Who We Are : Vocations : The Order of Saints Francis and Clare

The religious Order of Saints Francis and Clare is a national, canonically erected Order of the United American Catholic Church. Founded in 2003, the Order has been a faithful expression of the Franciscan charism, sharing with the Church and the world the Franciscan ideals of simplicity, purity and obedience.

In 1205, after a tumultuous youth, Francis Bernadone of Assisi responded to the mystical call of Jesus to "Rebuild my Church" through the crucifix of San Damiano. Over time, men of Assisi began to join Francis and through the rebuilding of the church of San Damiano, he discovered his true calling: the serving of the poor and the founding of the Franciscan Order.

In 1211, after the Order had received formal recognition, Francis received Clare and formed the Order of the Poor Dames, later called the Poor Clares. Together, Francis and Clare became a powerhouse of spirituality and service in the thirteenth century and ever since, as what they set in motion continues to reverberate today.

...as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me. (Matthew 25:40)

This is an especially meaningful time to explore a Franciscan vocation as friar, sister, deacon or priest within the Order of Saints Francis and Clare. Bishop Anthony Hash has called for a Year of Renewal for the Order to correspond with the tenth anniversary of the formation of the United American Catholic Church, ending with the 2012 National Synod next July. This Year of Renewal has as its focus the following three objectives: (1) the growth of community within the Order; (2) the strengthening of Franciscan Spirituality; and (3) the exploration of the charism of Dorothy Day as a modern echo of the lives of Francis and Clare.

Are you called to a life of simplicity and service, serving Christ as a Franciscan in the Order of Saints Francis and Clare?

Friar Jim Dunn OSFC
Saint Clare Hermitage
Charlotte, NC
« send email »