The Franciscan Sisters live and work in fifteen different states in the United States, as well as Canada, Honduras, and St. Lucia. We are educators in schools and colleges, as well as health care workers, retreat and prayer ministers, pastoral ministers, social workers, peace and justice advocates, counselors, dietary and clerical workers, artists and musicians - wherever the needs of God's people call for a compassionate and loving response.

Click here to watch a video about our ministries.

The Sisters of St. Francis have initiated several institutional ministries:

Alverno Apartments, in Dubuque, Iowa, offer independent living for low income elderly, or persons with special needs in a friendly and caring community.
 
Briar Cliff University, in Sioux City, Iowa, is a community committed to higher education, a liberal arts program, and a Franciscan Catholic perspective. For more information, visit http://www.briarcliff.edu.

Stonehill Franciscan Services, in Dubuque, Iowa, celebrates the dignity of the aging person while caring for his or her needs in a professional and compassionate environment.  For more information, visit http://stonehilldbq.com.

Shalom Retreat Center, in Dubuque, Iowa, offers privacy, respite, peace and programs to all who seek a deeper relationship with God.  For more information, visit http://www.shalomretreats.org.

Clare Guest House, in Sioux City, Iowa, provides a place where motivated women can find a supportive community to assist their reentry into society after having been incarcerated. Click here to read more about the Clare Guest House.

Morton, Mississippi, Neighborhood Project - Franciscans work collaboratively with the local community to address racism, poverty and violence in rural Mississippi.
 
Opening Doors – Intercongregational Initiative
To learn more about Maria House and Teresa Shelter visit www.openingdoorsdbq.org.

Maria House, in Dubuque, Iowa, provides transitional housing and other support services to women and children.

Teresa Shelter, in Dubuque, Iowa, offers safety and shelter to women and children on an overnight basis.