• Our Franciscan Way
• Francis & Clare
• Spirituality
• Franciscan Family
• Instruments of Peace

Our Franciscan Way

Grasped by Jesus Christ, Franciscans follow a gospel form of life. As followers of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, we seek to proclaim the fundamental goodness of God and celebrate all creation as sister and brother.

Wherever they are found across the globe, Franciscans are guided by Francis' and Clare's concern for the poor, care of creation, and peacemaking. These concerns are just as important as they were 800 years ago. As did Francis and Clare, we seek to live lives of poverty, humility and contemplation. We embrace continuous conversion to this way of life.

We invite you to explore the links on the left where you can learn more about the lives and teachings of St. Francis and St. Clare, the specific themes of Franciscan spirituality and the various orders within the Franciscan Family. The inspirational "Instruments of Peace," a letter from the Conference of the Franciscan Family issued in 2005, describes the heart of the Franciscan way: peacemaking and active nonviolence.

"Following in the Footsteps of Francis and Clare with the Clinton Franciscans" is a brief introductory course on the Franciscan way of life and the Clinton Franciscan charism.  It is for anyone drawn to know more about the saints of Assisi, their way of life and what they offer to understanding and living in today's world.  It is for anyone interested in or involved in our ministries and the work of the Center for Active Nonviolence and Peacemaking; anyone serving in our Franciscan institutions;  anyone interested in becoming vowed members, associates, or sojourners.  It is offered throughout the country - wherever Clinton Franciscans live and serve.

Each of the five sessions is designed to last approximately two hours and includes prayer, presentations and response, and a social.

• Study the original writings of Francis and Clare, their prayers and reflections and how their followers used their teaching and example to develop the Franciscan way.
• Examine core Franciscan values:  Gospel living, humility, poverty, joy, compassion, contemplation and ongoing conversion.
• Learn how the worldwide Franciscan areas of concern -- solidarity with those who are poor and marginalized, care for creation, and peacemaking -- informed the Clinton Franciscan journey of active nonviolence and peacemaking and about the Clinton Franciscan who led Franciscans worldwide into the U.N.

CLICK HERE to request more information on the course and when it will be offered near you.  There is no charge for "Following in the Footsteps of Francis and Clare with the Clinton Franciscans."