choosing a new pope

Sister helps to stir student engagement with mock papal conclave. **Read More**

ROOTS THAT REMAIN

Sisters and Bethlehem congregation celebrate our long history of faith and friendship. **Read More**

PRAYERS FOR A POPE

Sister Frances Marie Duncan shares her prayers and observations from abroad. **Read More**

JOURNEYING COMPANION

Sister embraces work in helping immigrants prepare for productive lives as U.S. citizens. **Full Story**

SPOTLIGHT on immigrant rights:

As our vibrant impact continues to shape communities and inspire faith, today, we call attention to the issue of immigrant rights. And so, we share our U.S. Province Statement on Immigration:
The School Sisters of St. Francis, following the Gospel of Jesus Christ, stand in solidarity with the rights and dignity of all immigrants, migrants and refugees, and advocate for immigration policies that respect the dignity of all.

wherever & whenever there is need, our sisters

Respond.

For well over a century in the United States, our Sisters have responded to the signs of the times and to the needs of the Church by ministering to the poor and otherwise needy. Times change, but our mission endures.

“Start by doing what’s necessary;
then do what’s possible.
Suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

— St. Francis of Assisi

Our Mission

Our primary mission is to glorify God by extending Christ’s Kingdom and living in holiness. Our specific mission is to minister to the needs of our neighbors through teaching and other ministries, according to the needs of the time.
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Our Evolving Role in an Ever-Changing World

Our Sisters originally came to the United States in 1913 to serve as teachers to immigrant children, but the role of our community — and Catholic Sisters in general — has evolved over the years. Several still work in education, but our Sisters also serve in many other varied and vital roles — all part of our commitment to meeting the needs of the times. The Sisters of the United States Province serve in two states and two countries with a single common denominator — outreach to God’s people wherever they are and for whatever their needs may be.

We are teachers, nurses, patient care aides, directors of religious education, pastoral ministers and associates, activities directors, youth counselors, administrators, prison ministers, spiritual guides, retreat masters, pilgrimage guides, mission directors, Eucharistic ministers, musicians and more.

111+

years in the united states

Answering the call, our Sisters came to the United States in 1913 to establish schools to serve our country’s increasing immigrant population.

52

sisters in ministry

Whether serving in education, health care, parish ministry, advocacy or prayer, our Sisters remain committed to meeting the needs of the poor and otherwise needy.

2+2

tWO countries & TWO STATES

The Sisters of the U.S. Province serve here in the United States, as well as in Italy. Stateside, we serve in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Support Our Work

Each day, even in the smallest of ways, we as Franciscans are committed to the ongoing process of renewing and restoring the Church through our work, our way of life and simple acts of kindness toward those we encounter in ministry and everyday life. Just as Francis’ work began with small steps and played out over many years, so, too, does the work of the School Sisters of St. Francis in an ever-changing world.

Your support is reflected in everything we do. You have been our faithful companions in this ongoing journey. We humbly ask that you continue walking alongside us with a donation of any amount to our 2025 Annual Appeal, Forging a Faith-Filled Future.

Make a Donation Now

**CLICK & CONNECT WITH US!**

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Join Us.

Like us, you have endured peaks and valleys and personal challenges in your lives. Yet you have never abandoned us and our work. Along our path, we walk with the Lord’s footprints on one side and yours on the other, sure-footed in our mission and means to continue helping those in need. We ask you to stay with us, keep pace and continue the important work we have accomplished together.

ANSWER THE CALL

Do you hear God calling you to a life of religious service? Are you curious about religious life? We can answer your questions and help you learn more.

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become an associate

Our community is enriched by a robust Associates Program through which lay persons become involved in our ministries and deepen their relationship with God.