Joining Our Community

Wheaton Franciscans comprise the United States Province of the International Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters, Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary. We are a community of vowed women religious and covenant (associate) women and men whose mission is to live the Gospel following the spirit of Francis and Clare of Assisi, and our foundress M. Clara Pfaender. This spirit challenges us to live a life of ministering in mutuality and partnership, with love as the energy which moves us. We collaborate with other religious communities and lay partners in health, shelter and other human service ministries. Our individual ministries are as diverse as the gifts that we each bring to community life.

• As Vowed Members our form of life is this: to observe the Gospel of Jesus Christ by living in obedience, chastity and poverty. We live community and seek to integrate contemplation and action so that our life becomes a blessing for ourselves and for those whom we serve. We understand that religious life is evolving. Each day we live anew this personal call and our response in faith as we try to be more like Christ.
  
  For more information on New Vowed Membership with the Wheaton Franciscans, click here
  
  
• The goal of religious formation is the growth of the whole person as a member of our Franciscan community. It leads to the responsible use of freedom within the context of community. Through sequential stages of initial religious formation, development of a woman as a Franciscan sister encompasses all aspects of life. With the guidance of formation personnel, she is gradually introduced to the life, spirit, traditions, and works of the congregation.
  
  For more information on Integration and Transfer Processes, click here
  
  
• Since 1983, the Wheaton Franciscan mission has extended a pathway of spiritual growth and mutuality to women and men, through a relationship called Covenant Membership. Covenant members are persons who relate to the charism and philosophy of the Wheaton Franciscans, want to live this mission in their daily lives, in their families, friendships and work life, and seek to publicly identify with the community.
  
  For more information on Covenant Membership, click here