin American Region serve in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico and Peru.
India
In India, the School Sisters of St. Francis have served those in need since the 1930s. In October 2015, the School Sisters of St. Francis’ Assisi Province in southern India launched a new mission to Tanzania.
Tanzania
From coast to coast, the School Sisters of St. Francis honor our community’s Franciscan heritage at the same time that we touch the lives and hearts of new generations through our many ministries.