Why do Poor Clares live on alms?

We believe we are called by God to share what we have with others.

As Poor Clare Nuns we continue the ministry of St. Clare of Assisi, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the healing power of prayer with others.

By assisting us with our expenses, we are available to anyone seeking prayer. We receive requests (over 800 a month) through emails from our web page and phone calls. We listen to the anguish of someone in a troubled marriage, grieving a death, or dealing with an unbreakable addiction. We share in the sorrows of the human heart – bruised, broken, and betrayed – and bring the suffering ones with us to prayer. When you share your struggles in prayer with another, it is no longer yours alone to bear.

We also rejoice in the joys and experiences of a person’s life — the gift of a birth, the joy of completing a project, success in accomplishing a goal, celebrating community birthdays, etc. God is here and present in all we experience.

Our major means of support is through alms, that is, a financial contribution. However, in addition to the alms, we create and sell Christmas and sympathy cards, as well as Fragrant Blessing Oil. These help to support us and benefit others spiritually. Proceeds from these works alone do not cover all our expenses. Although we live a simple life, we need your support to help us continue our ministry of prayer.