Spiritual Neighbors

Join us in living our charism of being

"merciful, joyous and poor, doing works of neighborly love."

Our neighbors are not just the people living nearest us. Whether you live down the block or on another continent, you are our Spiritual Neighbor, and we welcome you to our campus and to this online home of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart. We seek to bring hope and a sense of community to all who visit us, whether in person or virtually.

Visit our online home often as we will strive to continually bring you new resources, programs, and spiritual food for thought. Come to our campus to experience the programs and services here, but also the wooded trails and sacred places we offer for personal prayer, reflection and refreshment of body, mind and spirit.

"Let us begin to serve the Lord God, for up until now we have done little or nothing."

(1 Celano 103)

Living Out Neighborly Love

There are a myriad of ways to live out the relationship of Spiritual Neighbor. Choose the activities that speak to your heart and will build authentic relationships with us.

PARTICIPATE IN LITURGIES

Liturgies are held at 9:30 a.m. in our chapel,
Tuesday-Sunday.

JOIN a SMALL GROUP

Scripture Reflections
(Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. starting Sept. 5, 2024. See below.)

Join Meeting

ATTEND SPECIAL EVENTS

As neighbors, we come together to celebrate and raise funds needed to continue our ministries. Enjoy our Annual Golf Outing, Fraternitas and special programs at the Motherhouse.

Join Sr. Marilyn Renninger for a Scripture Reflection each Thursday starting September 5 through May 8, 2025. No need to register. Just come to the Assisi Center (stop at the Motherhouse front desk for directions) or sign up to join via Zoom. We are so pleased to be able to welcome participants from around the world to join with us in preparing our hearts for Sunday Mass! You can reach Sr. Marilyn at

Stitches & Blessings

Sister Ella crochets water filter covers for the poor

Join us for a morning of prayer, crocheting (knitting too!), and camaraderie every second Friday of the month at 10:15 a.m. for one hour at the Motherhouse with Sr. Ella! Let us know you would like to be a part of this interfaith prayer group we call Stitches & Blessings with the form below.

We are lending a helping hand to Water with Blessings, a nonprofit organization that provides portable, safe water filtration systems to village women (mothers) where the water is not safe to drink. The women are taught how to use the simple equipment and promise to filter water for their own family and for three other families. This interfaith program emphasizes spirituality and neighborliness.

The filters are delicate instruments and break easily. There is a simple pattern for crocheted or knitted covers for their protection. Those making the covers are encouraged to pray for the women who receive the gifts you make. I crochet, but whether you crochet or knit, these covers are very easy to make. I hope you'll join us!

Sister Ella Binz

Consider Becoming an FSSH Associate

California Associates

Members, who include women and men seeking to live out Franciscan values and identify more clearly with the charism of the Sisters, meet in local small groups called "Circles."

Learn More

Collaborate, participate... Get connected!

Meet and talk with our Sisters about life and the spiritual journey. Sharing our joys and sorrows, hopes and dreams, connects us. You don't have to live nearby. Physical distance may be a barrier to in-person visits, but we can still connect through the Zoom, telephone, email and mail. Would you like to connect?

You don't have to be a Sister or Associate to be a part of our advocacies and make a difference. As neighbors in the community, we can collaborate and participate in advocacies together. For more information, see our Advocacies.

FSSH Advocacies

Bethany House of Hospitality

Helping Young Immigrant Women

Our congregation is one of the many sustaining members of Bethany House of Hospitality. Bethany House offers housing and support services to young immigrant women as they journey to independence.

Get Involved

find immigration resources

Find Resources

Is someone you know in crisis?

Whether someone needs emergency housing or food, safety from domestic violence or sexual assault, LGBTQ+ services, suicide prevention, help for substance abuse, or help for veterans, resources are available.

Help is Here