Want to know about St. Francis? Or about St. Clare? Have you heard bits and pieces about these two friends from Assisi but still don’t have the complete picture? What is a commitment to God’s Creation and ministry to the poor all about?
Answers can be found via the Franciscan Federation, an organization devoted to bringing together the numerous branches of the Franciscan family in the United States. It serves as a hub to link various congregations, orders, groups, organizations, and individuals inspired by Francis and Clare’s charism.
“The Franciscan Federation is an organization rooted in tradition and journeying forward in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare,” says Eunice Park, Interim Executive Director of the Franciscan Federation. “Our membership is comprised of vowed religious and associates, affiliates, CoJourners, and companions. We are also secular Franciscans, lay Franciscans, both Catholic and non-Catholic and unaffiliated, all who seek to live out a life inspired by the Franciscan charism in today’s world.”
The Federation welcomes all with a Franciscan Spirit and the desire to keep informed of trends, information, and resources supporting the Franciscan tradition in the 21st century. There is also a membership category for organizations and institutions that support the Franciscan mission.
The Federation regularly sponsors networking gatherings, workshops, talks, and retreats. Additionally, its website holds a vast collection of resources, including scholarly works, documents, lists of Franciscan speakers and retreat facilitators, and links to networks that promote Franciscan spirituality and charism.
“In 2024, we completed a transformation process, the last part of which was a Year of Listening & Learning, to offer members the opportunity to voice their aspirations and desires for the Federation going forward,” adds Eunice. “We held 5 sessions, 3 online and 2 in person, each with an inspiring keynote by Michael Perry, OFM, speaking about times of transition and transformation from a Franciscan perspective. We had incredibly fruitful conversations, received valuable feedback, and generated great ideas, many of which we are beginning to implement.”
“A recording of Br. Michael’s presentation,” continues Eunice, “as well as the keynote by Sr. Mary Beth Ingham, CSJ, from our Member Forum on January 25, 2025, and the presentation by Br. Bill Short, OFM for our Annual Virtual Retreat on February 23, 2025, are available on our website for all members.”
Many of the Federation’s other offerings are available via Zoom, so members can participate in programs from wherever they are. Their website also has information on events sponsored by their member organizations, congregations, and groups.
Per Eunice: “Membership to the Federation is open to anyone who is interested in Franciscan spirituality, looking for opportunities to meet other Franciscans, and seeking resources to further on all things Francis and Clare!”
The Franciscan Federation has hired a new Executive Director to lead the next phase of its ongoing transformation as a carrier of the Franciscan charism. Julianne Wallace, D. Min, joined the Federation as the new Executive Director beginning February 24, 2025.
Please join the Federation’s newest event, the monthly Franciscan Connection Circles, on the second Monday of each month, from 7:30-9pm EST. At the circle gathering each month, a different Franciscan story is shared, after which there is an opportunity for reflection and small group conversation. For more information, email: memberengagement@franfed.org
To learn more about the Franciscan Federation, including its programs and membership, visit: www.FranFed.org
