“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
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.
Sunday Scripture Reflection for September 29, 2024
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.” These and other words of this Sunday’s readings are tough ones to hear. As Holy Family Sisters, we have since our founding used as our symbol Millet’s painting of The Gleaners — we see ourselves reaching out to those who are not served by the other organizations around us. Millet’s painting is one of a great many artistic images of gleaners from the nineteenth century, and they were intended as social statements against the rich landowners who amassed wealth while their workers did not have enough to live, and the gleaners were protected by law so they would have at least a little food for their families. We see these pictures today as lovely representations of rural life, but they are accusations. James seems to ask in Sunday’s second reading, “How can some become wealthy when others do not have enough to eat?”
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.