Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis

As Franciscan sisters, we strive to follow Christ, after the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, with the Blessed Virgin Mary as our mother and model. Our apostolic fruitfulness flows from our union with Christ, especially in our daily participation at Holy Mass and our life of prayer.

We strive to serve the sick and the poor with the greatest care and love, and never to turn away anyone who comes to us for care. Our sisters serve in any area of our healthcare ministry, clinical or non-clinical: nursing, physical therapy, social work, pastoral care, accounting, administration, information services, dietary, laboratory, radiology, etc. We own and operate OSF HealthCare, which includes hospitals, a children’s hospital, physician practices, homecare, hospice, and colleges of nursing. Our sisters may also teach in Catholic schools.

Entrance requirements include: a desire to serve the Lord, good mental and physical health, and the ability to be a joyful Franciscan in community. We generally accept women between the ages of 18 and 40, some exceptions are made.