Sister Ann Bremmer has been named General Minister for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities following an election in the congregation’s headquarter city of Syracuse, New York on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
The 59 delegates representing the congregation’s more than 220 Sisters also elected Sister Ann Kenyon as Assistant General Minister and Sisters Amy Williams and Donna McGartland as General Councilors. The team was installed during a Mass on Sunday, December 7 celebrated by Diocese of Syracuse Bishop Douglas J. Lucia.
Known as an Extraordinary Chapter, the gathering was required following the unexpected death of Sister Rita Marie Fritzen. Sister was elected general minister at the congregation’s General Chapter in July but passed away within a month of her installation. The Extraordinary Chapter was held according to canon law.
The team will lead the Sisters of St. Francis for four years. It will be guided by a direction statement written and approved by delegates at the July Chapter. The statement calls for the sisters to deepen their Franciscan Ministry of Presence where they live, serve as advocates for those living in poverty, and to collaborate with other Franciscan organizations in promoting Catholic social teaching. The document also calls on the new leadership team to review internal governance structures.
