Who is a Companion of the Sisters of St. Francis?

A Companion of the Sisters of St. Francis is any baptized person, at least 18 years old, who

+is called to a mutual faith journey with the Sisters of  St. Francis
+wants to share in the mission and vision of the Sisters
+seeks a deeper spirituality to continue the work of Jesus
+cherishes the charisms of St. Francis & St. Clare of Assisi and Maria Theresia Bonzel, the foundress of the Sisters
+is dedicated to bring about social justice
+is financially independent of the Sisters of St. Francis
+has a wholesome attitude towards people
+assists the Sisters in their ministries, when possible

A Companion’s relationship with the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration is a spiritual, not a legal bond.

Why become a Companion?

The Companion who is bonded with the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, shares in the goals, ideals, mission and  prayers of the Sisters, while living out his/her personal vocation. 
The Companion contributes to the well-being of the Sisters of St. Francis through prayerful and loving support and offers the Sisters a broader base of shared faith and Gospel vision.
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“One ‘Thanks be to God’ in suffering is more pleasing to God
than a thousand in good days.”
---Maria Theresia Bonzel

How do I become a Companion?

++Invitation

Any Sister of St. Francis or Companion may invite an interested person to become a Candidate. 

++Response

If the person indicates interest, the Sister or Companion gives the interested person’s name and address to the Companion Directress.

++Interview-Application

The Companion Directress or her delegate interviews him/her, and gives the interested person an application form.  

++Preparation

When the completed application is returned, the applicant is called a Candidate and a period of preparation begins:

Þ call to holiness/ call to be a Companion

Þ study of the history and charism of the Sisters of  St. Francis

Þ study the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare and their charisms

Þ Companion relationship and Companion commitment

Þ attends the monthly Companion meetings, if possible 

++Discernment

After prayer, reflection and discussion, the Candidate decides if he/she is ready to become a Companion. If so, he/she makes a like request to the Companion Directress. 

++Commitment

The Candidate publicly makes an annual commitment of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in a simple ceremony and becomes a Companion.