Petaluma

1867 – 1885

Saint Vincent de Paul School, Petaluma 1867

On July 22, 1867, Sisters from San Francisco write in their Annals:

“Sister Angela Noyland and Sister Vincentia Halligan left us to establish a school in Petaluma.  The place being only a few hours travel from San Francisco we did not feel the parting so much as we expected to hear from them frequently.  The people were so encouraged that there appeared every prospect of effecting much good; and we made the sacrifice of two very useful Sisters to extend the usefulness of the Community.  The Church of the town (Petaluma) had been placed under the patronage of our holy Founder and it seemed natural that his children be among the laborers in the good cause in the same place.  For many years over the principal altar in the Church hung the familiar picture of St. Vincent with the baby.”  (Annals)

The Diocese of San Francisco expanded its mission north to Petaluma in 1859 when two lay teachers opened Saint Vincent de Paul School in a stable. By 1867, the Daughters of Charity arrived to teach and oversee the administration of the school. Sister Angela Noyland arrived as Sister Servant.  By this time, Saint Vincent School relocated from the stable to a small frame house. Due to a number of difficulties concerning an ever-growing debt and lack of space, the Sisters withdrew in 1885.