World Care Annual Benefit and Celebration
Join us on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 for our World Care Benefit!
What sets Franciscan Mission Service apart? We are always discerning where there is need, so that we can adapt our ministries and form our missioners to be relevant and responsive. This is possible because:
- We stay informed and connected locally to know what the needs are
- We are a small organization that can be nimble and responsive
- We cultivate a culture of discernment that encourages missioners to reflect on the needs of the communities where they serve as they engage in ministry
- We have a wide net of supporters empowering our work
Learn more about this call to be relevant and responsive at our World Care Benefit and Celebration! This event serves as a reunion for those who have been impacted by our programs, a meeting place for people who share FMS' commitment to Francisan values and Catholic Social Teaching, and an opportunity to welcome new members into the FMS family. The evening included hors d’oeuvres, wine, a silent auction, live music, and dynamic speakers. It is Franciscan Mission Service's biggest fundraiser of the year, with funds going to direct support of our ministries.
Each year features a spotlight on key members of our Franciscan community: an address from either a current or lifelong missioner, the yearly winner of the San Damiano Award and Fr. Anselm Moons Award, and an esteemed keynote speaker.
There is always a special energy in the room at a gathering with our Franciscan family. Get a taste of the spirit from our special evening by exploring some of our previous events.
Awards
Learn more about the awards we present at the event:
Past Events by Year
See photos and videos of the keynotes and award speeches:
2025 - Keynote by Cecilia Flores, Executive Director of Catholic Volunteer Network. The Anselm Moons Award recipients were MJ and Jerry Park, and the San Damiano Award winner was Claire Fisher (St. Bonaventure University).
2024 - Keynote by FMS lifelong missioner Mari Snyder (US-Mexico border region, 2022-2023). Award recipients were the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and Jessika Crockett-Murphy (Stonehill College).
2021 - Keynote by Cardinal Wilton Gregory. Award recipients were Beth Riehle and the Father McKenna Center. The San Damiano award winner was Amarilis Rodriguez (Seton Hall University).
2019 - Keynote by Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv. and awards to Jeff and Teresa Redder, as well as San Damiano award winner Megan Bohatch (Duquesne University).
2018 - Awards presented to Fr. Ignatius "Iggy" Harding, OFM and Sarah Bertrand (Xavier University).
2017 - Keynote by Sr. Margaret Carney, OSF. Award recipients were Sr. Damon Nolan, MFIC, Sr. Chris Cullen, MFIC, and Sr. Jean Morrissey, MFIC.
2016 - Keynote by John Carr and award presented to Fr. Larry Snyder and Brandon Turner (St. John's University).
Opportunities for Sponsorship and In-Kind Donations
There are many ways to support our event! Sponsorship allows you to highlight your work for our attendees and supporters. In-Kind donations (accessible through our Registration page) enable another member of our FMS family to attend our event, no matter their financial need.