Franciscan Associates

We’re glad you stopped by and hope you will find the following information helpful. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about the associate relationship with the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota.

Associate Mission Statement

Franciscan Associates commit, through their varied lifestyles, to live Gospel values in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare, in companionship with the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota, and one another. Together they share those values with all God’s people and all creation. In so doing they collaborate in building God’s reign of peace and justice for all.

Who are the Franciscan Associates?

Franciscan Associates are women, men and families who proclaim their call from God to live the spirit, charism and mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota. They commit to a formally recognized mutual relationship and live the commitment within their own lifestyle.

History of the Associate Movement

Since Vatican Council II in the early 1960s, there has been a worldwide movement by laity in response to the call of God’s Spirit in their lives. Lay people have always been attracted to religious orders for help with spiritual growth. Associates are lay men, women and sometimes families who desire to live out the charism of a particular religious order while remaining in their own lifestyle. Other names used for associates include consociates, co-journers and affiliates, depending on the religious order. What is central to all is that they share the charism of the religious order to which they are connected.

Learn more about exploring the process of becoming an associate.