“Their sturdy backs bent down, by labor and fatigue, their eyes intent upon the earth, sift through stubble discarded by the reapers.”
—Sister Michaela O’Connor
The Gleaners, by Jean-François Millet (1857), depicts three peasant women gleaning a field of stray stalks of wheat after the harvest
Our Mission
To seek out and advocate for the poor and needy, especially families, for the Kingdom of God since 1872.
Obituaries
The funeral for Sister Michaela O’Connor, SHF, will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Parish Church, located at 43148 Mission Blvd. in Fremont.
Celebrating Our Legacy
Past
As Gleaners, we stood at the edge of society where Christ was encountered in word, silence, and action as the power of His Kingdom pushed out the boundaries of our world. We have been recognized by our simplicity of life and visible presence among the most abandoned.
Present
Our mission as Gleaners is to serve segments of the population who are underserved by Church and social institutions. As we celebrate this time in our history, our ministries will focus on children, homelessness, food insecurity, immigrants, refugees, and healthcare.
Future
Reflecting the heart of our mission our legacy will live on into the future for others through the Gardens at Palmdale, our Opportunity Fund with Abode Services, our Archives Collection, and Early Childhood Education Scholarships.
Thoughtful Reflection
Scripture Reflection for April 26
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Today’s readings speak of suffering. When I served briefly at a parish in Oakland, I went to the funeral of a ten-year-old girl who had died of cancer. It took five grown men to restrain the mother from jumping into the grave with her child, and I wondered how people survive such suffering and grief. Now we read of the family in Louisiana who lost eight children to senseless violence, and however strong their faith might be, I wonder how the survivors survive. Faith is an important factor, as is the loving support of family and friends. But however strong one’s support is, grieving such loss takes time — lots and lots of time. And the questions that arise are painful: why did God let it happen? Where was God in this? Jesus healed many people; why didn’t he heal my daughter? They are important questions, and will seek their answers. Part of the answer is the cross of Christ — we are now in the Resurrection side of the Lent/Easter season, but God has known grief, and questioned, “How can they do this to Him when I love them so much?” Another part of the answer is the resurrection of Christ, which we know is the outcome for the children who have died, and which will be the outcome for us as well. But what helps the survivors survive are friends and family, as much time as it takes, and the presence of God as our loving Shepherd who has also cried.
Get Involved with Sisters of the Holy Family
There are a number of ways you can join our Family of Friends, including donations, prayer requests, connecting with a Sister, and joining our mailing list. If you would like to request a prayer for yourself or a loved one, please let us know.