More than 250,000 Ladies of Charity now serve the poor and marginalized worldwide in the oldest lay organization in the Roman Catholic Church. Historically, St. Louise de Marillac has been credited with organizing the first Ladies of Charity in France in 1617 under the direction of St. Vincent de Paul. Together, they created a foundation with which any one can provide Vincentian leadership in the fight against poverty.

The association of the Ladies of Charity in the United States was established in 1960. In 2009, the Diocese of San Jose in conjunction with the Daughters of Charity, Province of West, started two chapters. The Diocese of San Jose serves as the umbrella organization for the two chapters comprised of north and south county parishes. Members of each chapter will decide by consensus where to donate their time and resources. Once the initial training is completed, new members are inducted into the international organization by the bishop.

All practicing Catholic women of the Diocese of San Jose, as well as Christian women of other faiths, are encouraged to join. Both groups are also open to men who are known as the Gentlemen of Charity. Annual fee is $28.00. Involvement ranges from active participation in fundraising events to the simplicity of daily prayer. The Santa Clara chapter meets on the first Friday of the month. The Morgan Hill chapter meets bi-monthly. For more information about the chapter in your area, please call Joan Kachel @ 408- 710-3663 or Noel Kruse@ 650 380-4291. For more information about the spiritual aspects of the Ladies of Charity, please contact Sr. Charlotte Marie Clark, DC, who serves as moderator for both chapters. She can be reached at 650 949-8896.