Mother Clare Matthiass, CFR
Mother Clare Matthiass, CFR is the General Servant (Superior) of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal and author of the popular book Discerning Religious Life as well as the Avow small discussion group program. Mother Clare was born in Germany and spent her childhood moving from base to base with her family, as her father was serving in the U.S. Military. She attended Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio where she studied theology and history. Mother Clare has been a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal since 1998. The two-fold apostolic mission of the community is hands-on work with the poor and evangelization. Mother Clare has served in the past as formation director for candidates and postulants, Community Vicar, and Vocation Directress. She lives at Our Lady Queen of Angels Convent in East Harlem. The CFR Sisters currently have three convents in New York City, missions in Leeds, England; Drogheda, Ireland; and, most recently, in Atlantic City, NJ.