We, the Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, Oldenburg, are women of prayer, committed to the Gospel values as lived by St. Francis and Mother Theresa Hackelmeier. From our life in community we are sent to extend the mission of Jesus through our presence and service. Enlivened by a spirit of justice, reconciliation and peace, we collaborate with others in responding to the needs of the world.
We fulfill these words by being women of prayer in the ministries we do and the places where we are present. Since Vatican II opened the doors to the many needs of the world, we minister in education, parish ministry, social service, healthcare and social justice.
Corporate Statment on the Death Penalty
We, the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, strongly oppose the death penalty as contrary to the Gospel and to our particular Franciscan call to peacemaking and justice for the poor.
We affirm that all lives, both innocent and guilty, are sacred and worthy of protection. We know that the state’s use of capital punishment adds to the violence within our society. We hold that its use falls disproportionately on the poor, the uneducated, and the mentally disabled, and is marked by the racism and prejudice which pervades our society.
We commit ourselves to prayer and action for the abolition of the death penalty wherever it exists. We pledge ourselves to prayer, support, and appropriate action for those whose loved ones have been victims of violent crimes, for those who commit such crimes, and for their families. We promote effective and humane alternatives to the death penalty.