Statement of Commitments
Statement of Direction
Core Values of Mission Effectiveness

Statement of Commitments

We, Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, believe we are called to witness our Franciscan presence in the 21st Century through these commitments:

We commit ourselves to clarify and live out of a contemplative Franciscan spirituality both personally and corporately.

Some areas for study could include:
... the spirituality of Clare and Francis, and
... a review and deepening of our understanding of the Rule and the meaning of the Gospel for our lives.

We commit ourselves to strengthen community by deepening our relationships to one another.

We commit ourselves to be with and/or for the economically poor and marginalized. We will examine our lifestyle, ministry choices, and use of financial resources in light of this focus, and work toward changing conditions and structures that oppress and exclude.

We commit ourselves to act out of a contemplative global spirituality which will enable us to make intentional choices to preserve and reverence the earth.

We will:
... search out and learn better ways to help heal the earth,
... make careful and deliberate choices about our use of the earth’s resources, and
... develop strategies for common action around environmental issues.

We commit ourselves to engage in processes to assist us in becoming a multi-cultural community.

These processes could include:
... addressing prejudices held by members of the congregation,
... opening ourselves to learn from other cultures, and
... having multi-cultural learning experiences.

We commit ourselves to be inclusive in our lifestyles, memberships, ministries, and within our sponsored institutions.

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Statement of Direction

We, the Sisters of St. Joseph, draw our inspiration and direction from our lived experience, the Gospels, and The Rule and Life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis. Faithful to the Franciscan movement, we seek conversion so that, with Francis and all of our sisters and brothers, we can with greater integrity “Observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, living in obedience, in poverty and in chastity.” (Chapter 1, Article 1)

Led by the Lord, we begin anew, “conscious that all of us must be continuously and totally converted to the Lord.” (Chapter 1, Article 6)


1. Our experience of God releases in us the power to love one another. We desire to belong to each other in ways that are simple and life-giving.

“Because God loves us, brothers and sisters should love each other.” (Chapter VII, Article 23) “Let them neither dominate nor seek power over one another, but let them willingly serve and obey each other with that genuine love which comes from one’s heart. (cf. Gal. 5:15) This is the true and holy obedience of Our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Chapter VIII, Article 25)

2. With Francis we seek to identify with the minores, the “little,” the poor and the unwanted.

“And let them be happy to live among the outcast and despised, among the poor, the weak, the sick, the unwanted, the oppressed and the destitute.” (Chapter VI, Article 21) “And in greeting others let them say, ‘The Lord give you peace’.” (Chapter V, Article 20)

3. We accept the power within us to shape and determine our lives with responsibility, integrity, and fidelity to the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the spirit and life of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

“Let the brothers and sisters keep in mind how great a dignity the Lord God has given them, because He created them and formed them in the image of His beloved Son according to the flesh and in his own likeness according to the Spirit. (Col. 1:16) Since they are created through Christ and in Christ, they have chosen this form of life which is founded on the words and deeds of our Redeemer.” (Chapter IV, Article 4)

4. We strive to establish dwelling places and homes that promote and challenge personal, communal, and ministerial growth.

Within themselves, let them always make a dwelling place and home for the Lord God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, so that with undivided hearts, they may increase in universal love by continually turning to God and to neighbor. (Jn. 14:23)” (Chapter I, Article 8) “For He has sent them into the world so that they might give witness by word and work to His voice and to make known to all that the Lord alone is God. (cf. Mk. 12:30, Mt. 22:30)” (Chapter IX, Article 29)

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Core Values of Mission Effectiveness

Dignity of Each Person

• We reverence the sacredness of all life.
• We believe in the potential, uniqueness and worth of each individual.
• We treat all people with fairness and respect, work to assure their rights and nurture relationships which enhance each person's well-being.

Compassion

• We empathize with another's suffering.
• We act with non-judgmental understanding, encouraging reconciliation in relationships.
• We actively listen and are present to those we serve.
• We commit our energies to non-violence.

Hospitality

• We provide welcome, acceptance, and places of prayer to people in need, especially the poor and the marginalized.
• We open our hearts and services to people, committing ourselves to efforts that both affirm and empower.
• We respond to the whole person, addressing the needs of those we serve.

Stewardship

• We recognize our responsibility towards creation and the just use of resources.
• We pursue resources to meet the needs of the underserved and poor.
• We evidence Christian stewardship by just and fair allocation of human, spiritual, physical and financial resources and conservation of resources.

Partnership

• We affirm our mutual relationships in a shared call to ministry.
• We value our partners and co-workers in ministry, and the time, talent and gifts which are
• shared in the continuation of MISSION.
• We foster the strengthening of local leadership which enables the creative and innovative development of gifts, the modeling of respect and cooperation in relationships with co-workers and the practice of participative decision-making.
   

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