Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis
An evangelical community of Franciscan women called to observe with loving and generous hearts the holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to The Rule and Life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.
Mother Mary Clara
Mother Mary Felicia
— Co-Foundresses, 1901
“Dedication to Jesus Christ involves us, Sisters of St. Joseph, Third Order of St. Francis, intimately with His liberating and reconciling mission — to make God more deeply known and loved and in so doing draw all persons to fuller and freer life.”— Mission Statement
“Who Will Teach the Children?”
Rooted in Faith Since 1901
On July 1, 1901, forty-six women traveled from Milwaukee to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, answering the urgent question: “Who will teach the children?” Under the leadership of Mother Mary Felicia and Mother Mary Clara, they formed a new congregation dedicated to educating Polish immigrant families and serving the growing communities of central Wisconsin.
Rooted in Franciscan spirituality, the Sisters embrace the identity of servant, pilgrim, and prophetic witness. The Tau Cross — the ancient scriptural symbol that St. Francis adapted — signifies their continuing conversion and commitment to Church renewal. Their crossed hands echo the unity of Jesus and St. Francis in mission.
Today, approximately 200 sisters and associates continue their mission from the Motherhouse in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Their ministries span education, healthcare, social justice, and spiritual formation — always guided by the Franciscan call to live simply and companion the oppressed.
“Dedication to Jesus Christ involves us, Sisters of St. Joseph, Third Order of St. Francis, intimately with His liberating and reconciling mission — to make God more deeply known and loved and in so doing draw all persons to fuller and freer life.”— Mission Statement
Four Deepest Desires
“As Franciscans centered on the revelation of the emerging Cosmic Christ, contemplating and celebrating this Divine action in our lives, our deepest desires are to:”
Build
“life-giving, trusting communities that cherish each one's personal gifts”
Empower
“one another to live the truth of Gospel values”
Bond
“with others in ever widening circles of compassion and peace”
Speak
“to the Church and to the world from our common understanding that there be no outcasts in our experience of life on this earth”
Five Commitments That Guide Them
“Grounded in our Franciscan heritage to live simply and companion the oppressed...”
Franciscan Spirituality
Integrating Franciscan theology, the Universe Story, and interfaith inclusion — respecting the earth, recognizing all life is interconnected.
Social Justice
Ministry with those on the margins, influencing legislation, supporting human rights of all.
Membership
Inviting new relationships — vowed and non-vowed, men and women of various faith-beliefs.
Formation
Continuing formation for all members, associates, and co-workers based on Franciscan values.
Care of the Elderly
Committed to the care of elderly sisters with dignity and companionship.
Who They Are
Tau Cross
Scriptural symbol Francis adapted — signifying continuing conversion for Church renewal
Pierced Hands
The crossed hands of Jesus and St. Francis — unity in mission
The Net
Gospel mission to gather all into the Kingdom of God and fullness of life
Pilgrim
Passing through life as servant, pilgrim, and prophetic witness
Immigrant Roots
Born from 46 women who answered the call to educate Polish immigrant families
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Home of the Motherhouse
Learn More
The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis have served communities across Wisconsin and beyond since 1901. To learn more about their Franciscan mission, ministry opportunities, or how to support their work, visit their official website.
For information about individual Sisters and their stories, log into Sacred History to explore their community archive.