LivingJoyfully
Living Joyfully is the fullest expression of our mission to Celebrate Life and Serve with Joy, centered around people and felt in everyday moments that make life meaningful.
Inspired by the tireless work of our Foundress and the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago for over 130 years, this calling continues to guide Franciscan Ministries today.
Living Joyfully means joy is not reserved for the easy days. It’s practiced, protected and shared through how we care for one another, how we build community and how we honor each person’s story.
Ours is a Higher Standard for Senior Living
The Meaning
At Franciscan Ministries, we believe Living Joyfully…
- Honors the story of each individual resident and associate
- Supports well-being for residents and associates
- Encourages living your best life through the Seven Dimensions of Wellness
- Surrounds people in places of beauty and joy
- Attracts and retains exceptional associates, so residents receive premier care and attention
- Recognizes we are called to be of service to one another through relationships, communication and daily actions
These beliefs shape the culture of Franciscan Ministries for residents, associates and family members, influencing how we show up for one another. Living Joyfully is something we embrace and practice every day.
For those we serve, it is foundational to life: doing what you love, regardless of how life changes. Having time for what matters, not only what must be done.
The Art
Living Joyfully is meant to be experienced, not simply described.
That is why a visual representation was created by a team of associates and partners who gave their time, creativity and care to bring the culture to life. It was built from joy and shared purpose, designed to reflect what we believe and how we live.
The Pillars
Living Joyfully is supported by seven pillars that align with the Seven Dimensions of Wellness. Together, they shape an integrated approach to well-being, social connection and programming, creating a lifestyle that feels full, personal and uplifting.
- Make Your Mark: Your influence on the world and on those around you.
- Create Your Contributions: Intentional actions or forms of giving back that have a positive effect on others.
- Expand Your Communities: Connecting with those around us and strengthening relationships.
- Give Your Gratitude: Showing appreciation to God and to others.
- Grow Your Gifts: Sharing your talents and passions with the world.
- Pursue Your Purpose: What drives you and makes you feel yourself fully.
- Embrace Your Joy: What brings calm, contentment, enlightenment and peace.
Well-Being
Living Joyfully aligns with the Seven Dimensions of Wellness—physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, occupational and environmental—because wellness is not one thing. It’s the embodiment of what it means to live well.
That commitment shapes how we develop programs, support community life and approach care with dignity, intention and respect for the whole person.
Working At Franciscan Is More Than A Job, It’s A Calling
Many associates believe they were called to work for Franciscan Ministries. Some are drawn by the legacy of our foundress. Others arrive with personal stories, experiences with a family member’s aging journey, caregiving or moments that shaped what service means to them.
Others simply “knew.” They knew this was the right place, a place to belong, to grow and to give back.
A career at Franciscan means becoming part of something bigger. The work serves residents, strengthens families and supports communities, guided by values, grounded in mission and rooted in a culture that puts people first.
Our Values
Living Joyfully is rooted in values that guide our culture and our work:
Respect
Reflect God in all we do.
Dedication
Passionately carry forward this ministry entrusted to us.
Stewardship
Responsibly use the gift of our resources.
Joy
Giving from our hearts.
These values influence how we hire, how we develop talent and how we care for residents, because the experience we create begins with the people who create it.
See Living Joyfully in Action
If you are exploring a Franciscan community for yourself or a family member, or you are searching for a career with purpose, we invite you to connect with us.
Living Joyfully is not a program. It’s our culture, and it’s felt the moment you step inside.
