Webinar: Henri Nouwen: The Spiritual, Ethical, Artistic, and Social Vision in His Life and Work (Partner Event)
2025-10-29 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Henri Nouwen: The Spiritual, Ethical, Artistic, and Social Vision in His Life and WorkHosted by the Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace

This online forum brings together five speakers to explore the enduring impact of Henri Nouwen’s life and work—from his spiritual insights and artistic sensibilities to his ethical commitments and social witness. Each speaker will offer a brief reflection, followed by moderated discussion and audience Q&A.

Speakers include Rev. Dr. Arthur Boers, Rev. Bruce G. Adema, Fr. Ron Rolheiser, Dr. Sharon Y. Ramsay, and Rev. Dr. John A. Vissers. The forum will be chaired by Rev. Canon John McLuckie.

All are welcome to join this evening of thoughtful engagement and spiritual reflection.

Click here to register

Webinar: A Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment (Partner Event)
2025-11-06 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) and Franciscans International for the first in a three-part webinar series exploring the right to a clean and healthy environment as a fundamental human right. As Franciscans International prepares to join COP30 in Brazil, UN Representative Marya Farah will offer insight into global efforts to address the climate crisis and uphold environmental justice.

This session will also highlight two key reports from the UN and Franciscans International, offering context, advocacy tools, and pathways for action.

Click here to registerFree to attend; donations welcome. A recording will be available to all who register.

Franciscan Connection Circle (Fran. Fed Event)
2025-11-10 19:30 - 21:00
Join the next Franciscan Connection Circle — held via Zoom

👉 Click here to register

This monthly virtual gathering is grounded in prayer, reflection, and community. We’ll begin with a short time of meditation and contemplative prayer, followed by a reading to guide our shared reflection and group discussion. These circles offer a welcoming, sacred space to connect with fellow Franciscans across the country.

All are welcome!

Franciscans for Earth Film Screening & Discussion (Partner Event)
2025-11-11 19:30 - 21:00
Join the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and fellow Franciscans for Earth for a free online screening and discussion of The Scale of Hope: Climate, Climbing & Systemic Change, a 2022 documentary from Patagonia Films®.The film follows former White House climate advisor Molly Kawahata as she prepares for an expedition in the Alaska Range while crafting a new climate narrative rooted in solidarity, mental health, and personal resilience. Her story invites us to reflect on how each of us can respond to the climate crisis with courage and hope.

After the screening, participants are encouraged to stay for open discussion.

Please register in advance to receive the Zoom link and event reminders:Click here to register

Workshop: Fostering Youth & Young Adults Engagement in JPIC Work (Partner Event)
2025-11-12 13:00 - 14:30
Join the Sisters of St. Joseph for a 90-minute Justice & Peace Skill Building Workshop on Wednesday, November 12 at 10am PT / 12pm CT / 1pm ET. This interactive Zoom session features panel presentations, small group dialogue, and Q&A focused on fostering youth and young adult engagement in JPIC work. Hear from CSSJ ministry leaders and national partners about creative approaches to social justice outreach across the country.

Click here to register

Webinar: Fratelli Tutti and Catholic Mental Health Ministry (Partner Event)
2025-11-13 22:00 - 23:00
Franciscan School of Theology – Monthly Zoom Lecture SeriesJoin the Franciscan School of Theology for the next lecture in its ongoing monthly Zoom series, offered throughout the academic year. These gatherings invite participants into thoughtful dialogue at the intersection of theology, culture, and Franciscan tradition. If you can’t attend live, all lectures are posted to FST’s YouTube channel.This month’s lecture, Fratelli Tutti and Catholic Mental Health Ministry, will be presented by Dr. Wendell Callahan. Drawing from Pope Francis’s encyclical Fratelli Tutti, Dr. Callahan explores how Catholic Mental Health Ministry can be understood not just as pastoral care, but as a living expression of social friendship, solidarity, and mercy. This vision places mental health care at the heart of human fraternity and the Church’s mission of healing and inclusion.Click here to register

Women of Hope: An Advent Vespers Series (Fran. Fed Event)
2025-11-30 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-07 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-14 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-21 19:00 - 20:00
Each Sunday in Advent, join us online for Women of Hope, a contemplative Vespers series lifting up the voices of Franciscan women and women throughout the Church in prayer, proclamation, and reflection. Following the rhythm of the Liturgy of the Hours, these online services will include psalms, scripture, and intercessions that draw us into the sacred waiting of the season. Each gathering features a reflection offered by a woman leader, inspiring us through Advent’s timeless themes of light, longing, and hope.

Services will be held each Sunday of Advent at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT, beginning November 30 and concluding December 21. Register by clicking on the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/CndNYecNRNa1sl9El3-Zog

Webinar: The Green Amendments Movement (Partner Event)
2025-12-02 19:00 - 20:00
Hosted by the Franciscan Action Network

What if your right to clean air and safe water were protected like your right to free speech? Sign up for this timely conversation with Maya K. van Rossum, founder of the Green Amendments Movement. This national initiative seeks to embed environmental rights directly into state constitutions—ensuring lasting protections for communities, especially the most vulnerable, in the face of climate change and environmental injustice.

This is the second webinar in FAN’s three-part series on environmental justice and civic engagement. A recording will be available to all who register.

Click here to learn more and register

Monthly Franciscan Connection Circle (Fran. Fed Event)
2025-12-08 19:00 - 20:30

Webinar: Franciscan-Hearted People and the So-Called "Fourth Order" (Partner Event)
2025-12-11 22:00 - 23:00
The Franciscan School of Theology invites you to a special Zoom lecture exploring the vital role of lay people in the Franciscan tradition. From the earliest decades of the movement to today, lay participation has shaped and expanded the Franciscan charism.

Dr. Darleen Pryds — professor, scholar, and board member of the Franciscan Federation — will trace this history and give particular attention to the so-called “Fourth Order”, those who identify as Franciscan without formal membership in one of the three traditional orders. She will conclude with reflections on how this evolving tradition can guide the future of Franciscan life in the 21st century.

Click here to register

Advent Prayer Service: "Welcome The Children" (Online; Partner Event)
2025-12-16 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Franciscan Action Network for an online Advent prayer service on Tuesday, December 16 at 7pm ET.

As we prepare for the Feast of the Birth of Christ, we will reflect together on the mystery of the Incarnation and lift up prayers for immigrant children impacted by current policies and actions.

All are welcome to gather in hope and solidarity as we pray to Welcome the Children.

Click here to register

Webinar: Faith in Democracy - Facing the Challenges of 2026 (Online; Partner Event)
2026-01-06 19:00 - 20:00
Hosted by the Franciscan Action Network (FAN), this online panel is part of the annual Faith in Democracy series, bringing together leaders from across faith traditions for a timely conversation on “Facing the Challenges of 2026”.Moderated by Chris Crawford, Senior Director of Civic Strategies at Interfaith America, the panel features:

Jim Wallis – Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice

Gloria Purvis – Georgetown University’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life

Rabbi Sharon Brous – IKAR, Los Angeles

The gathering will open with prayer from Bishop John Stowe and close with prayer from Imam Talib Shareef. This nonpartisan conversation will explore the relationship between faith and democracy, the challenges facing the United States at this moment, and how people of faith can work together to strengthen democratic life.

Click here to register

FST Zoom Lecture with Br. Bill Short, OFM (Online; Partner Event)
2026-01-08 22:00 - 23:00
Join the Franciscan School of Theology for an evening with William Short, OFM, as we begin the Eighth Centenary of the passing of St. Francis. In this online lecture, The Death of St. Francis in 1226: Looking Back after 800 Years, Br. Bill explores the varied historical accounts of Francis’s final days and what they reveal about his life, his brothers, and his death.

Click here to register

Life Decisions: Discernment in the Franciscan Spirit (Online; Partner Event)
2026-01-10 12:00 - 17:30
Hosted by Sr. Diane Tomkinson, OSFSisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia

This free online retreat offers a Franciscan approach to discernment inspired by the wisdom of Saints Francis and Clare. Together, we’ll explore a prayerful process for navigating major life choices — vocation, relationships, education, job transitions, volunteer or intentional community commitments, relocating, and more.

This retreat includes group prayer, short presentations, a reflection booklet, spacious time for personal discernment, and opportunities for small-group sharing. It’s especially helpful for young adults and anyone seeking clarity about their next steps.

To request participation or learn more, please email Sr. Diane at dtomkinson@osfphila.org.

Space is limited; please register by 3pm ET on January 8.

Franciscan Connection Circles (Monthly; Online)
2026-01-12 19:00 - 20:30

Eco-Film Screening: "The Third Harmony" (Online; Partner Event)
2026-01-13 19:30 - 21:00
Join the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help for a free virtual screening and discussion of The Third Harmony, a film exploring nonviolence as a transformative way of life. The film features insights from civil rights leaders, scientists, policymakers, and futurists—including Bernard Lafayette, Frans de Waal, Marco lacoboni, Pramila Jayapal, Erica Chenowith, and Elisabet Sahtouris—offering a deeper understanding of what nonviolence is and how it works. The film also highlights the lifelong work of filmmaker Michael Nagler, Professor Emeritus at UC Berkeley and founder of the Peace and Conflict Studies Program.

Following the screening, participants will join in conversation to reflect on the film’s themes and the ongoing call to nonviolence in our communities.

Click here to learn more and register

Online Series: Leo XIII to Leo XIV - Living Christian Love, Justice & Mutuality in a Politically Divided World of AI, Climate Change & Terror
2026-01-15 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-01-22 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-01-29 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-02-05 19:30 - 21:00
In partnership with the Assisi Heights Spirituality Center and Sisters of Saint Francis (Rochester, MN), we invite you to a 7-week Zoom series with Sister Dawn Nothwehr exploring how generations of Christians have lived their faith amid conflict, change, and global challenge. Through scripture, Catholic Social Teaching, and contemporary reflections, we’ll uncover practical ways to bring Christ’s healing presence into our communities today.

Topics include:

Faith in Action – What Jesus teaches about poverty and justice

Images of God – Insights from the Old and New Testaments

Living Our Beliefs – How early Christians shaped community and compassion

Catholic Social Teaching – From its origins to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’

Making It Personal – Exploring today’s social issues through a faith-based lens

Click here to learn more and register

Part One | The Easter of Francis of Assisi: Ongoing Conversion and the Spirituality of Presence (Virtual Event Series)
2026-01-20 19:30 - 21:00
Part of a Four-Part Virtual Series Commemorating the 800th Anniversary of the Easter of Francis of AssisiPresented by Shalom Spirituality Center in collaboration with the Franciscan Federation

Join us for the first of two interactive Zoom sessions with Dr. Darleen Pryds, exploring the final years of Francis of Assisi and the spiritual journey of letting go. Through storytelling, meditation, and small group reflection, we’ll consider how Francis’ example invites us into deeper conversion and presence amid life’s uncertainties.This session includes presentation, experiential meditation, and small group discussion. Participants are encouraged to journal between sessions and should bring 20 small slips of paper (e.g. 3×5 cards) and a writing instrument to the first session.

Session 1: Tuesday, January 20, 7:30-9pm ETClick here to RegisterSession 2: Tuesday, January 27, 7:30-9pm ETClick here to RegisterNote: If you plan to attend both January sessions, you’ll need to register for each date individually using the separate links provided.This two-part offering launches a four-part series commemorating the 800th anniversary of the Easter of St. Francis. Join us again in April, July, and October to continue the journey.Save the Dates for the Full Series:

January 27 – Dr. Darleen Pryds – Ongoing Conversion and the Spirituality of Presence – click here to register

April 15 – Sr. Kathleen Warren, OSF – An Extraordinary Encounter: Peaceful Dialogue in the Midst of War – registration link coming soon

July 15 – Sr. Margaret Carney, OSF – St. Francis of Assisi: Birds, Wolves, Bulls and Bears (Oh My!) – registration link coming soon

October 7 – Dan Horan – The Cosmic Community of Creation: Exploring the Ecospirituality of St. Francis in the Canticle of the Creatures – registration link coming soon

Webinar - Women Religious: Leading the Way on Laudato Si' and the Synodal Process
2026-01-26 12:00 - 13:00
Hosted by Catholic Climate Covenant

Join us for this webinar highlighting the leadership of women religious in climate justice, sustainability, and the synodal journey. Congregations across the country are offering bold, creative witness through the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, and this conversation will lift up some of the inspiring work already underway.

Panelists include leaders from LCWR, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Their insights will be especially valuable for congregations discerning their next steps in care for creation and communal transformation.

The recording will be shared with all who register.

Click here to register

Webinar: Healthy Environment Workshop (Partner Event)
2026-01-27 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Franciscan Action Network for the final session in a webinar series on the right to a clean and healthy environment. This interactive workshop will highlight state-level case studies and explore strategies for advancing Green Amendments in partnership with local networks.

Grounded in a humans rights perspective, Franciscan spirituality, Catholic social teaching, and the Christian commitment to care for creation, this session offers practical insights and inspiration for environmental justice.

Attendance is free, and donations are welcome to support FAN’s ongoing work.

Click here to register

Part One Contd. | The Easter of St. Francis of Assisi: Ongoing Conversion and the Spirituality of Presence (Virtual Event Series)
2026-01-27 19:30 - 21:00
Part of a Four-Part Virtual Series Commemorating the 800th Anniversary of the Easter of Francis of AssisiPresented in collaboration with Shalom Spirituality Center and the Franciscan Federation

Join us for the second of two interactive Zoom sessions with Dr. Darleen Pryds, exploring the final years of Francis of Assisi and the spiritual journey of letting go. Through storytelling, meditation, and small group reflection, we’ll consider how Francis’ example invites us into deeper conversion and presence amid life’s uncertainties.This session includes presentation, experiential meditation, and small group discussion. Participants are encouraged to journal between sessions and should bring 20 small slips of paper (e.g. 3×5 cards) and a writing instrument to the session.

Click here to register

This two-part offering launches a four-part virtual series commemorating the 800th anniversary of the Easter of St. Francis. Join us again in April, July, and October to continue the journey.

Save the Dates for the Full Series:

April 15 – An Extraordinary Encounter: Peaceful Dialogue in the Midst of War with Sr. Kathleen Warren, OSF – Link coming soon

July 15 – St. Francis of Assisi: Birds, Wolves, Bulls and Bears (Oh My!) with Sr. Margaret Carney, OSF – Link coming soon

October 7 – The Cosmic Community of Creation: Exploring the Ecospirituality of St. Francis in the Canticle of the Creatures with Dan Horan – Link coming soon

Prayer for Immigrant Justice and Rule of Law
2026-01-29 19:00 - 20:00
Join the Franciscan Action Network for a prayerful gathering focused on immigrant justice and the rule of law. In light of the recent events in Minneapolis, participants will hear reflections from FAN staff, members of the Twin Cities Franciscan Justice Circle, and other Franciscans about what they are witnessing in their communities and how we can care for our immigrant neighbors with compassion and clarity.

The evening will include time for testimony, discussion, and shared prayer. This event is co‑sponsored by the Franciscan Federation and the Order of Friars Minor, Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Click here to register

Webinar: Our Cosmic Earth Journey through Suffering and Beauty (Online; Partner Event)
2026-02-04 19:30 - 21:00
Hosted by Assisi Heights Spirituality Center and the Sisters of St. Francis (Rochester, MN)

In a world marked by conflict, climate disruption, and deep uncertainty, how do we stay awake to beauty, compassion, and the sacred? This online session with Sister Joan Brown invites participants into a reflective journey through the suffering and wonder woven into our shared Earth story. Drawing on stories from New Mexico and grounded in a Franciscan lens, Sister Joan will guide practices that open us to awe, deepen our sense of connection, and help us recognize the transformative power of Love at work in our lives and in the real world.

Click here to learn more and register

Fran Fed Virtual Annual Retreat
2026-02-07 13:00 - 16:00
From Darkness to Light: Honoring the 800th Anniversary of the Transitus of FrancisOnline via Zoom

Join us for the Franciscan Federation’s annual virtual retreat on Saturday, February 7, 2026. This year’s retreat commemorates the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi, inviting us into prayer, reflection, and dialogue on what it means to move from darkness to light in our personal and communal journeys.

We are honored to welcome Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., Bishop of Lexington, KY, and Katie Sullivan, Executive Director of Franciscan Volunteer Ministry, as our retreat speakers.

Registration is now open! Reserve your spot today: https://franfed.org/gatherings/annual-retreat/

For questions or assistance, please contact memberengagement@franfed.org
