Since 1633, the Daughters of Charity have served where we are needed most.
Weekly Thoughts and Prayers
Week of July 26, 2026
“It is one thing to be understanding of human weakness and the complexities of life, and another to accept ideologies that attempt to asunder what are inseparable aspects of reality. Let us not fall into the sin of trying to replace the Creator. We are creatures, and not omnipotent. Creation is prior to us and must be received as a gift. At the same time, we are called to protect our humanity, and this means, in the first place, accepting it and respecting it as it was created.” Pope Francis
Loving God, May we accept today that we are creatures that belong in the vastness of your creation. We belong to you and to every living thing, may we always treasure the gift, protect the vulnerable, and respect all life. Amen.
Provincial Meeting 2026
Sisters from the Province gathered July 7 – 12 for the Provincial Assembly with the theme: Artisans of Peace and Hope. It was a time of joy, meaningful dialogue, and beautiful times of prayer together.
Sisters Under Ten Years Vocation
Formation Weekend in Los Altos Hills
Fourteen Sisters under 10 years of vocation from both the Provinces of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Louise gathered together at Seton to share prayer, dialogue, as well as fun, laughter, and many joyful moments. Their sessions were led by Father Dick Benson, CM, and included topics such as Catholic social teaching, healthy friendships, and communal and private prayer. The group sharing was full of energy, with deep, thoughtful insights.
Sister Francoise Petit, D.C.
Superioress General Visits the Province of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Sister Francoise Petit, Superioress General of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul oversees the 11,000 Sisters that have ministries in 97 countries. She visited the Province of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in November along with Sister Julie Kubasak, General Councillor for English speaking countries.
During her stay in the Province, she visited with the Sisters and their ministries in the San Francisco Bay Area (Rosalie Rendu Center, Epiphany Center, DeMarillac Academy, and Villa Siena). In Los Angeles, she met students at Mother of Sorrows School, and saw programs at Maryvale, Meals on Wheels, and the Tiny Homes Village.
Everywhere she went, Sister Françoise brought a sense of joy and excitement with her spirit of kindness, deep interest, and openness and was met with much gratitude for her visit. Sister Françoise was recently appointed by Pope Leo XIV as a member of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, a great honor and privilege!
OUR MINISTRIES
In the Province of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, our roots run deep. Through the years we built and staffed orphanages, schools, and medical facilities, and our ministries have adapted to the changing needs of their communities.
View Our Ministries Here
View Our Other Areas of Focus in Advocacy
Environment • Homelessness and Insecure Housing • Human Trafficking • Hunger • Immigration • Racism
Transitions
In Loving Memory
Sister Louise O’Neill, DC
June 12, 2026 | 100 years of age
81 years of vocation | educator
In Loving Memory
Sister Camille Cuadra, DC
October 24, 2025 | 92 years of age
73 years of vocation | educator
The Daughters of Charity are called to serve Jesus Christ in the person of the poor and the marginalized. We do this in a spirit of humility, simplicity, and charity. Motivated by the love of Christ and strengthened by a deep prayer life… we live together in community… supporting each other in our common mission of service. Besides vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience… we also make a special vow of service of the poor. These vows are non-religious, annual, and always renewable. The Catholic Church acknowledges us as a Society of Apostolic Life. Since 1852, up and down the Coast of California, the Daughters of Charity helped settle California through Health Care, Education, Religion, and Social Work.