Who We Are
Bringing the Mission of Jesus to Life Since 1633
The Daughters of Charity actively bring the mission of Jesus Christ to life by serving their brothers and sisters who live in poverty. Since 1969 when the Province of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was formed, we have carried on that revered tradition in our ministries. The pioneer Sisters in 1852, 1856, and 1858 answered a calling that brought them to the western edge of North America, settling in northern and southern California to provide a voice for the voiceless. Their challenges were plentiful, but divine grace sustained them as they endured hardships and prospered in the name of those they served. Many of the hospitals, schools, and communities they created still exist and continue to thrive today.
We, the Daughters of Charity Province of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, invite you to explore how we live our mission each and every day in communion with the timeless legacy of our founders, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. If you feel called to partner with us, please find ways to support us in this mission.
THE MISSION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY
urged by the love of Christ crucified
rooted in the Vincentian charism
bound together by community life and prayer,
sent to serve Christ in persons who are poor in a spirit of
humility, simplicity & charity.
Given to God
The life of a Daughter of Charity is animated first of all by the LOVE OF CHRIST founded on an interior experience of Him, nourished by personal, sacrament and communal prayer.
In Community
Fraternal life is one of the basic supports of the vocation of the Daughters of Charity. This fraternal life is lived in a local community, where the Sisters collaborate in faith and joy, bear witness to Jesus Christ, and continually strengthen one another for the good of the mission.
In Service of the Poor
The Daughters of Charity commit themselves to live intensely in the charism of their founders St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, by constantly re-evaluating and re-defining their response to the needs of the poor. Today, Daughters of Charity reach out to victims of hunger, homelessness, and war, substance abuse, the sick, broken families, refugees, at-risk youth, and persons living with HIV/AIDS. Tomorrow, who knows? Wherever the need arises, Daughters will respond to love and serve.