Our congregation's traditional ministries have been in education, healthcare and child care. As we examine and respond to current local and world events, however, our vowed members and associates have expanded their ministries in order to respond to new needs. We now serve in parish ministries; offer spiritual direction and retreat opportunities; operate and serve in homeless, new immigrant and women's centers; are active in ecological concerns and sponsor a number of affordable housing facilities for those in need.
As we moved toward the new millennium, the congregation's assembly unanimously affirmed Vision 2000. This statement reflects our desire to be faithful to the signs of our times and focus our mission both in the present and for the future.
VISION 2000Impelled by the love of Christ, and yearning to live our Eucharistic Heritage more passionately in this time of Charity, we, Sisters of Charity of New York, joyfully bonded in mission celebrate our corporate vision. As ecclesial women in collaboration with our associates and with all who seek to renew the face of the earth, we focus our energies to embody this vision:
- to be visible, effective risk takers standing with and for the poor
- to respond to the needs of women and value women's experience as sisters, weaving our gifts into the fabric of contemporary society
- to reverence creation in a spirit of interconnectedness with all that is, living responsibly
We claim the power of our charism, clothing ourselves in humility, simplicity and charity so that the power of God may do through us more than we can ask or imagine.
These virtues of humility, simplicity and charity have been qualities we have actively pursued since our community was founded. Today, we continue to try to live these virtues as 21st century women, who strive to witness to the love of Christ in our world.
