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The four Franciscan orders share the core of Franciscan spirituality: to live the gospel radically. They are all concerned about renewal of life. We Clinton Franciscan sisters are members of the family identified as Third Order Regular (TOR). The first Franciscan order is the Friars Minor; the second is the Poor Clare Sisters; and the Franciscan penitential tradition includes the TORs and the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO). We're not different from one another, only distinct from one another. |
The Call
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To answer our Franciscan call, Chosen by God and bonded in community, we have chosen a life of service to others. We have come to recognize peacemaking as the heart of the Franciscan charism and we seek to fulfill our role as "messengers of peace" in today's world. |
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For more information about living the Franciscan way contact: sisters@clintonfranciscans.com
or write: Clinton, Iowa 52732
or call: |
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John said, "Look, there is the lamb of God." Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned around and said, "What do you want?" They answered, "Teacher, where do you live?" "Come and see," he replied. John 1:37-39 (adapted) We invite you to "Come along" Deepen your relationship with God Experience Franciscan community life Discern God's call for you at a "Come and See" weekend at For more information contact: sisters@clintonfranciscans.com, or write: Sisters of St. Francis, 588 N. Bluff Boulevard, Clinton, Iowa 52732; or call 563-242-7611. |
Essential values of a life lived in common Unconditional Love. We are called to challenge each other, to be faithful to Eucharist, to have honest dialogue, to develop our spiritual side, and to open our circles to everyone. We must be conscious of those who are not at the table with us. Accountability. The external structures of community change. Community for us today is not about living in one building or one place. It is the accountability of community that is important. The gospel life, Franciscan traditions, Chapter calls, and daily interconnectedness constitute the common vision. Seeing life as gift, we find value in all creation and move into this way of being. Together in the circle of gift, we are in communion with the poorest of the poor; embracing our God there; knowing that we cannot attain that communion alone; that together we are a singular, powerful voice for change. We seek out others who understand this call.
"The spirit of love in the circle of gift" by Clinton Franciscan Sister Carmel Jacobs Ongoing Conversion. Appreciating reality, we know that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Our world is global/cosmic. We strive for a way of living and being that integrates peace and justice - a nonviolent way of life. The reality is that we are vulnerable at all times. Conversion, forgiveness and healing are essentials for the Franciscan way of life. |
Reflections on Community
An authentic faith community
invites diversity, not because it is politically correct, but because diverse viewpoints are demanded whenever two or three are gathered in God's name.
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Clinton Franciscans and friends prepare for the offertory procession in a Liturgy of the Word held at The Canticle in honor of International Women’s Day. Left to right: Marilyn Huegerich osf, Maria Zeimen osf, Chicago; and in front of her, 8-year-old Angie Pretz, Clinton; The Honorable LaMetta Wynn, Mayor of the City of Clinton, Evelyn McKenna osf, Chicago; Anne Martin Phelan osf, Clinton. |
We embrace ambiguity
not because we are confused or indecisive but because we understand the inadequacy of our concepts to embrace the vastness of the mystery of God.
We experience humility
not because we have fought and lost, but because humility is the only lens through which truth can be seen, and once we have seen it, humility is the only posture possible.
The challenge
for those of us who have embraced the life of the Third Order Regular is to do what Francis did.
By penance, Francis was not talking so much about external acts of mortification or prayers as he was talking about the internal disposition of conversion - of constantly turning to the Lord and living the spirit and life of the gospel.
In the penitential tradition, true faith and on-going conversion of heart - the total and continuous giving of self to God - are the primary and distinct characteristics.
That is the Franciscan way of the Third Order Regular.
The Initial Discernment Process
God sent the Spirit in baptism to call each of us to a fuller life in Christ. Our response in faith is a life-long commitment to continual conversion of life. Called by God to participate in the mission of Jesus, our growing relationship with God causes us to move outward in service to others.
Philosophy of Discernment, Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton
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Young women from the Clinton area spent a "Come and See" weekend at The Canticle getting to know Sisters and experiencing first hand the meaning of community life and prayer. |
#1 - A candidate
A woman interested in exploring her call to religious life may choose to become a "Candidate" during a simple welcome ceremony. Without necessarily moving from her home or work, for six months to a year she participates in congregational gatherings and meets regularly with the Initial Discernment Coordinator. She will also gain a "mentoring circle" - a small group of sisters, associates and friends who will help her process her experiences, and a professionally trained spiritual advisor.
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#2 -A novice
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Having decided to pursue her call to religious life, a woman becomes a "novice" - an apprentice, learning the Franciscan way and integrating into the mission of the Clinton Franciscans by living in community with other sisters and participating fully in community life and prayer while continuing to meet with her mentoring circle and spiritual advisor. Maintaining an active ministry, she will study Scripture, the writings of Francis and Clare, the TOR Rule, the social teachings of the Church and the Clinton Franciscan Chapter commitments. During her canonical year, she will study the vows, theology, Scripture, prayer and Franciscan spirituality as well as the Constitutions and Directives of the Clinton Franciscans. And, as a volunteer, she will engage in a ministry experience with poor and marginalized persons. |
| Novice Janet Ryan (center) with members of her mentoring circle, JoAnne Horstmann (left) and Marilyn Shea OSF (right) in The Canticle chapel following Janet’s reception and entrance into the novitiate in July 2007. |
#3 - First Vows -
Temporary Profession
Choosing to formally enter religious life, a woman requests of the congregation permission to take the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience as a Clinton Franciscan for three years. She will enter fully into the life of the congregation, living in community and pursuing active ministry. She also continues in the initial discernment process which culminates in final vows.
#4. ~Final vows ~
Perpetual Profession
A Sister may stay in temporary profession for up to nine years while she continues to discern her call to Gospel life as a vowed Clinton Franciscan. Perpetual vows bind her to the congregation and the Church for life.
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“Through the power of your grace and blessings and in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare, I humbly come before you, loving God, freely, lovingly, willingly, peacefully and joyfully to deepen my baptismal commitment by professing my perpetual vows with the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa.” So saying, Kathleen Sadler OSF, a native of Jesup, Iowa, made her permanent vows during Eucharistic Liturgy at Sacred Heart Church, Prince of Peace Parish. The October 2004 ceremony was the first rite of permanent profession the congregation has celebrated in over 10 years. For Sister Kathleen, it was the culmination of a lifelong dream. |
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Click to Enlarge (Left to Right) – Sister Michael Marie Burns, 50-year Jubilarian, and Sister Catherine Lodder, 80-year Jubilarian, with Most Rev. Martin Amos, Bishop of Davenport, Jan Cebula OSF, president of the Clinton Franciscans, and Maureen Becker OSF, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies at the Eucharistic Liturgy celebrating Jubilee that was held at St. Boniface Church, Clinton, on July 29, 2007. |
