“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
Above: The Gleaners, by Jean-François Millet (1857), depicting three peasant women gleaning a field of stray stalks of wheat after the harvest.
Our Mission:
To seek out and advocate for the poor and needy, especially families, for the Kingdom of God since 1872
Celebrating Our Legacy
Past
As Gleaners, we stood at the edge of society where Christ was encountered in word, silence, and action as the power of His Kingdom pushed out the boundaries of our world. We have been recognized by our simplicity of life and visible presence among the most abandoned.
Celebrating Our Legacy
Present
Our mission as Gleaners is to serve segments of the population who are underserved by Church and social institutions. As we celebrate this time in our history, our ministries will focus on children, homelessness, food insecurity, immigrants, refugees, and healthcare.
Celebrating Our Legacy
Future
Reflecting the heart of our mission our legacy will live on into the future for others through the Gardens at Palmdale, our Opportunity Fund with Abode Services, our Archives Collection, and Early Childhood Education Scholarships.
Scripture Reflection for September 5, 2021
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
“The LORD raises up those who were bowed down.” These words from the coming Sunday’s psalm struck me deeply when I saw them. One of our Sisters has had a particularly rough year, with one health problem after another. Last night, the Lord came to raise her up, and now, like the dandelion seeds freed from the blowflower to fly forth in the wind and bring happy yellow flowers to your neighbors’ lawns, she is free to dart about and spread her gifts and spirit throughout the universe of God’s creation. She will be greatly missed, but our faith tells us that her life now is a different life, but a very real life which we will only understand when we ourselves are freed from the limitations of this mortal life. We enjoy life now, but we do not fear the life to come. Fly away home, Judeana!
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.
Prayer
If you would like to request a prayer for yourself or a loved one, please let us know.
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