Sisters of the Holy Family | Advocating for the underserved in our community

“Their sturdy backs bent down, by labor and fatigue, their eyes intent upon the earth, sift through stubble discarded by the reapers.”

—Sister Michaela O’Connor

 

 

Our Mission: To seek out and advocate for the poor and needy, especially families, for the Kingdom of God since 1872

Above: The Gleaners, by Jean-François Millet (1857), depicting three peasant women gleaning a field of stray stalks of wheat after the harvest.

Foundations
from the past

As Gleaners, we stand at the edge of society where Christ is encountered in Word, Silence, and Action where power of His Kingdom pushes out the boundaries of our world. We will be recognized by our simplicity of life and visible presence among the most abandoned.

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Ministries
of today

Our mission as Gleaners will be to serve segments of the population who are underserved by Church and social institutions, including children, the homeless, the hungry, immigrants and refugees, those needing healthcare, and others.

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Legacy
for the future

Reflecting the heart of their mission the Sisters of the Holy Family’s legacy lives on into the future for others: Gardens at Palmdale, Opportunity Fund, Archives Collection and Early Childhood Education Scholarships.

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Scripture Reflection for Sunday, November 24, 2019
Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

As we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, this week, I am reminded of a quotation from G. K. Chesterton: “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not been tried.” It’s easy to say Jesus Christ is King of the Universe, but not so easy to see Christ as ruler of this world. Everything in this world seems to revolve around money, no matter how it starts out. Good laws are passed, but loopholes are found to let the laws heap money on people clever enough to use them. Programs are started for the poor, but are abused by schemers. Homelessness, mental illness, violence and climate devastation are running rampant, medicines cost astronomical amounts, children are learning active shooter drills in school — where is the leadership that can turn this world around? Even Christianity itself is too often ruled by the interests of the rich and powerful. I can see this, but I can’t change it. Where is the prophet who will speak up? Maybe Advent this year will bring the change I long for. How long, O Lord?

Sister Carol J. Crater, SHF

Join Us

There are a number of ways you can join our Family of Friends, including donations, prayer requests, connecting with a Sister, and joining our mailing list.

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Prayer

If you would like to request a prayer for yourself or a loved one, please let us know.

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News

Bay Area United Against Hate Week
November 17-23, 2019
Bay Area United Against Hate Week is a call for local civic action by people in every Bay Area community to stop the hate and implicit biases that threaten the safety and civility of our neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Download flyer