Welcome to The Order of Franciscan Penitents!
Welcome, from Sr. Sharon, Guardian, to all who have found this Franciscan Website of the Order of Franciscan Penitents (OFP).
The OFP was formally established in Nov 2007 in Columbia, Missouri with seven founding members and adding members as the Spirit has led individuals.
My name is Sharon Prenger. I have been elected as the Guardian of the OFP in March 2026. I have been with the Order since before it was formally established. I took an extra year to discern my joining of the Order as this was important to me to know that the Holy Spirit was leading me to this decision.
Locations within the Central Diocese:
Our Mother House is in Columbia, Missouri.. We currently have 7 professed members in the Columbia area. Four of the members are in leadership positions (see the Leadership link).
Olathe, Kansas: our current Cathedral of the Central Diocese is in Olathe, Kansas with one professed member.
Dousman, Wisconsin: Our current Bishop Co-Adjutor, The Most Rev. Christopher Keough, is also a member of our Order. He is Pastor of Bread of Life Church in Dousman.
West Branson, Missouri: We have two professed members residing in southern Missouri as well, and offer the Franciscan Hermitage there.
We welcome all to learn more about the Life of St. Francis and begin living your life in the pattern of Sts. Francis and Clare as we journey in our faith of Jesus Christ.
Plan to become a "Friend of Francis" at the minimum -please see the link labeled "Friends of Francis" to begin your new life and deepen your spirituality on your journey.
As you progress through your journey, if you feel led to see if you would become a professed member of the OFP, please reach out by email. We would love to assist in the process of discerning where the Holy Spirit is leading you. We as a community look forward to meeting you who are being called to follow in the pattern of Sts. Francis and Clare in the Footsteps of Jesus Christ.
In His Spirit,
Sr. Sharon OFP , Guardian
