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The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement

Franciscan Friars of the Atonement General Council

Franciscan Friars of the Atonement are a Catholic Religious Community dedicated to bringing reconciliation and healing to a broken world. We do this by living, embracing and fostering the Franciscan spirit of
“At-One-Ment”—one with self, one with others, and one with God.

Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, Fr. Paul Wattson, SA, Servant of God, founded the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement to walk as brothers alongside those who are lost and need God’s healing. We do this through a variety of ministries like St. Christopher’s Inn, Do Not Fear to Hope HIV+/AIDS Support Group, the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, and various ecumenical centers and parish ministries throughout the world.

The Friars are devoted to ecumenism on a global scale, seeking to promote dialogue within the whole of Christianity and between all religions.

Learn More about the Friars History and Ministries

Rev. Brian F. Terry, SA Minster General

From the very first man who came to the Holy Mountain without a place to stay, our Founder, Fr. Paul found a place for him in the chicken coop. Fr. Paul was sleeping in the paint shed. They would eat together and work together, and if the men wanted, pray together. The Friars are still filled with the same zeal for simplicity and life together. The men who come to us are our brothers. We continue to eat together, work together and if they want, pray together. For me, the basis for healing is a simple life of dignity and respect, a simple hospitality, a place where a man can receive the care he needs. There is no greater joy for any Friar than to accompany a man on the road to healing. We know we are just a short stay for them as travelers on a journey. But, our Brother’s Christopher always have a home to come back to.

The nurses are the best part of my day.

The admission process was as fast and painless as it could be.

The medical staff is excellent, they treated me with love and care.

Overall the program and facility at St. Christopher’s Inn is the best, bar none.

Family program is PERFECT please don’t change a thing.

I took part in the GED program and was quite satisfied. I haven’t taken the test yet, but I have very high hopes of passing.

Gained immense knowledge from lectures and treatment plan.

It is very spiritual and I needed the experience.

The care and concern by my counselor and supporting staff shows the love that I didn’t know existed.

Staff is unbelievable, saved my life.

The goals I have reached and the new ones I’ve developed while being here are something of a life changer for me in my future.

I was pleasantly surprised by the existence of the Coffee House. Music is a central and meditative part of my life. The ability to perform for my new brothers here and the staff was unexpected and made this an incredible journey.

I would have nothing if it wasn’t for SCI.

Great people, caring and responsive.

I would like to tell you how thankful I am to you for having this family program available. I want to say thank you for giving me exactly what I needed.

The experience of being here and becoming a member of the Brothers Christopher fraternity has changed my life. Being in the Friars house was a blessing. Their generosity gave me knowledge I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Thank you for the privilege I was given to stay here in your house. God bless you all. I will always keep a piece of St. Christopher’s Inn in my heart.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the hot meals, warm bed and unconditional love you so easily gave to me. I know if it were not for you, I would truly still be a lost soul.

The road to recovery is called Franciscan Way, and the door to happiness lies within the walls of St. Christopher’s Inn.

I never thought someone could care for a drug addict like me. You have shown me that I am worth something. May God bless you a million times.

Thank you for welcoming me in to your home, and granting me a scholarship for treatment. There’s not enough “thank-yous” I could say, so I’m going to show you by staying clean and living a peaceful sober life.

I want to thank you for everything—from my stay here to working in the Thrift Shop. I am so grateful for St. Christopher’s Inn and every staff member that represents this fantastic organization.

I was amazed by the unbelievable generosity of everyone at our Christmas party. A nice scarf and a collared shirt—I have been through hundreds in my life but I have never cared for any of them as I do for these. Thank you for giving me the best Christmas in many, many years.

I love this place. They have given me a place to sleep, food in my stomach, clothes on my back, and a chance at a first-class life. Recovery is here . . . all you have to do is want it!

Today, I am a sober man. I live an honest and simple life. I’m a reliable, employable productive member of society. I have dignity and self-worth and even self-love. All of these things are a direct result of the care and guidance given to me by the Friars and the staff at St. Christopher’s Inn. Some people call it a homeless shelter. I call it home.