Introduction to the community
As Franciscan sisters, an autonomous part of the Society of St. Francis, our primary vocation is to live the gospel. The context is our life in community, under vows. Our wide range of backgrounds, abilities and gifts contributes to variety in the expression of prayer, study and work, the key elements of our life. Prayer together and alone, with the Eucharist being central, is the heart of our lives. In UK five sisters are priests, and one in Korea. One sister lives the solitary life. Two are in residential care.
Study nurtures our spiritual life, enabling and enriching our service. Work encompasses practical domestic tasks and wide-ranging ministries. Currently these include hospitality, spiritual direction, parish ministry, administration, local church and diocesan roles, ecclesiastical sewing, leading quiet days and retreats, campaigning for justice and care of creation, support and advocacy with marginalised people, being a presence in poor urban areas, and work with deaf blind people. Some of this work is salaried, much is voluntary.
Enriched by the unique gifts of each sister, and by collaboration with our SSF brothers, we continue to embrace the challenge of living a Franciscan life in today’s world.
Contact details
Addresses of houses:
The Community of St Francis, 2 Yukon Way, Leicester LE1 2AF
Tel: 0116 253 9158
Email: leicestercsf@franciscans.org.uk
Minister Provincial: Sr Beverley CSF
ministercsf@franciscans.org.uk
St Alphege Clergy House, Pocock Street, Southwark, London SE1 0BJ
Tel: 020 7928 8912
Email: southwarkcsf@franciscans.org.uk
Minister General: Sr Sue CSF
Tel: 020 7928 7121
Email: ministergeneralcsf@franciscans.org.uk
44-23, Suryu-gil, Haepyeong-myeon, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 730-872, Republic of Korea
Tel: (054) 451 2317
Email: csfkorea@gmail.com
Community information
Bishop Protector: Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark
Publications
Elizabeth CSF, Corn of Wheat, Becket Publications, Oxford, 1981
Helen Stanton, For Peace and for Good, Canterbury Press, Norwich, 2017
Third Order, Fellowship, Associates
Third Order
Companions
Companions are individual Christians who wish to associate themselves with the Society through prayer, friendship and in seeking to live the spirit of the Gospel in the way of St Francis. For more information about becoming a Companion contact: The Secretary for Companions, Hilfield Friary, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7BE, UK.
Leadership
Minister General: Sue CSF (assumed Office February 8th 2022)
Minister Provincial: Beverley CSF (assumed Office February 8th 2022)
Membership
European Province
Christine James
Gina
Gwenfryd Mary
Hilary
Jannafer
Joyce
Liz
Maureen
Nan
Patricia Clare
Sisters resident in Korea
Frances
Jemma
Juliana
9 January 2020 – Judith Ann, aged 80, professed 29 years
22 August 2021 Helen Julian, aged 66, professed 33 years Minister Provincial 2002-2012, Minister General 2012-2021
9 September 2023 Elizabeth, aged 92, professed 66 years, Revd Mother 1971-1988, Minister Provincial 1988-1991