The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis

The Importance of Community Life

My religious community is one of the gifts of my vocation, without which I would not be able to live my religious consecration. My religious family was brought together by God. He has called us together in His name for certain purposes and for our good. We have been called together for the common goal of loving God above all else and the care of the sick and the poor. We support each other in sisterly love. As a part of a religious community I am able to serve God and others in ways which, as an individual, would not be possible. Because of my community, my prayer life is richer and I am able to live my vows more surely. As we live out our daily life together, we are more able to become the persons God is calling us to be.

The Eucharist is the center and source of our religious Community. We are united to one another through the sacrifice of the Mass and the reception of our Lord’s Body and Blood. As we gather around His presence in the Blessed Sacrament for our community prayers, we express and give witness to the unity of all mankind in eternity.

Friendships among our Sisters support the unity of the whole Community. A greater service can be offered to God as we share His work together in loving cooperation. Therefore, we cultivate and utilize our God-given talents for the glory of God, the advancement of the Church, and the good of our Community because the gifts of the Spirit are given to each one for the common good. Our life in community brings God’s many blessings upon our religious family.