HISTORY

MEET OUR STAFF

MEET OUR MEMBERS

MEET OUR ALUMNI

WHO ARE THE SISTERS
OF ST. FRANCIS

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

ALTERNATIVE BREAK EXPERIENCES

WHAT BEING A MEMBER OF CHANGE A HEART MEANS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

 

WHO WE ARE

Mission

Change A Heart Franciscan Volunteer Program is an 11-month service experience that empowers young adults to live simply in community while serving a vulnerable population.

Vision

To inspire and mentor young adults in the Franciscan spirit so they develop skills to intentionally live out lifelong Gospel values of modeling justice, peacemaking, hospitality, and caring for the earth and all creation by providing direct essential services among those who are marginalized in western Pennsylvania.

VALUES

Service

“Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary, use words.” St. Francis of Assisi

Members are matched with a nonprofit organization in a full-time position that directly serves a vulnerable population in the areas of education, health care, social services or children and youth. Matches are based on applicants' skills, interests, education, experience and future goals as well as the needs of the social service organization.

Members will be exposed to the complexity of injustices faced by those who are most vulnerable in our society. Through service, members may examine the causes of these injustices and search for creative, long-term solutions which may include faith-filled responses.

Simplicity

St. Francis called all things "brother" or "sister" signifying all of creation has its origin in God. Members live on a small stipend in a low-income, urban neighborhood. Be challenged to examine your own lifestyle decisions and how those decisions impact others (in the Franciscan spirit of simplicity).

Living simply is meant to help you define a lifestyle always conscious of those who are most vulnerable. The commitment is more than attempting to live within a monthly budget; it is more a shift in focus. Spending a year centered on less money and consumption can free you to appreciate the value found in simple pleasures, conversations and their own creativity.

Community

St. Francis desired to live according to the holy Gospel with others in fraternitas, or fraternity.

Members will live together in the Franciscan spirit of mutuality and simplicity by sharing meals several nights a week, activity once a week and prayer.

Room and board is provided including rent, utilities, food, and transportation in a community house or apartment in an urban neighborhood.

Members share in a mutually supportive environment that can nurture honest, open relationships and lifelong communication skills.

Spirituality

Most High, glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart
and give me
true faith,
certain hope,
and perfect charity,
sense and knowledge,
Lord,
that I might carry out
your holy and true command.
St. Francis' prayer before the Crucifix

Change A Heart is a Christian program with a Catholic foundation and Franciscan identity. A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, we use the example of the life of St. Francis of Assisi as a way to deepen your relationship with God, neighbor and self. This takes place through personal reflection, group sharing and prayer, reflection weekends and the opportunity for spiritual direction. While the majority of members may be people of faith, this is not a requirement for all.