Spiritual Service

Daughters of Charity are called by God to be contemplative in action. Our founders, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, counseled us from the beginning to see and experience God in every person, thing, and event of our daily life.

But how is it possible for a person who is involved in ordinary work to encounter God?

Centered in God
The life of a Daughter of Charity is rooted in a deep spirituality centered in God. From that center, each Sister moves into her apostolic work—teaching, nursing, or serving as an administrator or social worker—growing continually in the awareness that God is in each moment.

Daily Spiritual Practices
The daily life of a Daughter of Charity fosters an awareness of God’s presence through these spiritual practices:

• Daily reflection
• Days of retreat, built into each month and year
• Sharing stories of awakenings and little miracles
• Celebrations reverencing the contributions of others
• Mentoring and being mentored by holistic role models
• Servant leader formation lived in the ordinary exchange of everyday life

These practices blend together to provide a balance of quiet and communal prayer, service, and Community living that nourishes the Daughter of Charity in her ministry.

Such a rhythm of life in God provides a peaceful presence that awakens the awareness in those serving and being served that God is with them and loves them.