OFH Ministries & Programs
- THANK YOU for Your Support!
Our primary Ministry is Contemplative Prayer, but St. Francis was always torn between the Silence of Contemplation and Active Ministry. As Franciscans, we must put our Faith into Action, so we have a variety of ministries we're involved in throughout the world, always remembering when Jesus said, "When you did these things to the Least of my Brothers, you did them to ME." We are NOT Franciscans for our own sake, but for others.
We have Ministries in the Franciscan tradition of helping the poor and marginalized for the betterment of humanity. Domestic and International efforts support Ecumenical and Interfaith communications; peace and social justice; clean water and food security; environmental sustainability; health and human services; education; spiritual development and associated support groups. We support & promote programs aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Our primary Ministry is Contemplative Prayer, but St. Francis was always torn between the Silence of Contemplation and Active Ministry. As Franciscans, we must put our Faith into Action, so we have a variety of ministries we're involved in throughout the world, always remembering when Jesus said, "When you did these things to the Least of my Brothers, you did them to ME." We are NOT Franciscans for our own sake, but for others.
We have Ministries in the Franciscan tradition of helping the poor and marginalized for the betterment of humanity. Domestic and International efforts support Ecumenical and Interfaith communications; peace and social justice; clean water and food security; environmental sustainability; health and human services; education; spiritual development and associated support groups. We support & promote programs aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Homeless Outreach Program - As part of our Benevolence Program, your donations help provide for the immediate needs of the homeless such as food, clothing, warmth (jackets, sleeping bags, blankets, socks, gloves) etc. This has always been a critical ministry as Franciscans. Money is NEVER given directly to individuals, but we are able to accept Gift Cards to common restaurants such as Subway, Jack in the Box, Taco Bell, etc. as well as Visa Cards to purchase needed items for those we Serve. Gift Cards can be donated via our OFH Homeless Outreach Program Amazon Wish List, or by making an online donation today.
- Inmate Outreach Program - Spiritual Direction (In-person; Video; Correspondence) - Due to COVID many correctional facilities have initiated video visits which where not previously available which makes offering Spiritual Direction easier and more private in most cases. We are willing to meet with inmates of any Faith, even those with none. Your Support is appreciated.
Jesus requires us to "Visit the Sick and Imprisoned" and most people don't realize that St. Paul himself wrote letters to the Colossians, Philemon, the Ephesians, and the Philippians while imprisoned in Rome! Br. Paul began ministering to the incarcerated and those in 1990 which has been one of his most rewarding ministries. While most Christian ministries "Preach" to the inmates (and we certainly do this by conducting prayer services, Spiritual discussion groups, and bible studies), Jesus' instruction actually says, "VISIT" the sick and imprisoned. It is a ministry of PRESENCE. BE-ing there for inmates who have lost everything... their freedom and many times their family, friends and faith. We remind ourselves when Jesus said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone"... so we approach this ministry with Compassion and Unconditional LOVE. Perhaps you've heard it said, "It's easier to catch flies with honey rather than vinegar"... building trust is far more effective than being a "Lightning Bolt" preacher! Jesus taught LOVE and FORGIVENESS...
"Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Mt. 18:20-22)
- Outreach to the Sick and Dying - Jesus requires us to "Visit the Sick"... We Serve as Chaplains and Eucharistic Ministers in hospitals, convalescent and group homes... assisted living centers for the memory impaired... hospice and also make home visitations. We bring Communion, rosaries and prayer cards to sick individuals, their caregivers and families when appropriate, in the parishes where we serve. Your Support is appreciated.
- Outreach to Addiction Recovery Programs - Provide friendship, Spiritual Direction and retreats to those in Addiction Recovery programs. Rosaries and prayer cards are given to those who are interested. Your Support is appreciated.
- Perpetual Rosary Association - In Solidarity with Pope Francis who Consecrated Russia and the Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, 2022, the Order of Franciscan Hermits has established its "Perpetual Rosary Association" to help pray for the conversion of Russia as the Blessed Mother... Our Mother of Peace... has asked us to do in Fatima.
The Order of Franciscan Hermits has Associates and Members in over 90 countries worldwide... as we pray the rosary, we are like a Beacon of Christ's Light to the world, bringing PEACE to ALL the Nations. By joining our Perpetual Rosary Association, we can ensure that somewhere throughout the world, someone is praying the Rosary as Our Mother of Peace has asked us to do.
THANK YOU for Your Support of our Order and Mission of PEACE!
OFH Missions
- OFH United States Region - We consider the United States to be a CRITICAL Missionary Territory because the Church and Country is Suffering in many ways. The extreme decline in Faith and Division among its citizens and within families... the lack of attendance at Church and severe decline in vocations to the Religious Life... priests, sisters and brothers... makes our Mission critical for us to promote and carry out to help bring Faith and Spirituality back into homes and UNITY amongst the people of the "United" States. We do NOT participate in politics... We choose to Focus on what UNITES us as Franciscans, Christians and Humans, rather than what Divides us.
We would like to establish a Hermitage Fraternity (monastery) in the USA and are requesting the donation of land of 5+ acres that would be suitable for a contemplative environment. Please email [email protected] to discuss possible donations, or please consider making a financial donation to help support our efforts.
