FAITH IN ACTION

Since 1886, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon (SSMO) have turned their courage and faith into action benefiting countless individuals and families throughout the Pacific Northwest – and beyond.

Sister Barbara Jean Laughlin, Superior General of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, observed that “We touch the community in so many ways at every stage of life. From the infants at Little Flower Development Center to the seniors at Maryville, our ministries impact people throughout their lives."

Education has been at the heart of the Sisters’ commitment to community care since their formation. Each day, over 1,000 youngsters come to the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon for their education – from preschool to high school.

The Sisters recently celebrated the centennial of their campus schools: 100 years of educational excellence through faith and action.

For over 40 years, the Sisters have provided “Service with Love” at Maryville Nursing Home. Each day, more than 150 senior residents take part in activities, receive physical therapy, come together for Mass, and enjoy time with family and friends.

Each day, the Sisters pray for families, friends, loved ones and people in need throughout the world.

Each week, the Sisters serve as a clearinghouse for food from local grocery stores. The food is delivered to the convent then distributed to people in need in the local community.

Each month, the Sisters provide needed items to St. Vincent de Paul, the St. Joseph Shelter in Mt. Angel, and other service organizations. They also provide lifelong learning opportunities to the community through Bethany Center and its programs, guest speakers, retreats and prayer sessions.

The Sisters provide a wide range of care to individuals with special needs. Sisters provide support to women who have recently been released from prison.

They teach English to men and women who have come to the United States from other countries ranging from Hungary to Vietnam to Mexico.

They work at homeless shelters. They serve in parishes throughout the Pacific Northwest, teaching Communion classes, coordinating Hispanic ministries, assisting with faith formation, and organizing liturgies.

The Sisters also assist the Red Cross and other organizations by hosting people in need of emergency shelter due to fire or other catastrophic events.

Each summer, the Sisters hold a Jesus Jamboree. Approximately 50 campers spend a week with the Sisters at Camp Howard, learning more about Jesus through classes, activities, daily Mass, campfires, and sharing.

The Sisters also provide community care through their campus ministries -- by the dedication and caring of staff, teachers, students and parents.

Bill Warner, Ph.D., who serves on the SSMO Foundation Board, puts it simply. “Supporting the Sisters is an investment. It’s not just a financial investment; it’s an investment of the heart and soul that pays dividends.” He adds, “Faith is at the heart of it all. The Sisters’ faith in God and the community is supported by the donors’ faith in the Sisters and their ministries.”

Faith in action has been the hallmark of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon since 1886. Faith in the Sisters and support of their ministries will ensure that their compassionate, joyful, community service and care will continue for the next 100 years and beyond.