United States

Our sisters have always emphasized that education is essential to empower people to participate in the Church and in the shaping of society. For nearly 150 years, we have educated people of all ages in schools and colleges, and later in seminaries and literacy and adult education programs throughout the United States. You will find us today serving as teachers, administrators, tutors, reading specialists and guidance counselors.

We minister in a wide variety of healthcare settings, serving as nurses, home health aides, psychologists, counselors, spiritual directors and massage therapists. Our sisters strive to promote the health of the whole person, enhancing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness at every life stage.

Since the founding of the School Sisters of St. Francis, the community has been motivated by the words of Mother Alexia Hoell to “…read the signs of the times, for they are the will of God for us.” In response to emerging needs, primarily in education and health care, and with a special concern for the poor, the School Sisters of St. Francis have established and continue to sponsor educational, health care, social service, and community development organizations.

Each of these organizations is separately incorporated and under the leadership of a Board of Directors. Our sisters collaborate with the laity as board members, administrators, and staff of each sponsored ministry.

Visit the Sponsored Ministries page

Empowering the laity for leadership and service within the Church and society has long been an integral part of our mission. Our sisters minister and provide leadership in parishes, retreat centers, hospitals and long-term care facilities. We are compassionate listeners who are committed to spiritual growth, serving faith communities through Christian education and sacramental formation programs, adult spiritual formation, spiritual development, and preparation of liturgical ministers and teachers.

Visit the Pastoral Ministry Network page

Our community strives to effect systemic social change, working on behalf of those marginalized by society. We serve in communities to help people access the resources needed to improve their lives, and advocate to improve public policy for the benefit of women, children, immigrants, persons of color, and the environment.

Visit the Justice and Peace page

Building on our rich heritage in music and the arts, we celebrate the performing and visual arts as an expression of the global human experience. We serve as musicians, composers, visual artists, writers, poets and art and music teachers.

Visit the Music Ministry page

Our sisters never truly retire, continuing to serve our community, the Church and the world through their prayers, hospitality and volunteer service ministry. But older sisters are cared for by their sisters and staff with compassionate and respectful heath care and support services in a community lifestyle of women religious. Three convent homes provide for the personal, spiritual, and medical needs of our retired sisters who have served so faithfully.

• Our Lady of the Angels
• Sacred Heart