About Us
Franciscan Peacemakers' Street Ministry started as the dream of two Franciscan Capuchin priests in 1995. Fr. Robert Wheelock, OFM Cap., and Fr. Michael Sullivan, OFM Cap., saw escalating violence in the city of Milwaukee. The words of St. Francis called them to start doing what was necessary.
Start by doing what's necessary...
Fr. Bob and Fr. Mike took to the streets of the central city of Milwaukee. Their primary outreach was to women involved in prostitution, providing an avenue off of the streets. Fr. Bob and Fr. Mike soon found that their first step would need to be more fundamental: developing an atmosphere of trust and demonstrating their genuine concern for the care ad well-being of the women and their children.
...then do what's possible...
The Gospels tell us that Jesus touched people many times while sharing a meal. This is so fundamental that he gave us His very Self as food and drink. Today we continue this important part of our Catholic tradition by feeding the hungry.
Five days a week year-round, with the help of urban and suburban parishes, Franciscan Peacemakers provides lunches to children, women and men, many of which are homeless or living in severe poverty, in neighborhoods where the crime levels are very high and prostitution is prevalent. We do what is possible.
...and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
Today we continue to minister directly to victims and perpetrators of violence; women engaged in prostitution, homeless people addicted to drugs and alcohol, parentless children...the people of the Beatitudes.
Take a look at the different programs we offer for more in depth information.
Sowing Seeds of Peace...in the Home - School - Community
Deacon Steve and Carmen help carry out the mission of Franciscan Peacemakers