The image of light which was so prominent in the readings for Advent and Christmas, announcing the coming of Christ, continues to resound in the readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. This light is an eternal one offering us presence and hope.

“The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.”

-Matthew 4:16 and Isaiah 9:1

Where do I take time to allow myself to be bathed in this light and how do I reflect that light to others?

The FST offices will be closed Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

Petition to Graduate

Friday, February 13 – Deadline to submit an Intent to Graduate form if you plan to complete the coursework for your degree by June 2026.

Spring 2026 Book List

Spring 2026 Book List

Spring 2026 Course Schedule

Upcoming Events

• Zoom rosary each Saturday at 4:00pm PDT. All are welcome to participate by clicking here.

• Monday, January 26, 2026 – First day of the Spring 2026 semester for FST traditional students.

Service Opportunity

Every Tuesday, We See You San Diego hosts a dinner and distribution of clothing and health/hygiene products for the homeless community at Immaculate Conception Parish Hall in Old Town San Diego – Volunteers are needed to set up, serve dinner or clean up between 3:00pm and 9:00pm. Your participation is welcome. January 20 will be the next opportunity to serve. This will be the third Tuesday of the month, a day that some FST students and staff have committed to volunteer. Please consider joining in with us. Click here to register as a volunteer: http://www.weseeyousandiego.com/

Pilgrimage Opportunity

2026 Lady Jacoba Scholarship – Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. If you are a lay woman enrolled in an FST degree program, you are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applications need to be received no later than Friday, January 30, 2026. For more information, please click here.

FST Conference

The Franciscan Movement: Pastoral Power in Action

January 30 & 31, 2026

In a world hungry for healing, the Franciscan tradition offers something profoundly radical: the belief that love is power. Not the kind of power that dominates, but the kind that serves.

We encourage you to attend all or part of the conference on Friday, January 30 (6:00pm to 8:00pm) and Saturday, January 31 (8:00am to 5:00pm), which will explore how pastoral power is lived out in the Franciscan movement today.

Registration is free.

In addition, Br. Keith Warner, OFM, will offer an Immersion Program on Friday, January 30, prior to the start of the conference [$60.00 fee].

This conference promises to be an informative and enriching experience that will complement your studies. It is also a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded people and engage with world-renowned scholars and clergy.

Employment Opportunities

• Franciscan Ministries is seeking to hire a part-time Executive Assistant. This position is hybrid, mostly virtual with three to four in-person weekend events per year and monthly meetings. For more information, please click here. Please contact Kathleen Flanagan at kflanagan@friars.us for any questions or how to apply.

• The Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona is seeking to employ a Youth and Young Adult Minister. This is a full-time position. For more information and to apply, please click here.