An inquirer is a person who longs for a deeper relationship with God.  She especially desires to learn whether she is being called by God to Franciscan religious life in community, simplicity, and unpretentiousness with the Hospital Sisters of St Francis.

DISCERNMENT is the word used to describe the process of seeking to understand God’s will and the person’s desire to follow God’s call. The inquirer pays special attention to hints about how God may be directing her vocation.  Six to 12 months of dialogue with a spiritual director is often sufficient to give a sense of peace in deciding to follow this call.

If the woman inquiring grew up in a different religious tradition, it is required that she have lived the Catholic faith for at least three years.

Helpful hints as you discern

Spend time each day in prayer and quiet. Meet with a Spiritual Director on a regular basis. Be open to recommendations for growth and change as given by the spiritual director and membership invitation minister. Become knowledgeable through reading about our Franciscan Sisters community history, spirit and apostolic mission.

Visit our Community and spend enough time with our Sisters so that it is possible to determine if the gifts and spirit of the inquirer and Community are a good fit.

Be financially independent; have two years of work or college experience beyond high school.

We have an Adoration Chapel in our Motherhouse, and our Sisters would be happy to join you in prayer as you discern. Please click here to share your request.

Please click here to read about some of our Sisters.