Serving Others

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 Valley Catholic Early Learning School to the residents at Maryville Nursing Home, our ministries impact people throughout their lives."

  • Education has been at the heart of our commitment since our formation. Each day, nearly 1,000 youngsters come to the campus of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon for their education at Valley Catholic School – from preschool to high school.
  • In 2003, we celebrated the centennial of the campus schools: 100 years of educational excellence through faith and action.
  • For over 40 years, we have provided “Service with Love” at Maryville Nursing Home. Each day, more than 150 senior residents take part in activities, receive physical therapy, are able to attend Mass, and enjoy time with family and friends.
  • Each day, we pray for families, friends, loved ones and people in need throughout the world.
  • Each week, we 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 area.
  • Frequently we provide needed items to St. Vincent de Paul, the St. Joseph Shelter in Mt. Angel where one of the Sisters serves as a case manager, and other service organizations.
  • We also provide lifelong learning opportunities to the community through Bethany Center and its programs, guest speakers, retreats and prayer sessions.
  • Some of us teach English to men and women who have come to the United States from other countries ranging from Hungary to Vietnam to Mexico.
  • We serve in parishes throughout the Pacific Northwest, teaching religious education classes, coordinating Hispanic ministries, assisting with faith formation in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, and organizing liturgies.
  • We have also assisted the Red Cross and other organizations by hosting people in need of emergency shelter due to fire or other catastrophic events.
  • Each summer, several Sisters organize Jesus Jamboree. Approximately 20 campers spend a weekend with the Sisters at Camp Howard, learning more about Jesus through classes, activities, daily Mass, campfires, and sharing.
  • We also provide service through the sponsored ministries on campus – through the dedication and caring of staff, teachers, students and parents.

Bill Warner, Ph.D., who serves as the SSMO Foundation Board chair, 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 local community is supported by the donors’ faith in the Sisters and their sponsored ministries."