In 1869, five young women, deeply in love with God, desired to share their daily lives together in rural Wisconsin. St. Francis of Assisi's simple Gospel way of life inspired them. Today, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity live whole-heartedly the loving spirit of their foundresses. They strive to live the Gospel in simplicity, built on faith in a loving God; joyful acceptance of poverty; love for the Church and selfless dedication to the service of others. The Congregation serves the People of God in areas of Catholic education and Catholic healthcare and responds to other challenges, including parish work and ministry to the poor, as well as service to their own Sisters-in-Christ. Community members are missioned in Arizona, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Their common life is centered in the Eucharist and rooted in prayer.

The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity welcome young women, high school graduates to age 35, caught by the spirit of St. Francis and fired with a burning love for Jesus, to join them.