Our Franciscan Associates pray and minister with the sisters. Every three years they are given the opportunity to renew their commitment. After three renewals, the Associates have an opportunity to make a lifetime commitment.
Be engaged as a Franciscan Associate
The Franciscan Associate program is an engaging way for women and men to pray, grow, serve and share in the mission and charism of the Sisters of St. Francis while maintaining their individual lifestyles.
Becoming an associate
Candidates for the associate program enter a year-long formation process as pre-associates. The pre-associate has a sister companion who will journey through the process with him/her. Candidates attend monthly classes on the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare, their spirituality and the history and mission of the Sisters of St. Francis. After this initial year, the new associate makes a commitment for three years at a time.
Relationship between sisters and associates
Sisters provide opportunities for associates to deepen their spirituality and grow in the love of Francis and Clare as well as their appreciation of the values of contemplation, poverty, minority and conversion. Associates are also invited to join in the celebrations and activities of the sisters.
Associates continue their commitment to ministry and respond to opportunities for growth in Franciscan spirituality. They strive to live the mission and charism of the sisters within their own individual lifestyles.
Become an Associate
For more information about a Franciscan Associate program in your region, contact:
Central New York Region
Sister Patricia Larkin
cnyassociates@sosf.org
Western New York Region
Sister Alice Gilabert
agilabert@sosf.org
Western Pennsylvania Region
LaVerne Winkowski
lwinkowski@integracare.com
East Coast Region
Associate Frances Acosta
msfrancesac@me.com
Jenny Echevarria
echevarria@optonline.net
Sister Pamela Conte
pconte@sosf.org
In Virginia, contact:
Associate Irmgard A. M. Autrey
omapaedagog@icloud.com
Hawaii/Southwest Region
Sister Patricia Schofield
pschofield@sosf.org
