Click any of the following frequently asked questions for answers from the Sisters.
Do you pray together?
The Sisters say morning prayer and/or evening prayer together on most weekdays. We make a half-hour meditation in the morning and the evening, sometimes together and sometimes privately. The Eucharist is an essential part of our life and we attend Mass daily. If the Sisters are in ministries with similar schedules, then they are able to attend the same Mass.
Do you live in community?
We live in groups of at least three sisters. Community life is an integral part of our existence. In our Constitutions, community is described as "one of the essential supports of the vocation of the Daughters of Charity."
Do you wear a habit?
The Sisters wear a simple skirt and blouse or shirtwaist dress in navy, light blue or white. The coiffe (veil) is optional in four of the five Provinces in the United States.
What kind of ministries do the Sisters undertake?
In addressing the early Sisters, Saint Vincent de Paul reminded them:
"The main purpose for which God has called the Daughters of Charity and brought them together is to honor our Lord Jesus Christ as the source and model of all charity, serving Him corporally and spiritual in the person of the poor...."
In another conference he told them:
"You are poor Daughters of Charity who have given yourselves to God for the service of persons who are poor."
In light of these powerful words, we serve in ministries that meet the needs of persons who are poor under the broad categories of social services, healthcare, education, parish ministries, and foreign missionaries. More about our ministries...
Can a woman enter if she has children?
We accept women who have non-dependent children.
Can a woman enter if she has been married and divorced?
We accept single women only. We accept women who have been divorced and have obtained an annulment.
Can a woman enter if she has debt?
We do not accept women who are carrying debt unless it is certain the debt can be paid before they enter the Seminary.
What is the age limit for a woman accepted into the Daughters of Charity?
Typically, we accept women between the ages of 18 and 40.
In what geographic areas do the Sisters serve?
We serve in 94 countries. Within the United States, the Daughters of Charity is divided into five provinces. The Emmitsburg Province was the first native organization of religious women established in the United States, by Elizabeth Ann Seton. It is the province from which all Sisters take their vows as a Daughter of Charity and to which all Sisters return in their retirement. The remaining four U.S. provinces were founded from the Emmitsburg Province. More about where we serve...
What steps may I take to help determine if life as a Daughter of Charity is part of God's plan for me?
As in all things, prayer is the first step! Consider our weekly meditations and be sure to submit a prayer request so that we may pray for you. You may also wish to complete our online survey, "Discovering God's Call," to discover new areas of contemplation. In your journey, consider the inspiring vocation stories of our Sisters and read our news for more information. Finally, if we may help in any way, please contact our vocations directors.
For more information about Vocations, please contact us.
