St. Francis proudly called himself a beggar.

For him, begging was not about poverty—it was about faith. It meant living the Gospel with complete trust in God’s providence and in the generosity of others. Every time Francis reached out his hand, he was inviting someone to share in the work of mercy—to rebuild the Church, to feed the hungry, to love the forgotten.

Eight hundred years later, that same spirit lives on. The Conventual Franciscan Friars still “beg,” not for themselves, but for those they serve. And faithful friends like you—whose generosity already strengthens this mission—help keep that fire of compassion alive today.

Your gift to the Annual Fund keeps the mission moving—it provides the foundation that allows the friars to respond wherever hope is needed most. Your support helps provide the dedicated staff who work arm-in-arm with the friars to elevate and sustain their ministries—ensuring they have the people, resources, and facilities to thrive and serve where there is the greatest need.

Through your generosity, you help:

• Feed the hungry through ministries like the Franciscan Kitchen (Louisville, KY) and parish outreach.
• Welcome the stranger at Posada Guadalupe (San Antonio) and the Holy Family Refugee
Center (El Paso, TX).
• Renew hearts and spirits through our retreat centers and parishes.
• Educate and form new friars who will carry the Franciscan message into future generations.
• Care for senior friars who have devoted their lives to prayer and service.
• Maintain sacred spaces—the churches, retreat houses, and land that sustain our spiritual life and welcome all who seek peace.

Because of you, the friars can keep serving where they’re needed most—bringing compassion, hope, and the love of Christ to a world in need.

Please make your gift today by clicking here, filling out the form on this page or by calling (812) 923-5250.

If you wish, you can make your gift monthly, becoming a faithful partner who sustains the friars’ ministries all year long.

However you choose to give, know that your generosity keeps the friars’ ministries alive—feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, and bringing the love of Christ to those who need it most.

This work never stops. And with your help, it never has to.

With gratitude and prayers,
Fr. John Elmer, OFM Conv.
Spiritual Director