VISION STATEMENT: In the Franciscan Tradition, we will share/create a place of simple beauty and hospitality that will support and deepen the contemplative spirit.

Franciscan Spiritual Ministries is a ministry sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philidelphia. Rooted in the Gospel values and in the prophetic spirit of Francis and Clare of Assisi, we seek to provide environments, experiences, and resources which enable persons to meet God in both stillness and activity. With hospitality, simplicity, and joy, we welcome all as sister and brother.

A TESTIMONIAL FROM DOROTHY CHARBONNEAU, A PATRON

"The Francisan Spiritual Center means more to me that mere words can express. The FSC is people, honesty, trust and heart -- Relationship. Through my association with the Spiritual Center I have built wonderful friendships, but most importantly, I have developed a personal relationship with God that I never thought possible.

The programs that I have chosen to participate in fit my inquisitive needs. Three that I have not only enjoyed but grown from are Spiritual Direction, Women at the Well, and the Hermitage Retreat. Spiritual Direction has given me an open space to question, inquire, and even express frustration with God. (It is always a place to be accepted for who I am.) Relationship. Women at the Well is a small group of women who meet to share prayer, life, and a love of God. We are able to gather at the end of a day to "drink" and be refreshed from the well of faith and love that is in abundance at the Center. Relationship. The four-day Hermitage Retreat has given me a much needed time of quiet, rest and prayer. The journey of retreat shared with others in attendance is, as the brochure indicates, an opportunity "To sit at the feet of Jesus". Hermitage is my gift to myself.

Those of us in the greater Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area are so furtunate to have the Center within our midst. "The time has come to dwell in peace and integrity; to walk together in the light of the most High."  (Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill) There is a place that I can visit and experience this quote ... the Franciscan Spiritual Center. Relationship."