The Catholic Church

Christ founded the Catholic Church to teach, govern, sanctify, and save all men and women.

Members of the Church:

• profess the faith of Jesus Christ
  
• partake of its sacraments
  
• are governed by lawful local church authorities, under the visible head of the Church—the Pope—who is the Vicar of Christ on earth

The Daughters of Charity participate in the mission of the Church through the charism of their founders, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, who devoted their lives to the service and evangelization of the poor.

Rooted in its traditions and approved by the Catholic Church as a society of apostolic life, the Daughters of Charity assume responsibility for their own internal government, which enhances their availability to respond to the needs of the Church and to minister to and with persons who are poor.