“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
The Gleaners, by Jean-François Millet (1857), depicts 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.
Obituaries
We remember and celebrate the lives of the remarkable women who dedicated themselves to service, faith, and community. Their legacy continues to guide and inspire us each day. Click on the button below to view the obituaries of our sisters who have gone before us, and join us in honoring their enduring contributions and cherished memories.
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.
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.
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.
Sunday Scripture Reflection for August 30
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Every three years, this Sunday rolls around, with the readings for that Sunday in 1984 when I left my beloved Juneau, Alaska, to come to California — of all places! — to join the Sisters of the Holy Family. Four readings: first, Jeremiah cries out, “You seduced me, Lord, and I let myself be seduced!” Then the Psalmist sings, “My soul is thirsting for the Lord, my God.” Then Paul urges, “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” And finally, Jesus sets his face to go to Jerusalem, where he will be crucified and raised. Perfect readings for one leaving a wonderful parish to join an unknown community! But now, 42 years later, I am still here, and thirsting more than ever for the Lord, my God. And whenever these readings pop up, I reflect again on my journey of faith and how God has led me to where I am today. He’s a funny guy, but somehow it always works out!
Get Involved with Sisters of the Holy Family
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. If you would like to request a prayer for yourself or a loved one, please let us know.
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