Associate Mission Statement
Associates are women and men who, while remaining in their own lifestyle, desire to grow in the Franciscan charism and reflect it in their daily lives. This is nurtured through their relationship with the Franciscan Sisters and other Associates, sharing in their mission and goals.
What is an Associate?
Associates, in the example of Saints Francis and Clare, seek to grow deeper in one’s relationship with God, others, and all of creation. Associates long to extend compassion and hospitality to those who are marginalized.
Who may become an Associate?
Associates are women and men who proclaim a call from God and desire to live out the charism and mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota.
How does a person become an Associate?
The process of becoming an Associate includes:
Information – As an inquirer, an individual receives basic information about Saints Francis and Clare, the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, and Franciscan spirituality and values.
Formation – As an applicant, an individual embarks on a discernment process which includes a Sister or an Associate companion. An applicant reflects on what it means to become an Associate.
Transformation – As an Associate, an individual lives out his or her vocation to continual gospel conversion, contemplation/prayer, simple living, and humility/minority.
Franciscan Associates Expression of the Charism
Peacemaking Education & Advocacy
Prayer, Care & Advocacy for those experiencing discrimination
Prayer, Care & Advocacy for those who are incarcerated
Prayer, Service, and Advocacy with the Indigenous people of the Americas.
Prayer, Care & Advocacy for creation
Prayer, Care & Advocacy for immigrants and refugees
Prayer, Care & Advocacy for those who are exploited through sex trafficking
Prayer, Care, and Advocacy for individuals who have a disability
Education: Christian, music, environmental
Prayer, Care & Advocacy for those struggling with poverty &/or homelessness
Prayer, Care & Advocacy for those suffering with mental health issues
Prayer, Care & Advocacy for those who struggle with addictions
Prayer, Care & Advocacy for those who struggle with food insecurity
Prayer, Care & Advocacy for orphans and vulnerable children
Prayer, Care & Advocacy for the sick, dying and grieving
Prayer, Care & Advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion
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.
