The Piazza is a new digital gathering place for Franciscans and anyone who feels drawn to the Franciscan way of life. Over the past year, as we’ve listened to members and friends while shaping our strategic plan, one thing has come through loud and clear: people are lonely, and they’re craving real community. Franciscans are no exception.
We’re spread out across the country, and the Franciscan family can feel a little siloed at times. People want more chances to meet others who are trying to walk this Franciscan way of life, and carry this movement forward in ways that meet the needs of our world right now. The Piazza is our way of bringing everyone into one shared space — one big, open piazza — where we can actually find each other again. This isn’t about the Federation; we’re simply hosting the space so the whole Franciscan world has a place to gather.
LAUNCH EVENT
A live Zoom gathering to open the Piazza together, bless this new space, and welcome the first wave of members.
Tuesday, June 16
9am PT | 12pm ET
The Piazza is our experiment in building real Franciscan community in a digital space. It’s hosted on the Circle platform, which means you can use it however works best for you — as a website on your computer, or as an app you download on your phone or tablet. It’s simple, flexible, and easy to weave into your daily life.
But the Piazza is more than a platform. It’s a place to stay connected across distance — to each other — and to the Franciscan spirit. We’re scattered all over the country, and gathering in person isn’t always possible. So this gives us a way to meet, share, pray, learn, and support one another in between the moments when we can be together.
People will come here for different reasons: formation, theology, inspiration, prayer, conversation, ministry ideas, or just a sense of belonging. Some will check in every day. Others will show up when they need grounding or want to reconnect with the wider Franciscan family. All of that is welcome.
And one of our hopes is that the Piazza becomes the “in‑between space” that keeps our gatherings alive, so a Zoom event or an in‑person meeting doesn’t end the moment the call closes or the room empties. The Piazza lets us keep the conversation going, follow up with each other, and build relationships that grow over time.
We know nobody needs another app to check or another platform to keep up with. The Piazza isn’t meant to be “one more thing.” It’s meant to feel like a community you’re already part of — a place you can come often, or just when you need it. Here’s what sets it apart:
It’s co-created
The Piazza grows and changes based on the people who show up. It’s shaped by the conversations, the questions, the prayers, the stories, and the energy of the community itself.
It’s simple and accessible
Whether you’re on a computer, phone, or tablet, the Piazza is easy to use and easy to weave into your daily life.
It’s Franciscan at the core
This isn’t social media. It’s not flooded with noise, ads, or algorithms. It’s a space rooted in Franciscan values and shaped by people who are trying to live this way of life.
It’s relational, not just informational
The Piazza isn’t about consuming content. It’s about connection and community. Real people sharing real things and gathering in real-time.
It’s year-round
Instead of gatherings that end the moment the Zoom call closes or the room empties, The Piazza keeps us connected in between. It’s a place to stay in touch, follow up, and keep the conversation going.
It’s alive
This is a continuously evolving space where the Franciscan charism is practiced, not just talked about. It’s a living, breathing community — one that grows as we grow, and becomes what we make of it together.
Places to learn
Conversations around Franciscan theology, spirituality, history, and the intellectual tradition — shared in a way that’s accessible, curious, and rooted in real life.
Places to pray and reflect
Short practices, shared intentions, contemplative prompts, and moments of grounding you can return to throughout your week.
Places to connect
Casual spaces to meet others walking this Franciscan way of life — to share stories, ask questions, celebrate joys, and support one another.
Places to act
Opportunities for ministry, service, justice, and advocacy — ways to live the charism in the world, not just talk about it.
Places to stay in the loop
Updates, gatherings, events, and ongoing conversations that help us stay connected between the moments when we’re able to meet in person or on Zoom.
It’s all meant to feel simple, welcoming, and spacious — a place you can step into whenever you need a little connection, grounding, or inspiration.
We’re glad you’re here
The Piazza is a place to bring your hopes, your questions, your joys, your grief, your stories — all of it. The way of the Gospel holds all of that, and so will this community. Your presence will shape what this becomes, and we’re grateful to build it with you. If you have any questions or would like to setup a 1:1 conversation to learn more, please reach out to brady@franfed.org.